Four boys sitting on a wooden fence in a grassy field with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Nature Day Camps

Summer at Thorne is all about discovery. Kids climb, dig, splash, and wander their way through fields, trees, and streams, letting curiosity guide the day.

One moment they’re building a fort from sticks, the next they’re searching for tadpoles or following animal tracks or working on a nature craft.

Every camp is designed to give them the freedom to play, the space to wonder, and the chance to see nature as full of endless surprises. Surrounded by friends and guided by caring staff, campers head home each afternoon with muddy shoes, big smiles, and stories that stick long after summer ends.

Exploration, play, and building confidence

Simple black and white illustration of a smiling child's face with short hair and round ears on a light background.
Icon of a calendar with a grid layout on a light background.
Simple clock showing the time as 2:10 with a beige background.
Black location pin icon on a light beige background.

Ages
5-14 years

Dates
2026 Dates TBD

Time
Boulder/Lafayette 8:30 am-2:30 pm
Longmont 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Locations
Lafayette - 300 Old Laramie Trail
Boulder -
Longmont -

Two young boys crouching by the edge of a lake, observing a small handmade boat floating on the water. The boys are wearing blue shirts and green caps, and the background features trees and a partly cloudy sky.
Two boys sitting on a slide holding hands and smiling at the camera, outdoors with a partly cloudy sky.

Some things parents can expect each week

Caring Staff Who Know Kids

Our trained team create a warm, welcoming space where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to try new things.

We balance free play with gentle structure, helping kids build confidence, independence, and a stronger connection to nature.

Growth Through Guidance

From first-aid certified staff to clear routines and boundaries, we make sure kids can explore freely while staying safe.

Safety Comes First

Campers return each day to familiar faces, building friendships and trust with both peers and staff that last beyond summer.

Community and Connection

Some things KIDS can expect each week

Wild Play

Every week brings time to run, climb, splash, and explore—because unstructured play is where the best discoveries happen.

Creative Adventures

From building forts to crafting with natural materials, imagination turns the outdoors into a world of possibility.

Nature Mysteries

Campers become explorers, asking questions and following clues to uncover the secrets of plants, animals, and wild places.

New Friends, BIG Smiles

Sharing adventures builds friendships that make camp days full of laughter, teamwork, and stories to tell at home.

We know that parents need answers to lots of questions before they decide to send their kids to a Summer Camp.

Here are a few of the most common questions parents ask Thorne each year, but please reach out if you ever have any questions!

summercamp@thornenature.org
or
call 303.499.3647 ext 122

Children and an adult on a rocky outdoor trail with mountains in the background, looking at a map and holding snacks.

  • Thorne camps are taught by our fantastic seasonal and year-round staff! Thorne Instructors have diverse professional backgrounds ranging from elementary and middle school educators to environmental scientists, environmental educators, and summer camp professionals. All Thorne Instructors have passed background checks through the State of Colorado and are certified Program Leaders. To meet this qualification all must be trained in First Aid, CPR, Standard Precautions, and Medication Administration and have a minimum of 460 verifiable hours of experience working with children. Most importantly, all have a passion for connecting youth to nature!

    Many camps have the support of Junior Counselors (ages 16+) and Counselors in Training (ages 13-15).

  • Specific packing lists are available in the Fact Sheet in your CampInTouch account. Campers will carry their backpacks with required gear throughout the day and will take backpacks off whenever possible. Please label gear and clothing with the camper’s first and last name. As campers explore, clothing and shoes may get dirty and wet – all part of summer outdoor fun!

    The following list is required to bring to camp daily for all Thorne campers:

    • Backpack: sized to fit your child that can hold all personal belongings listed below.

    • Clothing for any weather (check daily weather forecast, weather can change suddenly): May include a warm layer (sweatshirt or fleece) and/or Rain gear. Campers will be outdoors (except in extreme weather) and will have fun as long as they are prepared!

    • Shoes: Sturdy and comfortable for exploring on land and in water (no flip-flops or Crocs, please). If you don’t have shoes that are good for hiking and water, pack water shoes in a plastic bag

    • Hat

    • Full bottle of water (20 oz size or larger)

    • Lunch

    • Snacks (for example pretzels, trail mix, fruit)

    • Sunscreen (pre-applied and labeled with your child’s name)

    • Insect repellent (pre-applied if desired and labeled with your child’s name)

    • Optional items: net, compass, binoculars 

    • Do NOT Bring: Electronics, games, toys, knives, or money

  • Yes, Thorne is licensed by the State of Colorado as a childcare provider. We are supervised by the State and adhere to all regulations while carrying out our programs. A copy of our State of Colorado Child Care license and inspection reviews are available upon request.

Registration Forms here coming in November of 2026