2026 Summer Camp Schedule & Weekly Themes
Mountain Kids! Summer Camp is organized by weekly themes and age groups, giving campers the chance to explore new adventures while building skills, confidence, and friendships outdoors. Each week offers a unique blend of play, exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning—designed to meet kids where they are developmentally and grow with them over time. Families can register for individual weeks, and campers are welcome to join us for one week or many. Whether it’s your child’s first time at camp or they’re returning for another summer of adventure, each week stands on its own while fitting into a thoughtful progression from playful discovery to independence and leadership. Scroll down to explore each week’s offerings by age group and find the adventures that are the best fit for your camper. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Email us at hello@mountainkidsnm.org or call/text our office at 505-886-1207.
June 1 – 5 (Week 1)
🌱Fairy Houses & Gnome Homes (Explorers, ages 5–7)
This week, our youngest explorers will step into a world of imagination and magic in nature! We’ll gather natural treasures like sticks, leaves, and moss to build cozy fairy houses and gnome homes. Along the way, we’ll meet plants as our forest friends—touching, smelling, and discovering how people have used certain wild plants for food, medicine, and everyday needs. Through creative play and exploration, campers will build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of wonder in the woods.🥾 Forts & Foraging (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
This week, adventurers will dive into the skills of shelter building and plant knowledge. We’ll scout the forest for sturdy materials to build forts and survival shelters, practice camouflage using natural materials, and learn how plants can support us in the wild. From foraging for ingredients to make simple, nutritive teas to learning the difference between a fort and a survival shelter, campers will gain hands-on skills that help them feel capable, curious, and connected to the land.🏔️ Forage & Feast (Trailblazers, ages 11–14)
Trailblazers explore foraging, shelter-building, and wild foods as they learn to identify useful plants, harvest responsibly, and prepare simple forest feasts and teas. Campers experiment with advanced shelter techniques and learn how people have relied on plants and natural materials throughout history. It’s an empowering week focused on self-reliance, stewardship, and working thoughtfully with nature.June 8 – 10 (Week 2)
🌱 Wonders of Water (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Get ready to splash, play, and discover the magic of water! This week, our Explorers will cool off in mountain streams, search for tiny water creatures, and enjoy water-based games and exploration. Campers will learn where our water comes from, where it goes, and why it’s important to care for rivers and streams—all through hands-on, playful discovery. The week wraps up with a special trip to Abiquiu Lake, celebrating campers’ growing connection to water and the natural world.🥾 Wonders of Water (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Strap on your water shoes for a week of splashing, playing, and stream exploration! Adventurers cool off in Santa Fe’s mountain waters while learning how watersheds connect us, why water conservation matters, and how to care for this vital resource. Campers hunt for aquatic macroinvertebrates, discover what they reveal about water quality, practice water purification skills, and wrap up the week with a trip to Abiquiu Lake.🚲🚣 Bikes & Boats (Ages 9–14)
Get ready for an adventure-packed week that blends mountain biking, paddling, swimming, and an overnight campout into one unforgettable experience. Campers kick things off with two full days of mountain biking at La Tierra Trails, building skills, confidence, and trail awareness through guided rides and challenges. Midweek, the focus shifts from bikes to boats as campers prepare for and head out on an overnight adventure filled with paddling, shared meals, campfire fun, and a night under the stars. It’s a week all about independence, teamwork, and big outdoor fun—on land and water. Campers must provide their own mountain bike, helmet, and camping gear.June 15 – 19 (Week 3)
🌱 Amazing Animals (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Explorers discover the wonderful animals of New Mexico through playful exploration and hands-on learning. Campers look for tracks and signs, listen for birds, and learn how animals live and move in the wild, with games, stories, and teamwork woven throughout the week. A special visit to the Wildlife Center in Española adds an exciting up-close look at rescued animals.🥾 Animal Tracks & Sign (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Adventurers become wildlife detectives as they learn to read the stories animals leave behind through tracks, nests, burrows, and other signs. Campers practice tracking skills, explore bird language, and study pelts and skulls to better understand animal behavior. A visit to the Wildlife Center in Española adds an up-close look at rescued wildlife and conservation in action.🏔️ Animal Tracks & Sign (Trailblazers, ages 11–14)
Trailblazers dive deep into the art and science of wildlife tracking, learning to identify tracks, scat, feathers, nests, and other signs of animal life. Campers practice quiet movement, intentional observation, and bird language while studying skulls and learning how clues reveal animal behavior and movement. A visit to the Wildlife Center in Española adds an up-close look at rescued wildlife and conservation in action.June 22 – 26 (Week 4)
🌱 Wilderness Wizards (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Calling all magical campers! Wilderness Wizards invites young Explorers to step into the magic of the outdoors through playful discovery and imagination. Campers will learn the basics of staying safe and comfortable outside, while exploring magical potions, spells, and treasure maps! Through games, stories, and creative play, children build confidence, teamwork, and curiosity as they explore the beautiful forests around Santa Fe.🥾 Wilderness Skills (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Adventurers build confidence and curiosity as they practice age-appropriate wilderness skills through hands-on challenges and teamwork. Campers explore shelter-building, navigation, water awareness, fire safety, and archery while learning how preparation and cooperation help keep them safe outdoors. It’s an empowering week that helps campers feel capable, resilient, and ready for their next adventure.🏔️ Wilderness Skills Intensive: Week 1 (Trailblazers, ages 11-14)
Two Weeks of Progressive Skill-Building –The Wilderness Skills Intensive is a hands-on, immersive program for older campers ready to build independence, confidence, and real-world outdoor skills. Campers learn practical survival skills through teamwork, leadership, and overnight experiences. Each week can be taken on its own, but together they offer a powerful progression from foundational skills to a multi-day backpacking expedition.- Week 1 – Wilderness Survival Foundations
Campers build core wilderness skills through hands-on challenges focused on preparedness, navigation, shelter-building, and fire safety. They practice problem-solving, teamwork, and smart packing, then put those skills to use during a one-night campout in survival-style shelters they build themselves. This week emphasizes adaptability, cooperation, and resilience while giving campers their first taste of self-sufficiency in the wild.
June 29 – July 2 (Week 5)
🌱 Forest Ninjas (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Forest Ninjas invites our youngest campers to sneak, hide, and blend into the forest through imaginative play, camouflage games, and hands-on exploration. Campers experiment with mud, clay, and natural paints, creating forest creatures and art while discovering how textures and colors from nature help them disappear into their surroundings. It’s a joyful, messy, confidence-building week full of creativity, cooperation, and the simple magic of getting delightfully dirty.🥾 Forest Ninjas with Archery (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Forest Ninjas invites Adventurers to explore stealth, camouflage, and awareness through imaginative games and hands-on challenges. Campers create natural camouflage with mud and clay, sharpen observation skills through sneaking and tracking games, and build focus and self-control with age-appropriate archery. It’s a playful, confidence-building week full of creativity, teamwork, and forest fun.🏔️ Wilderness Skills Intensive: Week 2 (Trailblazers, ages 11-14)
Two Weeks of Progressive Skill-Building – The Wilderness Skills Intensive is a hands-on, immersive program for older campers ready to build independence, confidence, and real-world outdoor skills. Campers learn practical survival skills through teamwork, leadership, and overnight experiences. Each week can be taken on its own, but together they offer a powerful progression from foundational skills to a multi-day backpacking expedition.- Week 2 – Wilderness Skills Expedition Challenge
Campers put their skills to the test during a three-day, two-night backpacking expedition, applying what they’ve learned about gear, navigation, camp setup, and Leave No Trace. With rotating leadership roles and staff guidance, campers build confidence, teamwork, and trust on the trail.
July 6 – 10 (Week 6)
🌱Fairy Houses & Gnome Homes (Explorers, ages 5–7)
This week, our youngest explorers will step into a world of imagination and magic in nature! We’ll gather natural treasures like sticks, leaves, and moss to build cozy fairy houses and gnome homes. Along the way, we’ll meet plants as our forest friends—touching, smelling, and discovering how people have used certain wild plants for food, medicine, and everyday needs. Through creative play and exploration, campers will build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of wonder in the woods.🥾 Forts & Foraging (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
This week, adventurers will dive into the skills of shelter building and plant knowledge. We’ll scout the forest for sturdy materials to build forts and survival shelters, practice camouflage using natural materials, and learn how plants can support us in the wild. From foraging for ingredients to make simple, nutritive teas to learning the difference between a fort and a survival shelter, campers will gain hands-on skills that help them feel capable, curious, and connected to the land.🏔️ Forage & Feast (Trailblazers, ages 11–14)
Trailblazers explore foraging, shelter-building, and wild foods as they learn to identify useful plants, harvest responsibly, and prepare simple forest feasts and teas. Campers experiment with advanced shelter techniques and learn how people have relied on plants and natural materials throughout history. It’s an empowering week focused on self-reliance, stewardship, and working thoughtfully with nature.July 13 – 17 (Week 7)
🌱 Wonders of Water (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Get ready to splash, play, and discover the magic of water! This week, our Explorers will cool off in mountain streams, search for tiny water creatures, and enjoy water-based games and exploration. Campers will learn where our water comes from, where it goes, and why it’s important to care for rivers and streams—all through hands-on, playful discovery. The week wraps up with a special trip to Abiquiu Lake, celebrating campers’ growing connection to water and the natural world.🥾 Wonders of Water (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Strap on your water shoes for a week of splashing, playing, and stream exploration! Adventurers cool off in Santa Fe’s mountain waters while learning how watersheds connect us, why water conservation matters, and how to care for this vital resource. Campers hunt for aquatic macroinvertebrates, discover what they reveal about water quality, practice water purification skills, and wrap up the week with a trip to Abiquiu Lake.🏔️ Backpacking 101 (Trailblazers, ages 11–14)
Backpacking 101 introduces campers to overnight adventure through a supportive, close-to-home experience. Campers head out on a two-day, one-night backpacking trip where they learn to hike, set up camp, cook simple meals, and sleep under the stars. Along the way, they build confidence and learn essential backpacking skills—balanced with games, exploration, and plenty of fun.July 20 – 24 (Week 8)
🌱 Wilderness Wizards (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Calling all magical campers! Wilderness Wizards invites young Explorers to step into the magic of the outdoors through playful discovery and imagination. Campers will learn the basics of staying safe and comfortable outside, while exploring magical potions, spells, and treasure maps! Through games, stories, and creative play, children build confidence, teamwork, and curiosity as they explore the beautiful forests around Santa Fe.🥾 Wilderness Skills (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Adventurers build confidence and curiosity as they practice age-appropriate wilderness skills through hands-on challenges and teamwork. Campers explore shelter-building, navigation, water awareness, fire safety, and archery while learning how preparation and cooperation help keep them safe outdoors. It’s an empowering week that helps campers feel capable, resilient, and ready for their next adventure.🏔️ Wilderness Skills (Trailblazers, ages 11–14)
Wilderness Skills invites Trailblazers to build confidence and outdoor competence through hands-on challenges and teamwork. Campers practice shelter-building, navigation, water awareness, fire safety, and archery while developing communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. It’s a week of exploration, growth, and adventure that prepares campers for bigger outdoor challenges ahead.July 27 – 31 (Week 9)
🌱 Forest Ninjas (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Forest Ninjas invites our youngest campers to sneak, hide, and blend into the forest through imaginative play, camouflage games, and hands-on exploration. Campers experiment with mud, clay, and natural paints, creating forest creatures and art while discovering how textures and colors from nature help them disappear into their surroundings. It’s a joyful, messy, confidence-building week full of creativity, cooperation, and the simple magic of getting delightfully dirty.🥾 Forest Ninjas with Archery (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Forest Ninjas invites Adventurers to explore stealth, camouflage, and awareness through imaginative games and hands-on challenges. Campers create natural camouflage with mud and clay, sharpen observation skills through sneaking and tracking games, and build focus and self-control with age-appropriate archery. It’s a playful, confidence-building week full of creativity, teamwork, and forest fun.🏔️ Wildcraft: Camouflage & Archery (Trailblazers, ages 11–14)
Wildcraft challenges Trailblazers to build awareness, focus, and precision through advanced camouflage, stealth games, and archery. Campers experiment with blending into natural environments, sharpen observation and decision-making skills, and practice archery with an emphasis on form, safety, and self-discipline. It’s a creative, confidence-building week that fosters leadership and a deeper connection to the natural world.🚵 Mountain Biking: Level 2 (Ages 8-14)
Ready to build skills, confidence, and flow on the trail? Level 2 is designed for riders with trail experience who are ready to level up. Campers refine core mountain biking skills—like balance, braking, cornering, and trail awareness—while learning to ride singletrack, navigate features with control, and practice good trail etiquette. With plenty of fun, smart riding, and varied terrain, riders build confidence to ride farther, smoother, and with more flow.August 3 – 7 (Week 10)
🌱 Amazing Animals (Explorers, ages 5–7)
Explorers discover the wonderful animals of New Mexico through playful exploration and hands-on learning. Campers look for tracks and signs, listen for birds, and learn how animals live and move in the wild, with games, stories, and teamwork woven throughout the week. A special visit to the Wildlife Center in Española adds an exciting up-close look at rescued animals.🥾 Animal Tracks & Sign (Adventurers, ages 8–10)
Adventurers become wildlife detectives as they learn to read the stories animals leave behind through tracks, nests, burrows, and other signs. Campers practice tracking skills, explore bird language, and study pelts and skulls to better understand animal behavior. A visit to the Wildlife Center in Española adds an up-close look at rescued wildlife and conservation in action.🏔️ Animal Tracks & Sign (Trailblazers, ages 11–14)
Trailblazers dive deep into the art and science of wildlife tracking, learning to identify tracks, scat, feathers, nests, and other signs of animal life. Campers practice quiet movement, intentional observation, and bird language while studying skulls and learning how clues reveal animal behavior and movement. A visit to the Wildlife Center in Española adds an up-close look at rescued wildlife and conservation in action.