NATURE KIDSnaturekidslafayette.org/.../04/Nature-Kids-Program-Brochure-English.… · LETTER FROM CARLOS LERMA Nature Kids Lafayette Community Liaison Thank you for taking time to

Discover opportunities for youth and family to learn and explore in nature

Free Summer Camp

Career Opportunities for Middle and High School Kids

Get outside with your family this summer!

LAFAYETTENATURE KIDS

Nature Kids Lafayette / Jóvenes de la Naturaleza LafayetteNature Kids Lafayette / Jóvenes de la Naturaleza Lafayette 21

LETTER FROM CARLOS LERMA Nature Kids Lafayette Community LiaisonThank you for taking time to discover opportunities for your kids

and family to learn and explore in nature. Nature Kids Lafayette

is the culmination of the dreams of local community members,

educators, and kids. Although at times the process to create this

program felt overwhelming, the truth is, I love it and I can’t stop smiling

about it. When you are from Colorado, everyone sees you as a “pioneer” or

outdoor recreation professional, but in truth, for many of us, the only way that we interact

with Colorado’s Rocky Mountains is by looking at the view from our patios. Together, we are

about to change that story. Nature Kids Lafayette gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy

our mountains and natural spaces, the way it should be, with our family and friends. Let’s not

just stop at the patio – get your kids outside this summer! Let’s continue to move towards

those wonderful Rocky Mountains and all Colorado has to offer.

NATURE KIDS LAFAYETTEWHAT: Year-round nature exploration and outdoor activities for Lafayette youth and families

WHO: 39 local organizations have partnered to provide programs for your kids and family

WHEN: Year-round! Read on for summer – and check out Page 8 for a school-year sneak peak

WHERE: From your backyard in Lafayette to the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains

WHY: So that your kids and family have more access to nature

FAQsIS THIS A FREE PROGRAM? This is a free program for families in Lafayette whose children qualify for the Free/Reduced Lunch or other government assistance.

HOW DO I REGISTER MY FAMILY AND/OR KIDS? Register online at naturekidslafayette.org or contact Carlos.

WHERE ARE THE CAMPS LOCATED? AND WHERE DO I DROP OFF MY KIDS? Please refer to your camp description (Pages 3-4) and registration materials for specifics (all drop-offs are in Lafayette or Boulder).

HOW ARE CAMPERS TRANSPORTED BETWEEN AND WITHIN CAMPS? A Boulder Valley School District bus and driver will be used to transport campers in most experiences.

WHAT DO CAMPERS NEED TO BRING TO CAMP? You will get a complete camper checklist in your registration materials. Campers should always wear appropriate clothing to explore outside, walking shoes (no flip flops), and a sweatshirt/light jacket.

HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE FOR CAMP? All camps indicate a grade number that refers to rising grade year - the grade that your child will be starting in August 2017.

HOW MANY CAMPS CAN MY CHILD/FAMILY SIGN UP FOR? IS THERE A LIMIT? There is no limit.

More FAQs online at naturekidslafayette.org

Contact Carlos at 303.499.3647 x 111 or [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTSNature Kids Lafayette Program Description....2

Youth Summer Camp .......................................... 3-4

Summer Family Activities .......................................5

Jax Discount Gear Rental Program .....................5

Career/Volunteer ....................................................... 6

Summer Calendar ......................................................7

What’s Next: School Programs ............................ 8

Map of Family Adventure ................................. 9-10

Summer Opportunities by Grade in 2017/2018

K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 WHOLE FAMILY

DAY CAMP • • • • •OVERNIGHT CAMP • • • • • • • •

CAREER/VOLUNTEER • • • • • • •FAMILY CAMPING • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

COMMUNITY EVENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

GRADE

More Questions? Ask Carlos!

YOUTH DAY CAMP YOUTH OVERNIGHT CAMP

WHAT KIDS SAY ABOUT CAMP

Nature Trackers Day CampGRADES 2-6(A) June 5-9 (B) July 24-28From sampling pond critters, doing nature crafts, to finding secret spots for building a team fort, campers will explore and discover our natural world. Aftercare available.

PARTNER: Thorne Nature Experience

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Alicia Sanchez International Elementary School

Isabelle Farm CampGRADES 2-3: June 5-9 GRADES 4-6: June 26-30 Campers will search for insects, plant seeds, tend young plants, harvest vegetables to take home, sing songs, create works of art, and play alongside local farmers. Aftercare available.

PARTNER: CU Science Discovery

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Farm Stand at Thomas Open Space, 1640 Baseline Rd, Lafayette

Mountain Day CampGRADES 3-6(A) June 19-23 (B) July 3-7 (C) July 24-28 (D) July 31-August 4Campers will hike mountain trails, practice archery, explore mountain ponds, build forts, play games, and much more! Includes once a week swimming and an optional camp out.

PARTNER: YMCA Camp Ora Penn (Nederland, CO)


Cal-Wood Base CampGRADES 5-6(A) June 11-17 (B) July 9-15Spend your days exploring our forests, meadows, creeks, mountains, and mica mine. Campers will stay in Cal-Wood’s charming log cabins and eat home-cooked meals at the lodge.

PARTNER: Cal-Wood Education Center (Jamestown, CO)

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Gateway Fun Park in

Boulder (4800 28th St.)

Cal-Wood Wildland SkillsGRADES 6-8(A) June 18-23 (B) July 17-22Learn how to establish a tent-site, explore nature, and gain basic camping skills! Campers will sleep in tents at a remote Cal-Wood camp site with expert staff and new friends.


PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Gateway Fun Park in Boulder (4800 28th St.)

YMCA Camp Santa MariaGRADES 6-10(A) June 25-July 1 (B) July 2-8 (C) July 23-29 (D) July 30-August 5Rock climb, hike, backpack, kayak, mountain bike and explore wilderness skills, nature studies, filmmaking and fine arts. This is a base camp with lodging in cabins or yurts.

PARTNER: YMCA Camp Santa Maria, Bailey CO


Keystone Middle School Backpack TripGRADES 6-8(A) June 5-7 (B) June 7-9Spend 2 nights and 3 days backpacking for a once-in-a lifetime journey, hiking through the Rocky Mountains! Campers will tent camp along the trail, guided by expert staff.

PARTNER: Keystone Science School (Keystone, CO)

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Angevine Middle School

Keystone High School Backpack TripGRADES 9-12June 12-16Backpack through mountain landscapes, camp along the edge of wild rivers, and safely scale dramatic rock faces on this 5-day, expedition-based adventure, led by expert staff.

PARTNER: Keystone Science School, Keystone, CO

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Centaurus High School

Cal-Wood Alpine Trekkers GRADES 10-12July 17-22Summit peaks, slide down glaciers, explore breath-taking vistas – with all your gear on your back! This backpacking camp will explore local wilderness areas led by experienced instructors.


PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Gateway Fun Park in Boulder (4800 28th St.)

To find out what camp really means to kids, just ask. We asked kids who went to Camp Santa Maria and Cal-Wood “What did you think about your camp experience?” and this is what they said.

“I really like it at camp. It is so much fun!”

“Everyone is so nice here. The food is really good too!”

“It is kind of like having a sleepover with a bunch of

your friends!”

“I’ve done so many things I didn’t think I would do!”

“It is so inviting. Everything is waiting for you to go try it.

Nothing looks scary or out of bounds.”

“All the kids come out with a lot more confidence.”

“Being out in nature makes me feel like I’m actually me.”

“It is just so much fun. It kind of feels like home.”

CARLOS LERMA: First, please tell us a little about yourself and your family.

MARY CRUZ: We are originally from Puebla, Mexico, but we’ve lived in Boulder County for about 18 years and in Lafayette for 10. It’s my husband and I, and our four children. On the weekends, I’m a naturalist! I try to find any opportunity I can to get outside with my children. We really like to go to Waneka Lake.

CL: What are your feelings about nature and outdoor activities?

MC: I’m in love with nature - I love to admire it, the mountains, and the seasons, basically everything. When I take my kids outdoors, I see them unwind and de-stress. They are more in tune with themselves. And yeah, this happens to me as well, it has helped my life personally, to organize my thoughts and refocus. I also think that my children become more independent in nature - they become self-aware and build a high self-esteem.

CL: How and why did you get involved with Nature Kids?

MC: I got involved because of my children and for the benefits that this program can provide them.

CL: Mary Cruz, thank you for your time and I think this will be very inspiring for other families in Lafayette!

Read more of the interview online: naturekidslafayette.org

Interview with Mary Cruz, Nature Kids Parent

Nature Kids Lafayette / Jóvenes de la Naturaleza Lafayette3 Nature Kids Lafayette / Jóvenes de la Naturaleza Lafayette 4

Overnight Camping at Waneka LakeJuly 8-9 Hike, fish, stargaze, set up a tent, and sing around the campfire with your family at Waneka Lake. All instructors speak Spanish; no equipment or experience needed.


PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Families will carpool to Waneka Lake

Overnight Camping at St. Vrain State Park June 24-25 Hike, fish, stargaze, set up a tent, and sing around the campfire with your family at St. Vrain State Park. All instructors speak Spanish; no equipment or experience needed.


PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Families will carpool to St. Vrain State Park

Overnight Camping at Cal-Wood2 weekends: (A) June 17-18; (B) July 15-16Hike, fish, stargaze, practice archery, set up a tent, and sing around the campfire with your family at Cal-Wood’s beautiful mountain site. All instructors speak Spanish; no equipment or experience needed.


PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Families will carpool to Cal-Wood

Backpacking in the Wilderness July 23-29, Beartooth Mountains, WyomingAugust 10-13, Flat Tops, ColoradoExplore the wilderness on a backpacking trip with incredible fishing, scenery, and solitude! We handle all logistics - you provide a family ready for adventure! Campers must be at least 9 years old.

PARTNER: Boulder Sierra Club ICO

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Families will carpool to camping sites

Community Cycling FestivalAugust 12This one-day bike-a-palooza will feature a 50-bike giveaway; opportunities to learn biking and bike repair skills; and guided biking tours to nearby natural areas!

PARTNER: Community Cycles


Family Restoration ProjectJuly 22Improve the Coal Creek Trail – we’ll clear out non-native species, and plant native shrubs and trees to re-vegetate the area. Volunteers will be rewarded with hot lunch and a chance to cool off in the creek.

PARTNER: Wildlands Restoration Volunteers

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Coal Creek (S. Public Road Trailhead), Lafayette

To apply, Contact Carlos at 303.499.3647 x 111 or [email protected]

FAMILY SUMMER FUN

TENT: Choose 2 person ($1.80 each) or 4 person ($2.10 each) tents.

SLEEPING BAGS: For most summer trips, choose the 20 degree bag ($1.50 adult, $0.75 child), but if it is going to be cold, go for the 0 degree bag ($1.50 adult).

SLEEPING PADS: A sleeping pad makes camping more comfortable. Choose a foam pad (Ridgerest $0.30) or an air-filled pad (Thermarest $1.05).

BACKPACKS: If you want to head into the backcountry, JAX will set you up with backpacks for your whole family (Adult and Child $1.50 each).

WATER EXPLORATION: JAX also has canoes ($6), stand up paddleboards ($7.50) and kayaks (single $4.50, tandem, $6.00).

COOKING GEAR: If you are car camping, choose the 2-burner gas stove ($1.20). The backpacking stove ($0.75) has only one burner, but is lighter to carry. And don’t forget to bring a cookset (pots, pans, plates, utensils). The JAX camping cookset is ($0.75). Depending on where you camp, you might need a bear resistant container ($1.20).

During Family Camp at Cal-Wood Education Center, one dad said, “This is the first time that I have been camping like this with my son, and it is just excellent. And now, I feel like I can do something like this alone.” This sentiment is exactly what Cal-Wood’s executive director, Rafael Salgado, envisioned when he launched Cal-Wood’s family camp program. “Many of the Front Range’s Latinos are from Mexico. Being from Mexico myself, I can say that there is not much public land that can be accessed for outdoor recreation in my country. At the same time, families from Mexico often have a deep-rooted sense of the importance in connecting to nature. Families just need to know that here in the US, there are National Forests where anyone can camp, hike or fish.” Family camp at Cal-Wood is a great place to start.

Under Salgado’s leadership, Cal-Wood has expanded its programs to provide amazing experiences for Colorado families. As another father said, “As part of Latino culture, we can sometimes be very reserved with our children. We want our kids next to us all the time. But here. Wow. There’s a lot of freedom. And there’s nothing to be afraid of. Because at Cal-Wood, there’s so much help and so many people making sure we enjoy the experience.”

CAREERS VOLUNTEER!Environmental Education Corps (EE Corps)AGES: 16-19 YEARS OLDThis 8-week program includes career exploration and skill-building, leadership development and paid employment ($1500 stipend for Corps members).

Join the EE Corps and you will: train at Cal-Wood (May 30-June 3); assist with youth summer camps around Lafayette (June 5-9, June 26-30, and July 24-28); help at Cal-Wood Family Camps (June 17-18, June 24-25, July 8-9, July 15-16); work with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (June 19-23); research at CU’s High Alpine Research Center (July 31-August 4); and raft down the Colorado River (August 7-11).

CU Science Discovery High School Summer ResearchGRADES 9-12July 5-28, Monday - FridayJump start your science career! Conduct an environmental science research project, work with CU Boulder researchers, participate in a research methods class, and present at a science poster session.

PARTNER: CU Boulder

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Bus pass provided

Wildlands Restoration ProjectGRADES 6-12April 8Plant willows along the banks of Rock Creek to re-vegetate areas damaged in the 2013 flood! Getting muddy is optional but highly encouraged!


PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATION: Rock Creek (120th at Horizon Drive), Lafayette, CO

Wildlands Restoration ProjectGRADES 6-12April 22Build some muscle while laying out a rock trail connecting the Coal Creek Trail and Lamont Does Park!


PICK-UP/DROP-OFF: Lamont Does Park, Lafayette, CO

PARTNER HIGHLIGHTCal-Wood Education CenterDISCOUNT RENTAL GEAR PROGRAM

Are you ready to plan your OWN family adventure? JAX has partnered with Nature Kids to provide a discount on gear for your family (prices listed below).

Contact Carlos for a $45 JAX rental voucher (1 per family)! Head to JAX (900 South Highway 287 in Lafayette) to gear up!

Whether you are going to drive to your campsite or backpack to a destination, you can find your essential gear at JAX.


APRILAPRIL 8

• Wildlands Restoration Project Grades 6-12

APRIL 22

• Wildlands Restoration Project Grades 6-12

MAY MAY 30 - AUGUST 11 (SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILED DATES)

• Environmental Education Corps Grades 10-12

JUNEJUNE 5 - 7

• Keystone Science Center Middle School Backpack Trip Grades 6-8

JUNE 5 - 9

• Nature Trackers Day Camp Grades 2-6

JUNE 5 - 9

• Isabelle Farm Camp Grades 2-3

JUNE 7 - 9

• Keystone Science Center Middle School Backpack Trip Grades 6-8

JUNE 11 - 17

• Cal-Wood’s Base Camp Grades 5-6

JUNE 12 - 16

• Keystone Science Center High School Backpack Trip Grades 9-12

JUNE 17 – 18

• Overnight Camping at Cal-Wood Families-all ages

JUNE 18 - 23

• Cal-Wood Wildland Skills Camp Grades 6–8

JUNE 19 - 23

• Mountain Day Camp Grades 3-6

JUNE 24 - 25

• Overnight Camping at St. Vrain State Park Families-all ages

JUNE 25 - JULY 1

• YMCA Camp Santa Maria Grades 6-10

JUNE 26 - 30

• Isabelle Farm Camp Grades 4-6

JULYJULY 2 - 8


JULY 3 - 7


JULY 5 - 28, MONDAY - FRIDAY

• CU High School Summer Research Job Grades 9-12

JULY 8 - 9

• Overnight Camping at Waneka Lake Families-all ages

JULY 9 - 15

• Cal-Wood’s Base Camp Grades 5-6

JULY 15 - 16

• Overnight Camping at Cal-Wood Families-all ages

JULY 17 - 22

• Cal-Wood Wildland Skills Camp Grades 6-8

JULY 17 - 22

• Cal-Wood Alpine Trekkers Grades 10-12

JULY 22

• Family Restoration Project Families-all ages

JULY 23 - 29

• YMCA Camp Santa Maria Overnight Camp Grades 6-10

JULY 23 - 29

• Backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains, Wyoming Families-campers must be at least 9 years old

JULY 24 - 28

• Nature Trackers Day Camp Grades 2-6

JULY 24 -28


JULY 30 - AUGUST 5


JULY 31 - AUGUST 4


AUGUSTAUGUST 10-13

• Backpacking the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Colorado Families-campers must be at least 9 years old

AUGUST 12

• Cycling family event at Alicia Sanchez International Elementary Families-all ages

Next school year will be here before we know it! And this fall, Nature Kids will have lots of opportunities for your family, especially through programs based at Alicia Sanchez International, Pioneer, and Ryan Elementary Schools, Angevine Middle School, and Centaurus High School including:

• Special environmental education programs at elementary schools including EcoCycle and Thorne Nature Experience!

• Alicia Sanchez students will plant a vegetable garden that will provide food in the spring for all kids!

• Students of all ages can join organized science and nature programs after school, held at your school, so no transportation necessary!

• From open space exploration in Kindergarten to a 5th grade overnight high mountains trip, all K-5 students will go on field trips that will build upon classroom learning.

Also, look for these exciting Nature Kids neighborhood improvements happening in 2017 and 2018: Waneka Lake Park Gazebo; the Alicia Sanchez International Schoolyard renovation; and connector trails at Alicia Sanchez International elementary, City Center Trail, and Lamont Does Park!

Sign up for one family camp

Register all your kids to at least one day camp

Rent a canoe or paddleboard at JAX and take it to Waneka Lake

Head to Waneka Lake and have a picnic dinner

Visit the Thorne Nature Center at Sombrero Marsh in Boulder

Ride the Coal Creek trail to Flagg Park

Play at the splash pad in downtown Lafayette’s Parc Sans Souci

Don’t miss the free days at Denver Museum of Nature & Science (June 4 and August 6) and the Denver Botanic Gardens (June 14 and July 17)

NATURE KIDS SUMMER FAMILY CHALLENGENature Kids challenges you to have fun this summer with your family! Can you do 5 of the items below? Let us know when you do!

WHAT’S NEXT!SCHOOL PROGRAMS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • JOBS/VOLUNTEER• COMMUNITY

• DAY CAMP• OVERNIGHT CAMP• FAMILY


BACKYARD:

A ALICIA SANCHEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pick-up/Drop-off for Thorne Nature Trackers Day Camp, YMCA Camp Ora Penn Mountain Day Camp, and YMCA Camp Santa Maria

B ANGEVINE MIDDLE SCHOOL Pick-up/Drop-off for Keystone Middle School Backpack Trip

C CENTAURUS HIGH SCHOOL Pick-up/Drop-off for Keystone High School Backpack Trip

D JAX Discounted rentals for your summer camping and water sports gear!

E ISABELLE FARM Day Camp

F WANEKA LAKE Hike, picnic, paddle, camp and play with your family this summer!

G ST. VRAIN STATE PARK Camp with your family!

FOOTHILLS:

H SOMBRERO MARSH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER AND THORNE NATURE EXPERIENCE Visit the site with your family this summer!

I GATEWAY FUN PARK Pick-up/Drop-off for Cal-Wood Overnight Programs

J COLORADO UNIVERSITY - CU SCIENCE DISCOVERY High School Summer Research

BACKCOUNTRY:

K CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER Overnight Camp and Family Camp

L YMCA CAMP ORA PENN Mountain Day Camp

M YMCA CAMP SANTA MARIA Overnight Camp

N KEYSTONE SCIENCE CENTER Middle and High School Backpack Trips

O FLAT TOPS Backpack with your family!

P BEAR TOOTH MOUNTAINS Backpack with your family!

N

M L

OP

K

I

J

F

C

B

D

A G

E

H

MAP OF SUMMER ADVENTURE / MAPA DE AVENTURAS DE VERANO

EN EL PATIO:

A ALICIA SANCHEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ubicación para dejar/recoger del Campamento de día de Rastreadores de la Naturaleza de Thorne, Campamento de día en la montañas Ora Penn de YMCA, y Campamento Santa Maria de YMCA

B ANGEVINE MIDDLE SCHOOL Ubicación para dejar/recoger del Campamento de Senderismo Alumnos de Secundaria de Keystone

C CENTAURUS HIGH SCHOOL Ubicación para dejar/recoger del Campamento de Senderismo Alumnos de Preparatoria de Keystone

D JAX ¡Diríjase a JAX para prepararse!

E ISABELLE FARM Campamento de agricultura

F WANEKA LAKE ¡Haga senderismo, un picnic, vaya acampar, practique remo y juegue con su familia este verano!

G ST. VRAIN STATE PARK ¡Vaya acampar con su familia!

AL PIE DE LAS MONTAÑAS:

H SOMBRERO MARSH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER AND THORNE NATURE EXPERIENCE ¡Visítelos con su familia este verano!

I GATEWAY FUN PARK Ubicación para dejar/recoger de los Campamentos con estadía de Cal-Wood

J UNIVERSIDAD DE COLORADO Investigación de verano para alumnos de preparatoria de CU Science Discovery

EN LAS MONTAÑAS:

K CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER Campamento con estadía y Campamento familiar

L YMCA CAMP ORA PENN Campamento de dia en las Montañas

M YMCA CAMP SANTA MARIA Campamento con estadía

N KEYSTONE SCIENCE CENTER Campamento de Senderismo de Secundaria y Preparatoria de Keystone

O FLAT TOPS ¡Vaya acampar con su familia!

P BEAR TOOTH MOUNTAINS ¡Vaya acampar con su familia!

Documents

NATURE KIDSnaturekidslafayette.org/.../04/Nature-Kids-Program-Brochure-English.… · LETTER FROM CARLOS LERMA Nature Kids Lafayette Community Liaison Thank you for taking time to