The heart of the Rockies
The A/U Ranches' Mountain major programs introduce a variety of skills to campers of all ages, including:
- Backpacking
- Peaking
- Navigating a high ropes course
- Rock climbing
- Caving
- Mountain biking
Your program will include age-appropriate activities to have a great time in the mountains and build your skills.
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Learn more about our Mountain programs
Explorers Rising 2nd- to 4th-graders
Welcome to camp! Explorers is a perfect introduction to the A/U Ranches and the mountains for our youngest adventurers. You'll spend your days exploring nature, playing games, and hiking. You’ll swim in the pool and canoe in the lake, hike up Turtle Rocks, and visit a nearby miniature horse farm. Go on your own camping trip, cook your meals outdoors, build a campfire, sleep under the stars, and experience everything the A/U Ranches has to offer!
Mountaineers Rising 5th- to 6th-graders
Mountaineers of all skill levels will find this program has plenty to offer. Experience the adventure of rock climbing, break through limitations on our ropes and initiatives courses, and experience a unique opportunity to explore the Porcupine Caves. Then, conquer a 14,000-foot mountain peak on a three-day backcountry backpacking trip! We can't wait to see what you accomplish. Depending on enrollment, this program may be combined with Challengers during Session 2.
Challengers Rising 7th- to 8th-graders
As the oldest campers at Sky Valley Ranch, you're leaders for your peers! As such, Challengers take backpacking, rock climbing, and the ropes course to the next level. You’ll also get to experience rafting on the Arkansas River and tackle peaking a more technical 14,000-foot mountain peak on your three-day outtrip. Depending on enrollment, this program may be combined with Mountaineers during Session 2.
Challengers Outcamp Rising 7th- to 8th-graders, Session 2 only
Designed for those who are comfortable outdoors and excited for a backpacking challenge, the Challengers Outcamp program lets you spend more time exploring and learning about the Colorado wilderness. The first part of the session gives you a taste of mountain programs with caving and the high ropes course. Then, you’ll embark on a seven-day backcountry trip, where you peak multiple fourteeners and traverse spectacular hiking trails.
Beginner Mountain Biking Rising 6th- to 12th-graders, Session 1 only
Middle schoolers, this is your chance to hit the trails! High schoolers, if you’ve never mountain biked before, this is the time! This program focuses on the basics of mountain biking and beginner-level rides. We’ll start with wider dirt roads and work our way up to our local singletrack trails while building your confidence as a rider.
Mountain Mosaics Rising 9th- to 12th-graders
When every activity sounds amazing, why choose just one? Mosaics offers you the chance to try a variety of adventurous activities, such as climbing an outdoor rock face, exploring Porcupine Cave, mountain biking on trails, and rafting down the Arkansas River. You’ll also put backcountry skills to the test on your three-day backpacking outtrip.
Conquerors Rising 9th- to 12th-graders, Session 2 only
If you’re an experienced mountaineer looking to be challenged, Conquerors is a great option. You will take our core mountain experiences to higher levels and develop leadership skills preparing you to become a mountain staff member. Then spend five days in the backcountry attempting to peak several 14,000-foot mountains.
Mountain Biking Rising 9th- to 12th-graders, Session 2 and 3 only
Explore some of the best singletrack in the Colorado Rockies on your two-wheeled steed. In Mountain Biking, you'll build and improve on a basic skillset while shredding jeep trails and singletrack, then put those skills to the test on more challenging terrain. Your vehicle-supported three-day trip will include a unique alpine riding experience above 10,000 feet with incredible views in every direction. From flowy to technical trails and jump features, you'll experience the full gamut of mountain biking!
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Check out Dates & Rates
Come for one, two, or all three sessions!
2024 Dates
15-day session
- Session 1: June 22 – July 6
- Session 2: July 8–22
- Session 3: July 24 – August 7
8-day session
- Session 1: June 22–29
- Session 3: July 24–31
2024 Rates
- 15-day session: $2,445
- 8-day session: $1,525
Additional fees:
- Horsemanship programs: $250/per session
- Mountain Biking program: $200/per session
- Stay over between sessions: $125
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Register for Youth Camp
Registration for 2025 programs will open soon!
Please note: There are times during the year when registration is not available for certain programs because we are switching the application over to a new calendar year. Check back soon!
1 Gather required info
Filling out the registration form should take 10-15 minutes. Before you start, gather the following information:
- Employment information for each parent or legal guardian (work address and phone number)
- Christian Science Practitioner’s name, phone number, and address
- Emergency contact information for two people who are different from the camper’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) (name, phone number address)
- Payment information (credit card or e-check)
2 Create or log in to your CampInTouch account
Your CampInTouch account helps you stay in the loop with camp, update your child's store account, make payments, and keep track of any forms you need to fill out before your child comes to camp.
If you have an existing CampInTouch account, don’t make a new one – just log in as usual.
Questions? Call us at 888.543.4849 x201.
3 Fill out the registration form
In your CampInTouch account, register your child for the session(s) and program(s) they would like to participate in. Remember to hit save after each page in order to keep your progress!
After registering, return to your CampInTouch account to complete additional forms:
- Transportation information
- Camp store account setup
- Medical exempt or immunization forms
Questions? Call us at 719.395.2468 x201.
4 Explore financial aid options
Financial aid is available through The Campership Fund (TCF), an organization that supports individuals attending any Christian Science camp. To apply for funds, fill out TCF’s campership application. They can meet up to 75% of tuition costs (including program and stayover fees). If TCF awards less than what you request, the additional need is passed along to us – no need to fill out a separate A/U Ranches campership application.
Got Questions?
If you have any questions, or need additional information, feel free to contact us:
Refer a friend, earn a discount
Do you know of a camper who you think would enjoy A/U Ranches programming?
If the camper you referred attends Youth Camp, you will receive a $300 discount toward your own camper’s tuition (within the same year).
No doubt you have lots of questions! And we have answers.
As the saying goes, this is not our first rodeo! We have gathered information to help your youth camper(s) plan for the best possible experience at the A/U Ranches.
Youth camp planning guide, which includes a link to the packing list
Summer camp menus
Parent webinar
How to prepare for your adventure
After you’ve registered your camper for camp…we recommend you read through all the resources that follow, even if they've attended youth programs at the A/U Ranches. Times change, and so do we!
Forms to be completed
All registered? Go into your CampInTouch account to complete the following forms:
- Transportation information
- Camp store account setup
- Medical exempt or immunization forms
A/U Ranches property maps
Helpful information
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Check out photos from camp!