Each summer, campers gather from along the Front Range of Colorado to experience the magic that is Bird Camp! Weekly sessions run Monday through Friday, roughly from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and serve ages 4-17. As the season starts, we kick off with Birding Adventure Camp in early June. Youth ages 12-13 join us for a program that travels to varying ecosystems to seek out new birds and better understand their habitats.
Campers observing the montane habitat during camp.
Gathering at the historic Old Stone House and Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake State Park, enthusiastic campers set out under the guidance of camp staff. With binoculars in hand and field guides at the ready, their journey takes them through verdant montane forests, sprawling prairie meadows, and tranquil riparian wetlands, each step filled with the promise of new discoveries. With keen eyes and attentive ears, they learn to distinguish the myriad of bird species present in a Colorado summer, from the vibrant warblers to the elusive owls and the awe-inspiring raptors that soar above.
Campers, staff and Leaders in Training spotting a bird along the trail.
The morning session is not just about watching birds but also about understanding their behaviors, habitats, and the importance of conservation. In an effort to connect back to Bird Conservancy’s ongoing projects and provide exposure to future career opportunities, these campers conducted habitat assessments, looking at each landscape from soil to tree tops. They sought out trends and patterns within these places, paying careful attention to the times we saw first-hand the interactions of new bird species within the habitat.
The Birding Adventure Camp group at Walker Ranch Open Space during one of their field trips.
After a packed lunch under the shade of towering trees, the afternoon is filled with hands-on activities. Campers might play a game of camouflage, participate in community science by submitting their findings to eBird, or learn about the role of bird banding and Motus tracking. These activities foster a deeper connection with nature and teach practical skills in wildlife conservation. As the day winds down and we make our way back for camper pick up, there’s often time for reflection and sharing favorite experiences. Staff aid campers in recording together their sightings from the excursion and discussing what the next day will bring.
In 2024, our group of eight youth were able to identify 81 species throughout the course of the week as we traveled from the foothills of Boulder to the short grass prairie habitat of Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
The bird list from the 2024 Birding Adventure Camp!
About Bird Camps: Bird Camps each year bring together campers of many different backgrounds all around their combined interest and love for birds. We have the incredible opportunity to share our knowledge, explore ecosystems and take these groups on adventures to deepen their understanding of the natural world and how birds fit into it. Our overnight bird camp programs are a unique experience for teens interested in ornithology and pursuing their passion in natural resource study. Day camp programs like Birding Adventure Camp aim to help young birders progress through learning the basics of birding while giving them the tools to deepen their birding skill set.
Camp registration for Summer 2025 opens on November 1st. Learn more about Bird Camps HERE!
Becky Heath, our Camp Manager is the author of this article.
