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Nature Programs

Adult & Family Programs

Find your wild with Community Programs for families and adults!

Parent & Tot Programs

Our wide variety of adult & child nature programs will guide you and your child into the world of nature play. 

Youth Programs

These fun nature programs for kids, ages 7-13, are a great way for your child to experience the Backcountry.

Wild Roots

Wild Roots is an alternative to preschool as you know it. An outdoor-based early childhood education program for children ages 3-6, the program offers an immersive experience in nature with a play-based approach to learning.

Adult & Family Programs

Discover the wonders of nature with our Adult & Family Programs! Whether you're looking to connect with the great outdoors on a guided hike, explore the breathtaking Backcountry Wilderness Area, or spend time learning from our naturalists, we offer something for everyone. These programs are designed to engage, educate, and inspire, providing unforgettable experiences for families and individuals alike.

Nature Walks: Walk the dirt roads in the reserved part of the Backcountry Wilderness Area and you’ll forget you’re only 15 minutes from home. Grab a coffee and bring binoculars if you want to spot local wildlife during a relaxed, guided excursion. Fresh air and a scenic view make this jaunt to improve health and nature know-how a perfect way to spend your morning. This hike is an adult-focused program at an adult pace. Young children are welcome to join if they are carried for the entirety of the hike. The program is free, but registration is required. Donations are encouraged to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

Base Camp Exploration: Experience nature’s wonders in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Come out to Base Camp for seasonal activities, walk the Discovery Trail, hang out with the barnyard animals, and more! Activities depend on the time of day and weather. Check the website for details. The program is free, but registration is required. Donations are encouraged to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

Smores Hike: Leave Base Camp hungry for exploration, return hungry for a smore! Join our naturalist for a guided, all-ages, hike into the Backcountry Wilderness Area before ending the evening with a favorite summer treat. We’ll provide the adventure, ingredients, and challenge to roast the perfect smore.

Goat Picnic Hike: Get some quality time with the Backcountry Goats on a hike and picnic! Bring your own lunch, then take a hike with the goats to a perfect picnic spot.

Smores & Storytime: Join us for an enchanting evening for the whole family! We'll begin with a short, scenic hike through the woods, leading to a cozy, fairy-lit area that feels like it's straight out of a storybook. Upon arrival, gather around the glowing campfire to make delicious s'mores, and settle in on comfy picnic blankets. Our friendly staff will bring the night to life by reading an engaging, family-friendly story under the twinkling lights. *Story will be catered to children 10 and under. Registration is per child attending.

Full Moon Hike: Leave your flashlight behind and let the full moon guide this hike into the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Put your senses on full alert as you take in the sights and sounds of the night. A naturalist will share how humans and animals see in the darkness versus the daylight, and how your eyes may not be able to see what's really out there.

Sunset Hike: Enjoy a golden hour hike, to take in one of Backcountry’s magnificent sunsets. We’ll watch the crepuscular animals come to life on our way back.

Ages: Each of our Adult & Family programs caters to a different audience from 0-100+. 

What to Wear:  Closed-toe shoes are required for all participants. Programs typically run rain, snow, or shine, so check the weather and dress accordingly.

What to Bring: A backpack packed with a reusable water bottle, snack, sunscreen, and an extra jacket or raincoat (based on the weather forecast).

Location: Backcountry Base Camp; 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125

Refund Policy: Refund and transfer requests must be made one week prior to the start date of the program. If we have to cancel a program, you will be given a full refund. All refunds are processed with a $5 fee.

If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Dolph at [email protected] or 303-471-7054 

Parent & Tot Programs

Let us help you give your child a special place in nature, some tools to build and create, and the freedom to explore! Our experienced early childhood nature instructors will guide you and your child into the magic of nature play.

Sunshine & Storytime: Join us for a nature-themed storytime in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Stories will be different each week and will be themed based upon seasonal happenings. After the story the Backyard will be open for free play, including our mud kitchen, sand “box” and rotating extension activities based on the book. An adult is required to stay on-site to supervise the registered child(ren). The program is free, but registration is required. Donations are encouraged to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

Wild Things: We believe all children should grow up wild! Come out and let your wild things loose for a morning of fun. We will start with a hands-on feeding and visiting with the chickens, ducks, and goats. After time with our animals, we will head to the Base Camp Backyard where children can create in the mud kitchen, dig in the sand, and explore nature in their own way. You are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and snack and give yourself and your little one a chance to unwind. An adult is required to stay on-site to supervise the registered child(ren).

Crafty Critters: Join us for a morning of imaginative and hands-on fun in the Backcountry Wilderness Area! We’ll begin by letting the little ones explore and play freely in our Backyard natural play area. Then, the adventure continues as your child takes the lead in creating their own nature-inspired crafts. Whether it’s painting, building, or something entirely unique, the possibilities are endless! This child-led experience encourages creativity and connection with nature. An adult is required to stay on-site to supervise the registered child(ren).

Seedlings Playgroup: Seedlings Nature Playgroup offers a supportive space for child-led play while celebrating seasonal changes and nature. Children and parents explore the Backcountry Wilderness Area together, fostering connection with the land. The morning includes seasonal songs, short hikes, and imaginative outdoor play, helping children build independence and confidence. This playgroup is a natural introduction to the Backcountry Wilderness Area community and a stepping stone to Wild Roots and Camp Backcountry.

Ages: Our Parent-Tot Programs are for children ages 0-6. 

What to Wear: Closed-toe shoes are required for all participants. Programs typically run rain, snow, or shine, so check the weather and dress accordingly.

What to Bring: A backpack packed with a reusable water bottle, snack, sunscreen, and an extra jacket or raincoat (based on the weather forecast).

Location: Backcountry Base Camp; 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125

Refund Policy: Refund and transfer requests must be made one week prior to the start date of the program. If we have to cancel a program, you will be given a full refund. All refunds are processed with a $5 fee.

If you have any questions, please contact AnnaKate Hein at [email protected] or 303-471-8876.

Youth Programs

Our Youth Programs offer exciting, hands-on adventures where kids can explore, learn, and grow! These drop-off programs are designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for the outdoors. From joining our outdoor clubs and exploring the Backcountry Wilderness Area, to discovering Colorado’s unique ecosystems and wildlife, there’s always something new to experience.

Wilderness Survival Club: Let your child discover the skills they could need in a true wilderness setting. Each session will include a hike and exploration time before focusing on a different survival skill. Topics include learning to make fire, identify and harvest wild plants, tie knots and build shelters, and create fun and practical items like tools and rope.

Forts n’ Fun Club: Let your child’s imagination run wild! Your child will go on a hike to a wilderness classroom where they can play games, build forts, and discover nature in a safe open environment. This unstructured time encourages creativity, independence, friendship and outdoor fun, allowing children to create their own adventures in the wilderness.

Junior Wildlife Biologists Club: Discover the secrets of wildlife like a true scientist! In our kids' club, you'll investigate animal tracks and scat, analyze fascinating biofacts, and identify local species. Dive into hands-on fieldwork and research, exploring the amazing adaptations and behaviors of the creatures in our natural world!

Discovery Day: To protect wild places, kids must first learn to love them. Discovery Days at Backcountry Base Camp let children explore the wonders of the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Each program provides an ideal introduction to the wild outdoors where children will either practice fort building or learn survival skills, depending on the month’s theme.

Astronomy Night: Parents, enjoy a night out after you drop the kids off at Base Camp for a fun astronomy program! Send your kiddo with a picnic dinner and all their questions about the night sky. We'll play games and have a summer treat before an astronomy viewing where we’ll identify constellations and explore their origin stories.

Creatures of the Night: Pack a picnic dinner to eat as you get to know about local wildlife that comes out after hours. We'll get to know about some nocturnal creatures and test your nocturnal know-how before we head out for a night hike filled with fun activities and games that will immerse you in the nighttime world of animals.

Wild Summer: Give your kids a summer night like the ones you remember! After enjoying their packed picnic dinner by the campfire (pending fire restrictions), we'll be playing nighttime games (flashlight tag, capture the flag, etc.), fort building, and top the evening off with a summer treat!

Ages: Our Youth programs are for children ages 7-13

What to Wear:  Closed-toe shoes are required for all participants. Programs typically run rain, snow, or shine, so check the weather and dress accordingly.

What to Bring: A backpack packed with a reusable water bottle, snack, sunscreen, and an extra jacket or raincoat (based on the weather forecast).

Location: Backcountry Base Camp; 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125

Refund Policy: Refund and transfer requests must be made one week prior to the start date of the program. If we have to cancel a program, you will be given a full refund. All refunds are processed with a $5 fee.

If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Dolph at [email protected] or 303-471-7054 

Homeschool Programs

Our homeschool programs offer hands-on learning adventures that inspire curiosity and connect students to nature. Each session blends exploration, creativity, and fun in the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

Get a group of students or families together to schedule a private nature homeschool program! For those who do not want to enroll in an eight-week session, we are offering the opportunity to come out to the Backcountry Wilderness Area for a single nature homeschool program. Prices for these programs are $150 for up to 20 children for family-style programs where at least one adult is staying with the group, or $250 for up to 20 children for a drop-off style program.

Ages

Nature Homeschool: geared toward students in 1st-8th grades (ages 6-14); If needed, groups may be split up according to age for effective teaching.

Horse Homeschool: 7-14; If needed, groups may be split up according to age for effective teaching.

Ratio

Nature Homeschool: For effective teaching, we keep group size to a maximum of 20 students and maintain a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio.

Horse Homeschool: For effective teaching, we keep the group size to a maximum of 8 students and maintain a 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio. 

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes are required for all participants. Programs typically run rain, snow, or shine, so check the weather and dress accordingly.

What to Bring

A backpack packed with a reusable water bottle, snack, sunscreen, and an extra jacket or raincoat (based on the weather forecast).

Location:

Nature: Backcountry Base Camp; 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125.

Horse: Backcountry Horse Corrals; 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125.

Refund Policy

Refund and transfer requests must be made one week prior to the start date of the program. If we have to cancel a program, you will be given a full refund.  All refunds are processed with a $5 fee.

Contact Ellen Dolph at [email protected] or 303-471-7054 for nature homeschool. 

Contact Abby DeGroot at [email protected] for horse homeschool. 

Future Conservationists Initiative (FCI)

The Future Conservationists Initiative (FCI) brings high-quality environmental education to local second grade classrooms at no cost to the schools. All programs through the Future Conservationists Initiative are funded by donations to the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund 501c3 nonprofit.

Let’s be honest, we (adults) may love the outdoors and find a passion in conserving wild places like the Backcountry Wilderness Area, but we won’t be around forever. The education team of the Backcountry Wilderness Area brings top-notch, hands-on environmental education program directly into local second grade classrooms to give each child a chance to learn about conservation in our community and beyond. The goal of our program is to start the conversation on conservation and instill the power in each child that they can start protecting wildlife habitat by learning about it.

When we come to a school for an FCI program, we will visit up to three second-grade classrooms for an identical one-hour program. Our FCI program focuses on habitats, ecosystems, what all living things need – food, water, shelter, space, and differentiating between living and non-living things.

Yes! FCI programs happen in classrooms at no cost to local schools. We don’t want budgets to get in the way of children learning about the nature world and conservation. Our FCI programs are funded completely through donations to the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund 501c3 nonprofit.

The number of schools we are able to come teach at each school years is dependent the success of the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund. We aim to visit 20 schools each year. All FCI programs are scheduled in a first-come, first-served basis.

Not at this time. We are focused on providing a specific program for second grade classrooms that meets our goals as a conservation organization, the goals of teachers, and the standards set by the state. We are more than happy to create an in-class field trip or destination field trip to Backcountry Base Camp for any grade level.

Easy! Fill out the request form. We’ll be in touch soon.

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