Join for a week dedicated to learning essential outdoor skills that last a lifetime, like reading maps, using a compass, and planning your own trips! Grab your friends and your sense of adventure as we explore the amazing natural landscapes around us.
But it’s not all serious- think scavenger hunts, navigation games, guest appearances, and tons of outdoor fun as you test your skills and see how far your curiosity can take you. By the end of the week, you’ll be a confident hiker ready for anything the outdoors throws your way - maybe you'll even hike up Aspen Mountain to cap off the week! This camp does NOT have an overnight component.
*No camp on Friday in observance of Juneteeth holiday
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 06/15/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
New this year! Join this action-oriented week to discover how our changing climate is impacting local ecosystems. Climate science comes to life through field investigations, hands-on activities, and guided hikes. Throughout this journey, you will learn how to identify native plants and wildlife, examine data from local ecosystems, and observe how changing weather patterns are influencing our alpine environments. Leave empowered with tools to make a difference.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 06/22/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
Join ACES for a unique mountain survival adventure. We begin with two days at Hallam Lake, before heading out to ACES Riverdance property up the Castle Creek Valley to camp, hike, and master essential survival skills like shelter building, fire making, foraging, navigation, tracking, and plant identification. Challenge yourself to spend a night in a basic shelter, and reflect on what it means to live closely with the land. Guided by experienced ACES educators, this immersive course emphasizes teamwork, communication, cooperation, Leave No Trace ethics, and building confidence outdoors in a fun and supportive setting.
Schedule for the week:
Monday and Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Hallam Lake
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 06/29/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
This camp is for students entering 6-8 grade.
Join us for ACES’ all-boys* wilderness leadership backpacking adventure! This week-long program aims to inspire young people to challenge themselves, learn about the natural world and each other, and have fun. Participants will venture into the mountains and embark on a three-night backpacking trip of discovery, leadership, and personal challenge. Participants will learn skills to help them become more confident in the wilderness, make new friends, and create their own adventures in the mountains of the Roaring Fork Valley.
*This camp is for participants who identify as boys or non-binary.
Schedule for the week:
Monday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Hallam Lake
Tuesday: Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. with all your camping gear
Friday: Pick-up at the trailhead is at 12 p.m.
Prerequisite: Participants must have prior backpacking experience and should feel comfortable living in an outdoor environment for the week.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/06/2026
Participants must be entering grades 6 to 8.
This camp is for students entering 6-8 grade.
Join us for ACES’ signature all-girls* wilderness leadership backpacking adventure! This week-long program aims to inspire young people to challenge themselves, learn about the natural world and each other, and have fun. Participants will venture into the mountains and embark on a three-night backpacking trip of discovery, leadership, and personal challenge. Participants will learn skills to help them become more confident in the wilderness, make new friends, and create their own adventure in the mountains of the Roaring Fork Valley.
*This camp is for participants who identify as girls or non-binary.
Schedule for the week:
Monday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Hallam Lake
Tuesday: Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. with all your camping gear
Friday: Pick-up is at the trailhead at 12 p.m.
Prerequisite: Participants must have prior backpacking experience and should feel comfortable living in an outdoor environment for the week.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/06/2026
Participants must be entering grades 6 to 8.
Schedule for the week:
Monday and Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Hallam Lake
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/13/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
Join for a week dedicated to learning essential outdoor skills that last a lifetime, like reading maps, using a compass, and planning your own trips! Grab your friends and your sense of adventure as we explore the amazing natural landscapes around us.
But it’s not all serious- think scavenger hunts, navigation games, guest appearances, and tons of outdoor fun as you test your skills and see how far your curiosity can take you. By the end of the week, you’ll be a confident hiker ready for anything the outdoors throws your way - maybe you'll even hike up Aspen Mountain to cap off the week!
This camp does NOT have an overnight component.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/20/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
This camp is for students entering 6th through 8th grade in the fall of 2026.
New this year! Join this action-oriented week to discover how our changing climate is impacting local ecosystems. Climate science comes to life through field investigations, hands-on activities, and guided hikes. Throughout this journey, you will learn how to identify native plants and wildlife, examine data from local ecosystems, and make observations of how changing weather patterns are influencing our alpine environments. Leave empowered with tools to make a difference.
On Wednesday, we will begin our backpacking adventure and immerse ourselves in the alpine environment. Participants will gain skills to build confidence in the wilderness, make new friends, and create their own mountain adventures in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Schedule for the week:
Monday - Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Hallam Lake
Wednesday: Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. with all your backpacking gear.
Friday: Pick-up at trailhead at 12 p.m.
Prerequisite: Participants must have prior backpacking experience and should feel comfortable living in an outdoor environment for the week.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/27/2026
Participants must be entering grades 6 to 8.
Join ACES for a unique mountain survival adventure. We begin with two days at Hallam Lake, before heading out to ACES Riverdance property up the Castle Creek Valley to camp, hike, and master essential survival skills like shelter building, fire making, foraging, navigation, tracking, and plant identification. Challenge yourself to spend a night in a basic shelter, and reflect on what it means to live closely with the land. Guided by experienced ACES educators, this immersive course emphasizes teamwork, communication, cooperation, Leave No Trace ethics, and building confidence outdoors in a fun and supportive setting.
Schedule for the week:
Monday and Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Hallam Lake
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 08/03/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
ACES Middle School Outdoor Adventures blend age-appropriate challenge with hands-on learning, giving young adults an opportunity to build confidence, teamwork, and real-world skills. From foraging and farming to outdoor survival and backcountry navigation, each program is designed to encourage middle schoolers to grow, learn, and discover their abilities. ACES environmental educators will be your guides for hands-on learning experiences at our sites and beyond!
Please contact Aspen Center for Environmental Studies if you have any questions.