A note from Our Camp Directors, Max and Molly
More Nature, More Learning: 2026 Summer Camps at Thorne
Dear Thorne Camp Families,
Whether your child has spent past summers with us or will be joining Thorne Nature Camps for the first time this year, thank you for being part of our community.
We want to start by saying: your feedback matters.
Families who have joined us in past summers shared what was working and what wasn’t. From wanting more nature and hands-on learning, to needing better communication and consistency, your feedback is guiding the changes we’re making to Thorne Nature Experience’s summer camps. This summer, we’re putting both nature and discovery back at the center of camp, while also improving how we support campers and families along the way.
This summer marks our 70th year of offering high-quality summer camps in Colorado. Over the decades, Colorado has grown, the land we all share is seeing increased use, partnerships have evolved, and moving groups of children between sites now requires more thoughtfulness and environmental consideration. What hasn’t changed is this: kids love being outside, and time in nature remains one of the most powerful, joyful, and beneficial experiences a child can have.
What’s New for 2026 Summer Camps:
Shorter, one-week sessions: More flexibility, with repeatable or “level-up” options for campers who want to explore themes further.
30 extra minutes in the camp day with adjusted times: Our camp day now runs from 8:45 am–3:15 pm, adding an extra 30 minutes and aligning with the school day timing to make scheduling easier for families.
More camp themes and hands-on learning
There are so many ways kids connect with nature—and with each other. This year, our camps offer a greater variety with more intentionally designed activities, featuring themes like nature art, a music camp featuring guest visitor Jeff Kagan, Birds & Bugs, multiple levels of survival skills, and even more. Campers will practice skills and build confidence that support their learning during the school year and beyond.Lafayette Nature Center upgrades: Interactive rain garden, improved shelter and shade, and more resources for elementary-age campers
At our other camp meeting locations, we’re also enhancing “home days” to ensure they remain deeply connected to nature and environmental learning.
A dedicated camp leadership team: Max Whitson (our new Camp Director) and Molly Murphy (Camp Programs Director) are focused on high-quality experiences with exceptional staff, better communication, and stronger support for families.
Fewer meeting sites, more focus: Scaling back allows us to deliver a stronger, more consistent experience for campers and families.
This year, we will be offering the following meeting locations:
Boulder- 355 Ponca Pl, Boulder, CO 80303 (Mountain View United Methodist)
Lafayette- 300 Old Laramie Trail E, Lafayette, CO 80026 (Lafayette Nature Center)
Longmont- 220 Hover St, Longmont, CO 80501 (Roger's Grove Park)
Our camps may look a bit different this summer, but these changes are intentional. We’re laying the groundwork for an incredible summer in 2026, with the kind of immersive, meaningful nature experiences you’ve come to expect from Thorne.
Thank you for trusting us with your children, for sharing your feedback, and for being part of Thorne’s evolving story. We can’t wait for another incredible summer of learning, discovery, and fun in the outdoors!
With gratitude,
Max Whitson, Camp Director
Molly Murphy, Camp Programs Director