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Summer Activities and Program Resources
*Please note: This list is not exhaustive and is not an endorsement of any particular program or activity. Please review all links for updates. Details can change. List last updated on 2/26/24
Contents
Denver Public Schools – Summer Camps
Summer Connections 2024 - open to all rising 1st through 5th-grade students
Online Learning Opportunities
Duolingo- free online language learning – 50+languages https://www.duolingo.com/
Khan Academy- free online courses, many subjects and topics, differentiation of learning https://www.khanacademy.org/
Scratch Coding teaches free online programming/coding and activities https://scratch.mit.edu/
Free College-Level Courses
These are platforms for free, college-level courses (great online- with assignments, videos, readings, ways to connect in person with other learners, etc) from universities around the world. For a nominal fee, people can also get continuing ed credit, including for teachers. The links are below:
There are some awesome ways to learn about cool things of interest like art, politics, engineering, Buddhism, and more. For students 13 or older (with parent permission before 18 years of age), you can take online classes complete with readings, videos, and assignments….If you complete them with a C or higher, you can receive a certificate of completion for your efforts. This can be useful for employment, possible credit for prior experience, and for your own personal pride.
Scholarship Awarded Summer Programs - Various Subjects
Gifted and Talented Camps
Logan Learning Lab is seeking bright young learners from underrepresented groups to attend their summer program June 7-21. If accepted, it is free of charge. There is also a teacher fellowship program for educators who want to be trained in co-designing learning with students. Click for more information and to receive an application for potential placement in the lab at https://www.theloganschool.org/logan-learning-lab
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (Grades 2-12) - Residential summer programs in all areas of interest around the country. https://cty.jhu.edu/summer/
Profoundly Gifted Retreat (PGR) (Grades K-12) - Summer retreats to bring profoundly gifted children and teenagers together for shared connections and community. Although every child is unique and beautiful in his or her own way, profoundly gifted children often have a difficult time finding true peers within their day-to-day communities. Our gatherings provide an opportunity to meet, learn, socialize, and, yes, just hang out with other kids and teens who are developmentally advanced. In fact, many attendees fondly refer to the Retreat as their 'annual family reunion'. https://pgretreat.org/
Ricks Center Summer at Ricks - (Grades PreK-8) - Summer at Ricks blends fun summer activities with rich learning experiences. Campers entering preschool – 8th grade will enjoy weekly themes and specialty camps ranging from Grossology to coding and more. https://www.du.edu/ricks/camp/extended-care.html
Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) (Ages 5-17) - This program of the National Society for the Gifted and Talented (NSGT) offers three-week academic summer camps for gifted and talented students ages 5 to 17. The program combines academics with engaging social, cultural and recreational opportunities. Students can choose from many different campuses (all out of state), including Yale, Princeton and the University of Chicago. Residential, commuter and day programs are available. https://www.giftedstudy.org/
Yunasa West in Colorado (Ages 10-15) - June 8-15. A weeklong camp experience for highly gifted youth. The mission of Yunasa is to teach campers techniques and skills for integrating the intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and physical aspects of their lives. Yunasa is devoted to reminding bright young people that they are more than just intellect. There is also a camp in Michigan. https://educationaladvancement.org/programs/yunasa/
STEM Camps (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Bluff Lake Nature Center Summer Camp (Ages 6-11) - Bluff Lake Nature Center is a nonprofit agency that owns and manages a unique urban wildlife refuge and outdoor classroom in northeast Denver, near Stapleton. The refuge is home to an abundance of animals and native plants, which thrive in a variety of habitats. https://www.blufflake.org/camp24
Camp Code for Girls (grades 8-10) – Free coding camp for girls. https://www.fastenterprises.com/camp-code/
Camp Invention (Grades K-9) - Inspires girls and boys to think BIG and imagine how they can change the world for the better one day! This one-of-a-kind weeklong experience connects science, technology, engineering and math through fun hands-on activities. The program allows students to learn about creative problem solving (and so much more!) in teams grouped by age. There is also a Counselor-in-Training program for 7-9th graders. https://www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention
Coding with Kids (Grades K-12) - Coding with Kids camps are a place for coders to unleash their creativity and take the next step on the Coder's Ladder. Tech-savvy instructors will guide small groups of campers as they unleash their creativity to build games, interactive stories, websites, programmable circuits, and more. Campers will receive personalized instruction and collaborate with new friends. After camp, kids will be able to share projects with family and friends and continue development through online access. https://www.codingwithkids.com/in-person-camps
Colorado School of Mines STEM Programs (Grades 3-12) - After school and summer camp options typically for girls, but some programs are open to boys. https://tech.mines.edu
Colorado School of Mines SUMMET (Summer Multicultural Engineering Training) (Rising 11th & 12th Graders) A science and engineering program combining course work, hands-on projects, industry tours, sporting activities, and social events. SUMMET is an excellent stepping stone to the lifestyle and challenges of college. Students from across the nation stay in Mines’ residence halls, experience life as a college student, and receive instruction in trigonometry & calculus, chemistry, geology, computer science, physics and basic to advanced engineering concepts. https://www.mines.edu/undergraduate-admissions/summer-multicultural-engineering-training-summet/
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (Ages 12-18) - offers summer programs for teens (middle school and high school), including a nationally recognized field school for high school students. Located in southwest Colorado, near Mesa Verde National Park, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center programs offer a rare opportunity for students to do hands-on archaeology at the pre-college level. https://www.crowcanyon.org/index.php/choose-an-archaeology/programs-for-teens/16-choose-an-archaeology-program/programs-for-teens/3-programs-for-teens
Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Rising 11th & 12th Graders) - The Teen Science Scholars (TSS) internship provides high school students opportunities to work in the Archives, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, Health Sciences, Museum Conservation, Space Sciences, and Zoology departments at the Museum. Selected students will be involved with various aspects of their mentors’ research and/or collections programs. Each student will present an overview of their TSS work at an annual symposium held at the Museum at the end of the summer. This program introduces students interested in science careers to various aspects of museum research and/or collections work and helps strengthen investigative and communication skills. https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/programhub.aspx?sort=HSC-DenverMusNatSc-TeenScholar
Dinosaur Ridge Summer Camp (Ages 6-12) - Do you have a dinosaur or rock enthusiast at home? Would they like to explore over 300 dinosaur footprints and dozens of other fossils from Colorado this summer? Or would they rather identify, collect, and label rocks and minerals for their collections while learning how Colorado was built layer by layer? Learn about Colorado’s history and prehistory. Filled with activities ranging from measuring REAL dinosaur footprints to collecting rocks from local formations, Dinosaur Ridge Summer Camps can’t be beat! https://dinoridge.org/tours-programs/camps/
DU SciTech Summer Camp | Natural Sciences and Mathematics: University of Denver's Science and Technology "SciTech" Summer Camp is for middle school-aged girls interested in learning about biodiversity and ecology, computer programming, technology, physics and astronomy.
Run entirely by DU faculty, this unique experience provides SciTech campers hands-on experiences building computers and learning about microscopes, telescopes and more.
Golden History Museum Summer Camp (Ages 6-12) - Hands-on History is a weeklong summer day camp that gets kids excited about local history. Offers several half and full day programs. https://www.goldenhistory.org/learn-do/summer-camp/
Internal Drive (iD) Tech Camp (Ages 7-17) - Summer tech camps held at the University of Denver, CSU Fort Collins, CU Boulder, and others. Courses in programming, Minecraft, game design, robotics, and more! https://www.idtech.com/
Jeffco 4-H ENOR Environmental Discovery Camp (Grades 3-6) - is a nationally recognized, award-winning 4- H program that has offered quality environmental education and experiences since 1974. The program offers students entering 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade an opportunity to explore Colorado's natural and cultural history. https://denver.kidsoutandabout.com/content/enor-environmental-discovery-camp
Keystone Science School (Ages 5-17) - Be astonished this summer at Keystone Science School for a summer of extraordinary experiences, best friends, and new insight into the awe-inspiring world of Science. Adventure. Fun! Campers will expand their curiosity, accomplish challenges, and wonder at the world around them. Let the MARVELous adventure begin. https://www.keystonescienceschool.org/
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MS) - Center for Advanced STEM Education Summer Program (Grade 6-8) - Summer Science Institute. Middle school students (6th, 7th, 8th grade) have the opportunity to explore fun applications of math and science in an exciting, hands-on, team-oriented atmosphere on the Auraria Campus. In each session, the Metropolitan State University faculty will teach morning and afternoon classes based on Colorado content standards in an integrated setting. Students will be provided lunch each day, and a day-long field trip to Elitch Gardens to study physics will conclude each two-week camp. Daily attendance is required. All activities are supervised. https://www.msudenver.edu/advanced-stem-education/stem-pathway-programs/summer-science-institute/
Metropolitan State University of Denver (HS) - Center for Advanced STEM Education Summer Program (High School) - The Summer Science Scholars program is geared toward minority youth and addresses their under- representation in choosing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Summer Science Scholars program will give students entering 10th through 12th grade the chance to explore biology and mathematics concepts in depth. This program is designed to help facilitate these students getting into college. The classes are rigorous, and daily attendance is required. https://www.msudenver.edu/advanced-stem-education/stem-pathway-programs/summer-science-scholars/
Prove It! Math Academy (High School) - A summer residential mathematics program taught by experts. A unique, high-quality resource to help motivated, talented high school students reach their full potential. https://proveitmath.org/ – NO summer program in 2024, BUT there are extensive resources available.
SigmaCamp, a non-profit enrichment STEM summer program for middle and high school students. SigmaCamp is a one-week sleepaway math and science summer camp. Our programs offer middle and high school students (ages 12 to 17) a unique opportunity to dive deeper into STEM topics with professors and researchers from MIT, Yale, Stony Brook University, Princeton, Stanford and many other universities!
Space Voyage Summer Camp (Ages 6-16+) - Offers an intensive program of learning and confidence building within a space motif. Space Voyage brings to life the importance of math and science. The camp is designed so different age students focus on different program components. All programs are offered in all weeks so kids can come when it fits the family calendar for as many weeks as they wish. https://www.spacevoyage.com/
University of Colorado Science Discovery (Ages 5-18) - An experience-based educational outreach program of the University of Colorado in Boulder. Programs include after-school classes, homeschool classes, summer programs, and wilderness camps. (click on 'Search Classes' for a list of programs) https://www.colorado.edu/sciencediscovery/programs/k-12-summer-camps-and-high-school-classes
University of Denver -- More Programs -- https://science.du.edu/our-community
Walking Tree Travel/Smithsonian Student Adventures (Ages 14-18) - Our Mission is to inspire individuals to become global citizens by taking an active interest in the world around them. We achieve this goal by providing unforgettable travel programs filled with challenging and enriching adventures. Walking Tree stands for a more open, curious and compassionate approach to travel. We facilitate meaningful cross-cultural interactions that lead participants to recognize the similarities between people instead of focusing on the differences. Rather than a typical tour, our programs are designed for a proactive, select group of travelers who seek an authentic international experience and the opportunity to effect positive change in the global community. https://walkingtree.org/smithsonian-student-adventures/
Wild Bear Nature Enrichment (Ages 5-12) - Wild Bear offers true nature experiences near Nederland, CO https://wildbear.org/children
Wings Over the Rockies Summer Camps (Ages 8-12) - Welcome to a world of aerospace wonder. At Air & Space Camp, your 8-12 year old will be immersed in a week-long themed aerospace experience. There are five themed camps to choose from. Each camp is repeated twice throughout the summer and takes place at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Take a trip to Mars, build robots, hear from rocket scientists and a WHOLE lot more! https://wingsmuseum.org/camps/
Young Americans Summer Camp for Financial Literacy https://yacenter.org/summer-camps/
Silicon STEM Academy https://siliconstemacademy.com/summer-camps
University of Denver Summer Tech Camps https://www.idtech.com/locations/colorado-summer-camps/university-of-denver
Camp Invention (a STEM Summer Program That Turns Curious Students Into Innovative Thinkers) Camp Invention is a national program with locations throughout the Denver area. It is a week-long program where a child’s creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills are challenged and developed. https://www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention
(scroll to the bottom and search by zip code)
Young Americans Center for Financial Education Summer Camps (Grades 2-8) - Cool camps from Young Americans Bank in Denver, the only bank in the entire world specifically designed for young people ages 21 and younger. The mission of Young Americans Center for Financial Education is to further the economic education of young people so they will be competent and knowledgeable in managing their financial affairs and may prosper in the free enterprise system.
https://yacenter.org/summer-camps/
Literature and Art Camps
Art Garage (Ages 3-12) - Our not for profit organization's mission is to encourage creative expression within individuals and communities through a neighborhood community center that provides a variety of visual arts classes and programming that inspires, empowers and heals and supports cultural, social and educational diversity. The Art Garage offers high-quality art education classes, workshops and summer classes taught by local practicing artists for kids, teens and adults. Students are able to explore creative art materials, learn and demonstrate art techniques and design original artwork. Students learn fundamental art elements, art vocabulary, artistic styles, famous artists and much more! https://artgaragedenver.com/articles/271
Art Students League of Denver Summer Camps (Ages 6-17) - Each of our KidART Camps and Summer Teen Workshops emphasize the fundamental elements and essential vocabulary of art, encouraging students to explore and communicate as they create. In addition to gaining skills in a variety of media, including paint, clay, wire, fiber, and so much more, each student will explore ideas that open the doors to creativity, guided by our professional art educators. https://asld.org/youth-programs/
Athena Project Programs for Girls (Grades Rising 6-10) - "Girls Create is a mentoring program for playwriting, dance and visual arts too. The program teaches girls (going into 6th grade through 10th grade) various aspects of these performing art forms in a unique way--we prioritize on bringing in professionals from the community to teach the program, guest artists to share their expertise and utilize mentors also from the community to provide guidance to the girls and encourage their own creations. Each week-long program culminates in a final project for the week where we invite the community, including friends and family of the girls, to see their work." https://athenaprojectarts.org/summer-camps/
CU Denver LYNX Arts &
Media Camps (High School) - The LYNX National Arts and Media Camps are summer immersion programs for high school students interested in contemporary music, film, or visual arts. The camps are produced by the CU Denver College of Arts & Media and they have developed a reputation as some of the best high school summer arts camps in America. At the camps, students learn from CU Denver faculty, get a taste of college life, get mentored by current CU Denver students, and bond with other arts high school students from throughout the country. The camps are designed to be previews of our college programs. The camps take place on the CU Denver campus in downtown Denver, home to a thriving arts and music scene. We strive to inspire students, expose students to the latest arts and media technologies, and help students to learn about college and career options in the arts! https://artsandmedia.ucdenver.edu/prospective-students/lynx-camps/programs-dates
CU Camp Shakespeare The Colorado Shakespeare Festival offers summer camps for ages 6 to 18 on CU Boulder’s campus to play with Shakespeare and CSF professionals. Students will rehearse, stage, and perform a shortened Shakespeare play (scenes for Sprites). Camp Shakespeare and Shakespeare's Sprites are a fabulous way for kids and teens to explore theatre and Shakespeare in a creative and supportive environment. https://cupresents.org/performance/10037/shakespeare/summer-camps/
Denver Center for the Performing Arts (Grades PreK-12) - For eager students as young as 3 to high schoolers taking the first step towards a theatre career, our classes fuel creativity and reinforce the tools to help all skill levels improve and develop their craft. Through acting, improvisation, musical theatre, on-camera or audition technique, students build confidence and fuel imagination in their lives.
https://www.denvercenter.org/education/child-teen-acting-classes/#summer
Denver Writing Project Young Writers Camp (Grades 4-12) - "Do you love to write? Are you a budding poet, flourishing story writer, or even future famous author? Would you like to write in a relaxed, social atmosphere? If so, join us for Young Writers Camp at CU-Denver's scenic Auraria Campus! Spend a fun-filled week of your summer with other young writers exploring and developing your own creative writing abilities. Who knows whom you'll meet and what you'll write?" https://clas.ucdenver.edu/denverwritingproject/young-writers-camps
Denver Writes Summer Camps http://www.denverwrites.org/summer-camp/
DIGISTARS Make-A-Movie Workshop (Grades 1-8) - Campers learn how to write, direct, and edit their own short digital movies this summer in a fun and educational atmosphere online. https://digistarsworkshop.com/summer-camps/
Explorati Teen Writers Boot Camp (Middle and High School) - If you're a serious teen writer looking for serious support for the work you do, then Explorati Teen Writers Boot Camp is for you. We know how important writing is to you, and we put our focus exclusively on whatever it is you are writing. Whatever you're passionate about, that's what we're passionate about. You'll even workshop pages from your books or short stories, getting invaluable peer as well as professional feedback. http://rmfw.org/tag/explorati-teen-writers-boot-camp/
Foothills Art Center (Ages 4-12) - offers seven weeks of visual arts programming for ages 4-6 and 7-12. Guided by professional artists and arts educators, camps integrate visual arts activities with science, technology and mathematics. Our programs are designed with the Denver Public Schools Curriculum Standards in mind to provide a powerful supplement to your child’s education during the summer months. https://www.foothillsartcenter.org/youth-classes
Lighthouse Writers’ Young Writers Camps
https://www.lighthousewriters.org/young-writers-summer-camp
Renaissance Adventures Summer Camp (Ages 6-18) - Be the hero of a mythic quest! These adventures lead children and teens on an amazing journey, solving puzzles and riddles, exploring mythic realms, and swashbuckling with foes using safe, foam swasher swords. https://www.renaissanceadventures.com/kids-camps-boulder-denver/summer-camps/
Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids & Teens (Ages 5-17) - RMTK is the only local youth theatre company that provides professional theatre staff, 8:1 student-teacher ratio, professional performance venues, and a daily camp curriculum sculpted by 20+ years of experience. https://www.theaterforkids.net/colorado_summer_camp/
Rocky Ridge Music Center (Ages 10-18+) - Our youth summer programs take place in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park and vary in length from one to four weeks. All students will receive private lessons with our world-class faculty and play in chamber & large ensembles. https://www.rockyridge.org/summer-programs/
Swallow Hill Music Camp (Ages 6-18) - Swallow Hill Music has been teaching kids, teens, and tweens since 1979, and what better way for them to delve into music than through one of their summer music camps! House of Rock ages 13-18, Belt It Out! ages 10-13, Explore! Music ages 6-9, and Bluegrass in Paradise ages 8-17. https://swallowhillmusic.org/music-school/camps/
Sweet Ridge Studios Art Camphttps://www.sweetridgestudios.com/summer-art-camps?utm_campaign=eb5a6f7a-b8ae-43ae-8d02-3f4c730437b6&utm_source=so
Summer Camps- General
Champ Camp – Summer camps at 6 different locations across Denver. Teamwork building, hands-on activities to promote curiosity, research-backed curriculum. And a focus on fun. Ages 5-12. https://www.discoverchampions.com/landing-pages/summer-break
Colorado Mountain Club Summer Adventure Camps (Ages 9-18) - Climb and explore the mountains with the CMC Youth Education Program! Specialized multi-day courses offer outdoor skill-building and adventure! We offer programs for a wide range of ages and all abilities.
https://www.cmc.org/youth/adventure-camps/summer-adventure-camps-and-courses/summer-camps
Colorado State University Pre-College Summer Programs (Ages 15-18) - High school students are eligible for this unique opportunity to experience college life in a “non-pressured” atmosphere where crucial life skills including time management, independence and community style living flourish. All students enrolled in our high school summer enrichment programs at Colorado State University have the option of taking a variety of career exploration classes, community service based workshops, etc. https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/precollegiate-programs/
Gold Crown Enrichment Summer Camps (Grades 2-10) - Offers art and technology camps along with athletic camps. The organization operates with a mission to provide opportunities and educate youth and community through sports and enrichment programs. https://www.goldcrownfoundation.com/enrichment/programs/
Jewish Community Center Summer Camps (Grades K-12) - Many different camp offerings open to all and JCC has a special inclusion policy for special needs children. https://www.jccdenver.org/denver-jewish-community/camps/
Summer at Kent Denver (Grades PreK-12) - Summer at Kent Denver offers students ages Pre-K through 12th- grade a chance to explore their passions with outstanding programs in the arts, athletics, technology and design, and academics. Participants explore our 200-acre campus and world-class facilities as they play, create, learn and thrive!
https://www.kentdenver.org/about/summer
Young Americans (Financial Literacy ) Summer Camp
https://yacenter.org/summer-camps/
Animals
Denver Dumb Friends League (Grades 3-8) - offers seasonal camps for kids and teens in support of DDFL's goal to teach children and young adults the importance of treating animals in a humane way, a lesson that will benefit them and the animals in our community for a lifetime. Camps are available at the shelters in Denver, Castle Rock as well as at the Harmony Equine Center in Franktown. https://www.ddfl.org/humane-education/youth-programs/
Chess
Denver Rocky Mountain Chess Camp (Ages 6-18) - Participants will be divided into similar ability groups (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and age groups for sessions focusing on all aspects of the game including scorekeeping and chess etiquette. Students will compete in mini tournaments for trophies as well as play in a simultaneous exhibition against an instructor. https://coloradomasterchess.com/camp/
Annual Denver Rocky Mountain Chess Camps https://coloradomasterchess.com/camp/
Languages
International School of Denver Summer Camps (Ages 3-14) - Every week your child will have a chance to explore the world while moving their body, expanding their mind, developing new skills,and forming new friendships! With experienced counselors, fresh topics each week, and camps offered in English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, you can choose from options like Camp Invention, Movie Making, Hula Hooping and Circus Arts, STEM Challenge, Seed Science, and more! (No prior language experience is required for participation.) Plus, weekly field trips around Colorado! https://www.isdenver.org/enrichment/summerprograms
Learn More - General Ideas
Learn More…Read a Great Book!
Summer is right around the corner, which means most schools will be letting out and students will be busy with family vacations, summer camp and a myriad of other activities. With research finding that children who do not read over the summer may lose up to three months of reading progress, it’s important to encourage your students to pick up a few books during the hot months ahead. This is a great chart to help you and your student choose a great book!
Learn More…Gain a Hobby- older students:
Put a checkmark next to any activity that you would like to do this summer. When you are finished, number activities in the order that you would like to do the most.
1.____ Visit the local library and read books on the x grade reading list.
2.____ Visit the local park and find out what programs you can take part in this summer.
3.____ Complete ___ hours of community service.
4.____ Visit a 2-year or 4-year or technical school you are considering after graduation.
5.____ Take a class that interests you.
6.____ Visit an older neighbor that may need your help.
7.____ Spend a day at the lakefront.
8.____ Begin an exercise program to keep in shape.
9.____ Write in a journal each day.
10.____ Look for a way to help someone in the family each day.
11.____ Volunteer at a hospital or day care center.
12.____ Paint or sculpt.
13.____ Do some home improvement projects.
14.____ Learn to play a musical instrument.
15.____ Learn to cook.
16.____ Get a part-time job
17. ____Develop a website with help/support of others
18.____ Start a pen pal relationship
19. ____ Join your local library for reading programs and events
Collaboration, Advocacy, and Leadership: Get involved. Leadership Opportunities. There are opportunities for volunteering all over the community. Call your local recreation centers, libraries, nursing or retirement homes, elementary and middle schools, and churches for possible volunteer opportunities. These places typically have programs and a variety of options (and other places you may be interested in working with) to connect you to. You may also simply check in with family or neighbors that may be in need of assistance. Neighbors that are ill, have small children, or senior citizens may welcome your support with groceries, lawn maintenance, reading, or simply visiting this summer. Talk with your parents or teachers for more ideas.
Reflective Practices: Health and Wellness. The summer is a great time to really take charge of your health and wellness. You will have the time to hopefully get your 10-11 hours a night of sleep, exercise regularly, and get outside for the fresh air and sunshine.
Although the hope is for easy health and wellness through the summer, this may not be the reality for some. It is also an easy time to have a lack of sleep schedule, working too many hours at a summer job, lounging on the couch too often, and eating lots of junk food.
Make the commitment to health and well-being by striving for balance with enough sleep, some outside exercise each day, and time for work as well as free time. You deserve good health and wellness.