Camps

Dinosaur Ridge Camps are an Unforgettable Adventure!

Our award-winning camps keep kids moving and discovering in the incredible setting of the Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas National Natural Landmark. Experiences are designed to foster excitement and wonder for science, art, and the outdoors while engaging in hands-on educational curriculum.

Small group sizes give each camper the opportunity to play, explore, and expand their knowledge.  Camp offers exploration of the Dinosaur Ridge fossil sites, hands-on science projects, and expert guest presenters in the fields of paleontology, geology, art, earth science, survival skills, and local plants and animals.

 

 

President’s Day Camp: Registration Open Now!

February 17, 2025: Earth Explorers (9/13) Ages 5-10

Campers will explore the world of rocks and fossils! This camp is designed for the budding geologist and Jr. paleontologist. Join us for a day full of hands-on crafts, exploration of outdoor sites, collections, and exhibits at Dino Ridge. Discounts apply for multiple children. After-care is available.

Presidents Day Camp Cancellation Policy

  • Full refunds are available through February 1, 2025. 
  • 50% refunds are available from February 2 through February 10, 2025. 
  • No refunds are available after February 11, 2025. 
      Dinosaur Ridge Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center
      Single Day Camp Pricing
      • $84 ($10 sibling discount available)
      Camps at Dinosaur Ridge

      Spring Break Camp: Registration is Open!

      March  17 – 21, 2025

      Join us as we explore the ancient past as we dig into the world of fossils, rocks, and nature!  Get ready for a fun, educational experience that will ignite curiosity and spark a passion for science! Single or multiday registrations available. Discounts apply for multiple children and multi-session registrations. After-care is available.

      Themes & Dates:

      • Finding Fossils Day: Monday, March 17th
      • Discovering Dinosaurs Day: Tuesday, March 18th
      • Geology Rocks! and Minerals Day: Wednesday March 19th
      • Spring into Sustainability Day: Thursday March 20th
      • Adventures in Art Day: Friday March 21st

      Summer Camp 2025: Registration Now Open!

      Join us for another exciting and educational experience at our awarding-winning summer camp, where young explorers dive deep into the worlds of paleontology, geology, and earth science!

      This hands-on, science-based camp takes place within a unique setting and is perfect for curious minds who love adventure and discovery. Dino Ridge Summer Camp is a thrilling way to expand your camper’s imaginations and understanding of life on Earth!

      Summer Camp 2025 has moved to a new location!

      Camp now has dedicated indoor classroom spaces at The Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center located at Red Rocks Entrance #1, 17681 W Alameda Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401

      Themes & Dates:

      • Fossils & Fun (ages 5-10) May 26-30
      • Rockstars (ages 11-13) June 2-6
      • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) June 2-6
      • NEW THEME: Prehistoric Protectors (ages 5-10) June 9-13
      • Jr. Scientists (ages 8-11) June 9-13
      • Nature Trekkers (ages 5-10) June 16-20
      • Fossils and Fun (ages 5-10) June 23-27
      • NO CAMP JUNE 30 – JULY 4
      • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) July 7-11
      • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 8-11) July 7-11
      • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) July 14-18
      • NEW THEME: Prehistoric Protectors (ages 5-10) July 21-25
      • Jr. Scientists (ages 8-11) July 21-25
      • Fossils & Fun (ages 5-10) July 28-August 1
      • Nature Trekkers (ages 5-10) August 4-8
        Camp Information

        To read about our Summer Camp, as well as what to bring to camp each day, you can check out the following. The itinerary will be sent out about two weeks prior to the start of the camp session.

        Camp Pricing
        • $410 weekly rate with discount options for members, multiweek registrations, and sibling discounts available.
        • $75 weekly rate for Aftercare.
        Camp Scholarships

        We do have scholarships available for our camp sessions! Please follow this link to read and fill out our scholarship request form. If you have any questions, please contact us at Camps@dinoridge.org.

        Limited Scholarship spots have been reserved some weeks.

        Camp Cancellation Policy

        • Up to March 31 – refunds are available in full
        • April 1 – 15 – refunds will be full minus the $100 deposit (per registration)
        • April 16 – 30 – refunds will be 50% of the session cost (After-care refunded automatically)
        • May 1st through the end of the camp season: no refunds *

        *At any time you can cancel and choose to place paid funds into your ACTIVE Family Account for future use at Dinosaur Ridge Camps (Summer, Winter Break, Spring Break, etc.). You can also choose to give any or all of the paid funds to Dinosaur Ridge as a tax-deductible donation.

        Theme Descriptions

        Fossils and Fun (ages 5-10)
        Unearth a world of prehistoric wonders at Fossils and Fun! Join us on a thrilling adventure to discover the secrets of ancient life.  Your child will have a blast while learning about paleontology and the importance of preserving our planet’s history. Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.
        Prehistoric Protectors (ages 5-10)
        Join us on a thrilling adventure through time, where we’ll explore the prehistoric world and learn about the importance of protecting our planet. From crafting dino-inspired eco-friendly crafts to embarking on exciting nature hikes, your child will have a roaring good time while developing a love for the environment. Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.
        Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) and (ages 8-11)
        Embark on a thrilling journey back in time to the age of dinosaurs! Join us for a week of prehistoric fun, where your camper will become a dino expert. From expert guest speaker to creating their own dinosaur world, they will learn about these incredible creatures and the world they once ruled. Get ready for a roaring good time! Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.
        Rockstars (ages 11-13)
        This exciting camp is perfect for curious minds eager to learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. From field trips to identify rock formations to hands-on experiments in a paleo lab, your camper gain a deeper understanding of Earth’s history and its ongoing processes. Join us for a week of fun, discovery, and scientific exploration! Campers will get the opportunity to learn more about paleontological and geological methods in this joint camp with our sibling museum, the Morrison Natural History Museum.
        Jr. Scientists (ages 8-11)
        Become a young scientist and explore the wonders of the natural world! Join us for a week of exciting experiments, hands-on activities, and outdoor adventures, your camper will learn about science in a fun and interactive way. Unleash their inner scientist and discover the world in a new light!
        Nature Trekkers (ages 5-10)
        Embark on a thrilling adventure through nature’s wonders! Join us for a week of outdoor exploration, where your camper will hike through forests, discover hidden creatures, and learn about the plants and animals that call these places home. Whether they are a seasoned explorer or a curious newcomer, they’ll have a blast while connecting with the natural world. Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.

        Dinosaur Ridge has a dedicated camp staff!

        Seeking Energetic Junior Camp Counselors

         

        Junior counselors are volunteers between the ages of 14 and 20 who gain valuable experience in what it takes to create a fun, educational environment for campers. Gain new leadership skills, earn volunteer credit in support of your school or college application goals, and enjoy time outdoors at the site of our National Natural Landmark.
        Note: all Jr. Counselors must be available for 2 weeks of camp (weeks need not be consecutive). There may be an opportunity to volunteer for more than 2 weeks (please ask).
        photo of camp directors

        Our Camp Directors are Unbeatable!

        Erin LaCount and Amanda Rea co-lead multiple weeks of camp experiences year-round with activities that are a blend of fun and learning. Spaces sell out quickly and many campers return year after year, some to become Junior Camp Counselors themselves.

        Amanda Rea (She/They)

        Camp & Collections Director

        In May of 2021, Amanda began working for Dinosaur Ridge as a Summer Camp Leader before transitioning to a Tour Guide after the summer season and on October 2024 was promoted to Camp and Collections Director.

        Amanda earned a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Biology from The University of Texas at Arlington. Their passion for the outdoors and science drove them to work in outdoor and STEM education. Prior to moving to Colorado, they worked in Texas at a variety of day and resident camps. Amanda seeks out fossil hunting, rockhounding, hiking, and rock climbing in their personal life.

        Erin LaCount (She/Her)

        Education Programs Director

        In April of 2002 Erin joined the staff at Dinosaur Ridge as a summer school tour guide and camp assistant. More than 20 years later Erin is the Education Programs Director overseeing the educational components of school and public tours, special events, camps, and exhibits.

        Erin has an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in geology and museum studies. She has a passion for learning about the ancient world and sharing that knowledge with all ages!

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