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 both day camps and 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.
Grade School Summer Camps
COVID Modifications
- Participants will be asked to social distance when reasonable, wear face-masks during van rides and when social distancing is not possible, and hand-wash/sanitize frequently
- No shared food or communal eating spaces
- Families will be expected to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
- We ask that parents please have conversations with their kids about social distancing, using the restroom outside, and the expectation of long(ish) periods of physical activity
- SJMA will transport the campers each day but we ask that they wear masks for the entire car ride (Parents can meet us if you would prefer to transport your child)
- We strongly encourage COVID vaccinations to help keep our staff and other campers safe
Junior Naturalist Field Camps (JNFC)
2022 JNFC Camp Dates / Themes / Cost
June 6-10: Wildlife Neighbors, $300, FULL*
June 13-17: Water World, $325, FULL*
June 27-July 1: Predators and Prey, $300, FULL*
July 11-15: Biodiversity Blitz, $300, FULL*
July 18-22: Eco Village, $300, FULL*
August 8-12: Nature Detectives, $300, 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
(We will be operating vans at full capacity, but parents are welcome to transport kids if they are more comfortable doing so.)
Drop Off / Pick Up Time
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
JNFC Location
Monday & Friday: San Juan National Forest land
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: Durango Nature Center
Age Eligibility*
Rising 1-6 Grades
*A waiver is required for kids under the age of 7 and must be submitted by April 29. Contact Adriana Stimax for more info.
Max Number Participants
24 per camp
Registration for JNFC
All 2022 Junior Naturalist Field Camps have filled up. If you would like to be added to our waitlist, please fill out our Waitlist Form.
Day Camps
2022 Day Camp Dates / Themes / Cost
July 26 Wildfire Wonders, $60
July 27 Art in Nature, $60, FULL*
July 28 Geology Rocks, $60, 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
(We will be operating vans at full capacity, but parents are welcome to transport kids if they are more comfortable doing so.)
Drop Off / Pick Up Time
8:30 am -3:30 pm
Camp Location
San Jan National Forest Trails
Age Eligibility*
Rising 1-6 Grades
*A waiver is required for kids under the age of 7 and must be submitted by April 29. Contact Adriana Stimax for more info.
Max Number Participants
24 per camp
Registration for Day Camps
Opens March 1, 2022 at 7:00 am
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.
Questions?
Check out our FAQ and our Camp Policies or contact SJMA’s Education Director, Adriana Stimax: astimax@sjma.org