New this year! Immerse yourself in the world of farming during this new middle school overnight experience! Partake in daily farm chores alongside our agriculture staff, learn the 'why' behind our practices in regenerative agriculture, and spearhead a hands-on project that supports the ranch. By the end of the week, you will have a deeper connection to our food systems, the natural world, and each other!
*No camp on Friday in observance of Juneteenth 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! Come to Rock Bottom Ranch to learn traditional skills such as bread-making, beekeeping, and basket-weaving using natural materials gathered right here on our property. This week blends outdoor adventure, practical skills, and creative expression, fostering a meaningful experience rooted in tradition, teamwork, and the rhythms of ranch life.
*This week is taught in collaboration with The Art Base (TAB). Each day, you will spend the morning with ACES educators exploring hands-on activities aligned with the camp's theme. In the afternoon, TAB educators will guide creative art projects that build on and connect to the concepts introduced earlier in the day.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 06/29/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
New this year! The Art of the Harvest, in collaboration with The Art Base, is a program where art, agriculture, and imagination come together. You’ll use vegetables from the ranch to create, carve, dye, print, and more. When you aren’t making art using vegetables, you’ll have the opportunity to play a role in our vegetable production.
*This week is taught in collaboration with The Art Base (TAB). Each day, you will spend the morning with ACES educators exploring hands-on activities aligned with the camp's theme. In the afternoon, TAB educators will guide creative art projects that build on and connect to the concepts introduced earlier in the day.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/13/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/20/2026
Participants must be entering grades 5 to 8.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/19/2026 and ends on 07/20/2026
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 backcounty 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.