Our Activities

Anderson Camps offers a variety of daily activities designed to provide an introduction to the outdoor experiences available today. Campers are encouraged to choose those activities that interest them from daily offerings. Nearly all activities are noncompetitive, encouraging both the novice and experienced camper to increase their confidence and esteem levels. Anderson Camps Staff are trained to facilitate all of our activities. From Archery to Whitewater Rafting, our extensive Staff Training ensures campers' safety in every activity. All Staff are Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certified as part of our training program.

Activities Include...

Whitewater Rafting Anderson Camps offers the premier Rafting experience for our campers. Daily and All-Day rafting trips down the "Camp Stretch" and Glenwood Canyon sections of the Colorado River provide campers with an introduction to the world of rafting. Both stretches give campers a feel for the boats, and the opportunity to swim, splash other boats, and ride some rapids. Our 4-5 day Extended Raft Trips offer an unparalleled experience for our campers, taking them on some of the premier river stretches in the United States. We offer trips through The Gates of Ladore and Desolation Canyon on the Green River, Westwater Canyon, Cataract Canyon, and the Upper Colorado on the Colorado River, and, water permitting, Echo Park on the Yampa River. Each of these trips offers a unique river experience, including larger rapids, gorgeous canyons, scenic hikes, and overnight stays at incredible campsites. Part of being our own outfitter means providing our own guides, who are none other than the Counselors and Staff of Anderson Camps. Our raft training includes a 7 day training trip and several shorter, day and all-day trips to familiarize the guides with the boats and rivers.

Horseback Riding Anderson Camps features a herd of 40 horses for our Horseback Riding adventures. Our experienced Wranglers work individually with each horse and rider to ensure safety and fun for every ride. Daily rides leave the barn and utilize trails and fields on the camp property. Rides often include horse games (Trot Tag, Capture The Flag, etc) and cantering. All-Day rides venture out into the surrounding BLM land, or into the White River National Forest. The pinnacle of our Riding program is the 4-5 day Extended Trip which takes campers up into the Flat Tops Wilderness for 4 days of unparalleled views and riding experiences. Horse care and grooming, tacking, and Western Riding instruction are included in our Horse Emphasis program.

Mountain Climbing Our unique location in the Colorado Rocky Mountains provides many opportunities for campers to summit some of the highest peaks in the United States. Climbs include Mt. Elbert, the second highest mountain in the lower 48 States and the highest peak in Colorado, and Mt. Massive, the second highest Colorado Peak. Other peaks available to campers include Shingle Peak in the Flat Tops Wilderness, Mt. Sopris in the Roaring Fork Valley, and the Collegiate Peaks south of camp.

Caving The limestone rich mountains of western Colorado provide a wonderful opportunity for introducing campers to the world of caving and spelunking. Caving trips include the Sweetwater Ute Cave, which has an array of pictograms and several rooms for camper exploration. Fulford Cave, the eighth largest cave in Colorado, provides an incredible underground adventure for campers. Containing miles of rooms and tunnels, extensive formations, and an underground waterfall, Fulford provides a wonderful introduction to caving. Other caves include some natural cracks on camp property and the Ice Caves near Aspen.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling Anderson Camps features a 35 foot Climbing Wall, with many routes for climbers of all levels. We also travel to various crags and rocks around the state to give campers a chance to climb on rock. Destinations include Camp Hale and Independence Pass, and our Anderson High Adventure campers also climb in Eldorado Canyon in Boulder and Vedauwoo, Wyoming, both premier climbing locations. For Rappelling, we use cliffs on the camp property, ranging in height from 20 feet to over 50. Out of camp climbing trips also feature rappelling. Staff training includes several full days on the Climbing Wall and Rappelling Cliffs, teaching and testing staff members, ensuring proper safety and instructional techniques for both activities.

Low Ropes/Challenge Course Anderson Camps' Low Ropes Course provides some of the best memories for campers, and an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth. Each element challenges campers to solve problems using wits and intelligence, to plan rather than act, and to support other group members through the solution. Counselors facilitate the events, spotting campers rather than directly aiding, giving campers the ability to learn from their mistakes. Elements include Spider Web, Skis, Cargo Net, Trust Fall, Rope Walk, Swinging Log, and other Team-Building games.

Backpacking Our older campers get the opportunity to become self-sufficient campers when they take a backpacking trip up into the White River National Forest. Campers pack in their tents, sleeping bags, stoves, and food and stay high up in the wilderness, at breathtaking campsites. From this base, campers can hike on trails farther into the Forest, explore alpine meadows and forests, climb mountains, and learn camp craft and other skills. Each trip is led by two trained and experienced counselors/guides.

Playaking Many campers call Playaking their favorite in-camp activity. Campers ride in an open-topped kayak-like boat, and paddle around the camp Pond. With splash fights, dunkings, much capsizing, races, and boat games, playaking has best been described as the opportunity to "get into a little red boat and tip over." Other activities on the Pond include minnow hunting, fishing, and sometimes just floating and enjoying the water.

Archery, Riflery, and Trap Shooting Anderson Camps offers campers an introduction to the shooting sports. Constant staff supervision and instruction ensures range safety. All campers are eligible to participate in Archery and Riflery, and older campers have the opportunity to learn Trap Shooting. Gun and bow care and cleaning are part of our programs, which provide the basics for campers looking to experience the world of shooting.

Swimming What better way for campers to beat the heat in the afternoon than a dip, or a plunge, or a cannonball, or even a belly-flop into our pool. Swimming time is always full of energy as campers splash, jump, float, race, and play water games in the heated pool. Lifeguards are always on duty, and it's not uncommon to find other staff members in the pool as well.

Other Activities Include... Mountain Biking on trails around camp Dam Building and Creek Hiking Rocketry Plant-The-Flag Hikes Overnight Camping Trips Bone and Antler Hunts Skit and Talent Nights Cookouts and Campfires

Fossil Hunting in our nearby Fossil Fold Fishing in the Pond, Creek, or River Casino Night and Carnivals Games and Sports Campcraft Stargazing Night Hikes