Elementary School Summer Camps

Since 2020, SJMA is proud to continue the tradition of one of Durango Nature Studies’ most beloved and enriching summer camps in Durango. SJMA offers week-long camps where elementary-aged children will spend time learning about the natural world. Campers may spend their day catching crawdads, building forts, hiking, exploring, or river tromping. Campers leave camp with memories, new friends, and a better understanding of the world in which they live. If you didn’t get enough of these camps but now are too old, make sure you check out our free Counselor-in-Training Program for ages 12-17.

Junior Naturalist Field Camps

Junior Naturalist Field Camps (JNFC) are week-long camps where elementary-aged children (rising 1st – 6th graders) will spend time learning about the natural world. They get to play with old friends and make new ones, too. Campers leave with memories, new friends, and a better understanding of the world in which they live. SJMA is offering six week-long camps, each with a different theme (from Water World to Eco-Village) during the months of June – August.

Junior Naturalist Field Camps – La Plata County

Camp Dates / Themes / Cost

June 5-9, 2023: Wildlife Neighbors, $350 FULL*
June 12-16, 2023: Water World, $390 FULL*
June 26-30, 2023: Predators and Prey, $350 FULL*
July 10-14, 2023: Biodiversity Blitz, $350 FULL*
July 17-21, 2023: Eco Village, $350 FULL*
August 7-11, 2023: Nature Detectives, $350 FULL*

* If you would like to be added to our waitlist, please fill out our Waitlist Form.

Remember, if you have an SJMA Membership of $50 or more, you receive a 10% discount for all educational programming (discount will be applied automatically during registration). If you are in need of financial assistance,  please submit our Camp Scholarship Form.

Drop Off / Pick Up Location

Fassbinder Park at corner of W 17th St and Main Street. SJMA vans will transport campers to a mix between SJMA’s Nature Center and the San Juan National Forest areas.

Drop Off / Pick Up Time

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Age Eligibility*

Rising 1st-6th graders
*A waiver is required for kids under the age of 7 and must be submitted by April 20. Please note, approval of the waiver is not guaranteed. Contact Adriana Stimax for more info.

Max Number Participants

23 per camp

Registration

Due to unexpected high demand during our early bird, members-only registration, all Junior Naturalist Field Camps are officially full. We apologize for not being able to open these to the public on April 1. If you are interested in adding your name to our waitlist (member or non-member), please fill in our Waitlist Form.

* Please note that if you have made this registration less than 48 hours in advance of the start of camp, your registration is not guaranteed until confirmed by staff.  We need time to receive and process all of the camp forms mandated by Child Care License requirements.

Junior Naturalist Field Camp – Montezuma County

Camp Dates / Themes

July 24-28, 2023 FULL

Cost

Montezuma County Residents: Free thanks to Montezuma Inspire Coalition and GOCO.

General: $350; Remember, if you have an SJMA Membership of $50 or more, you receive a 10% discount for all educational programming (discount will be applied automatically during registration). If you are in need of financial assistance,  please submit our Camp Scholarship Form.

Drop Off / Pick Up Location

Boyle Park, Mancos

Drop Off / Pick Up Time

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Age Eligibility*

Rising 1st-6th Graders
*A waiver is required for kids under the age of 7 and must be submitted by April 29. Please note, approval of the waiver is not guaranteed. Contact Adriana Stimax for more info.

Max Number Participants

24 per camp

Registration

Each child must be registered separately. You must complete the registration for the first child, including payment, before registering your second child. If you have registration questions, check out our Registration Flow Chart.

* Please note that if you have made this registration less than 48 hours in advance of the start of camp, your registration is not guaranteed until confirmed by staff.  We need time to receive and process all of the camp forms mandated by Child Care License requirements.

COVID Modifications

• Per CDHS/CDC guidelines, when community transmission rates are high, participants will be asked to social distance, wear face-masks during van rides and indoors, and hand-wash/sanitize frequently.
• SJMA will transport the campers each day but we may ask that they wear masks for the entire car ride. (Parents can meet us if you would prefer to transport your child). 
• Families will be expected to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Please encourage your kids not to share their food.
• We strongly encourage COVID vaccinations to help keep our staff and other campers safe.