Weekly Update: June 28, 2026

Hello from camp! Adaptability and flexibility are two of the characteristics we appreciate most about our campers and staff because those traits are indicative of a high degree of resilience. Resilience is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.” Over the last few weeks, our campers and staff have experienced challenges–from climbing mountains, to illness, to stubborn horses, to tricky handholds on climbing routes, to ruts on single-track, to interpersonal challenges with friends, to (yet another) buffet meal, to forgetting the snacks…and many more.

The best part?: They have all rolled over those specific obstacles and are continuing to move forward and make the most of camp and are looking forward to an absolutely FANTASTIC final week!

We welcomed our 2nd term Sanborn Junior campers into the community on Tuesday, and both High Trails and Big Spring campers hit the ground running with an overnight, a pizza night at High Trails (Big Spring will have theirs this week), Opening Campfires and a LOT of horseback rides! There has also been a lot of competitive Gagaball tournaments, time at the crafts building,hikes and plenty of silly games.

In our month-long programs, the High Trails campers had a tremendously successful “long trip” week. These 3, 4 and 5 day trips are a culmination and celebration of the outdoor skills and competencies campers have been practicing and developing over these first three weeks of camp–and often represent one of the highlights of the summer! At Big Spring, campers spent most of the week out and about on 2 day and all day trips–both on and off of the main camp property. They climbed mountains, rode horses, caught and released many trout, ate like Kings on the Artisan Chef Overnight and practiced their best light-saber techniques on the Star Wars overnight. It was an incredible week full of so many memories, personal growth and fun…and we are only hearing the beginning of the stories!

At the end of our first term of Sanborn Junior, we received some really lovely emails that spoke to the value of the camp experience for kids. One camp parent shared:

He came home having clearly been shaped by his time at camp. He got in the car after tearfully saying goodbye to his counselor and his cabin mates. The drive was quiet in a really reflective way—he looked out the window, listened to music, and slowly processed everything he had experienced. Over time, he began sharing story after story: the campout, choice time, how much he loved the food and the lodge, and how he and his friends would be laughing hysterically at night before bed.

He told us he showered every day (a small miracle, in our world), and while not everything made it home, what did was a strong sense of ownership over himself and his experience. He spoke about meaningful conversations with both campers and counselors, his BOOM bracelet, the responsibility he took on cleaning the horse stalls, and even his first dance! He also called both my parents and my husband’s parents to share details and thank them for the opportunity. That alone says so much about what he took from this experience.

Of course, I know life will move forward and some of that camp confidence may get tested again in everyday routines—but what feels different now is his awareness of what he is capable of. That sense of himself honestly just makes my heart burst with pride.

Another shared:

I wanted to tell you all how amazing camp was for our daughter! She absolutely loved all of it! Her counselors and her cabinmates…everything! She even openly said, “oh yea I cried every night because I missed you and worried about you, but the counselor’s hugs helped.” She has told us random stories and songs off and on ever since she got home, and she–of course–wants to return next year. She really did love her counselors, and I’m forever grateful that they helped her embrace this new experience and (help her to) allow hair-braiding (she has never let me braid before, but loves it now)! Thank you so much!

The opportunities for growth, learning, independence and agency abound at camp–and many of those experiences come from opportunities to overcome adversity and deepen our individual and collective resilience. As we have said in other updates, our campers both “know how to” and “can do” hard things. They have missteps with friends, they have a tummy bug, they get turned around by a storm, they forget to “storm proof” their campsite and their stuff gets wet, they forget their mittens, they learn how to address a letter, they have moments when they are tired, they miss home, they feel sad…and then…they rise and realize what they are actually “capable of.”

As we continue to soar into this final full week of camp programming and the adventures we have planned, we are exceptionally aware of the potential obstacles and challenges that we may face, including a fire near Leadville that began today.

With our Big Spring long trips beginning tomorrow, we have convened with our Trip Program Directors, who have already looked at the long-range forecast and are modifying those trips that are scheduled in the Leadville Ranger District: Elbert/Massive and Hope Pass as well as trips that are further south like our Colorado Trail long trip and our High Trails La Plata 14,000 mountain climb.

Our Trips Program Directors, Carly and Quin, will work closely with our National Forest Service Permit Managers to find alternate opportunities and modified routes to maintain the adventure and challenge of the trips while also keeping campers safe. Similar to the last week in Colorado, we do anticipate some trips will have moments where the air quality decreases or improves–but, with the winds continuing to fluctuate and blow–we do not expect to have any extended air quality issues or any negative impacts on anyone in the community.

We know everyone will take something from the experience, and we feel this summer’s campers will have a deeper sense of autonomy, agency and self-efficacy because of their collective “can-do” attitude.

We are looking forward to this last week with each and every one of them!