AAVE's Colorado Summer Camp for Middle-Schoolers

DAY 1:
After everyone has met at the Denver International Airport and called home to confirm a safe arrival, we head to our first campsite in the San Isabel National Forest. Here we go over orientation, get to know each other and discuss what can be expected in the next 17 days. We relax and prepare for tomorrow's adventures!

DAYS 2-3:
We warm up our mountain legs with some beautiful hikes to alpine lakes. Take a dip and cool off before lunch and learn some topographical map skills as well as minimum impact back country travel skills. We practice "Leave No Trace" camping everywhere AAVE travels.

DAYS 4-5:
For the next two days professional guides teach us how to rock climb in a fun and safe way in Big Horn Sheep Canyon. We learn skills like belaying, rappelling, smearing, jamming and stemming. All abilities are welcome and everyone gets a chance to reach the top!

DAYS 6-7:
We rise early to meet our river guides! For the next two days we raft class III and IV rapids on the world famous Arkansas River. Professional guides help us safely navigate through Brown's Canyon and over rapids such as Zoom Flume and Big Drop. At night we camp under starry skies on the banks of the Arkansas.

DAY 8:
Today we have an opportunity to give back to the wilderness areas we've been enjoying. We work with the Aspen Center For Environmental Studies, outside of Aspen, Colorado. Our positive attitudes and commitment to a day of hard work make this a worthwhile environmental give back for everyone.

DAYS 9-10:
We meet Ralph and his wranglers and hit the dusty trail for an authentic western horse pack trip into the Rockies. Our posse follows the historic Colorado Trail to beautiful vistas and open meadows. In the evening we enjoy cowboy cooking and relaxation under the starry skies around a glowing campfire.

DAYS 11-12:
We travel for one breathtaking day over picturesque Rocky Mountain passes to Crested Butte, a quaint Colorado town famous for its fantastic winter snow and summer mountain biking. We take a day to enjoy the town and pick up some souvenirs before hitting the trails in this mecca of Colorado biking.

DAY 13:
Mountain biking!!! Crested Butte is world-renowned for mountain biking and the Crested Butte Mountain Guides give us the ride of our lives. After a safety orientation we strap on our helmets and head for the hills for a day of challenge, fun and adrenaline!

DAY 14:
We travel just outside of Buena Vista to prepare for tomorrow's backpack. We resupply our food and gear and get ready to head into the wilderness!

DAYS 15-17:
Practicing "Leave No Trace Camping" we get to enjoy our last few days together trekking in the backcountry with only ourselves and mother nature for company. We expand on our backcountry knowledge and skills while hiking and camping in the pristine wilderness of the Pike National Forest.

DAY 18:
We travel to the airport early, say goodbye to our new friends and start planning where AAVE will take us next year!

Price Includes:
Two CPR and First Aid certified AAVE leaders; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping fees and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.

Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from Denver, Colorado; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 800 222 3595 or email us with questions, to receive 2007 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!