Base Camps
YMCA Camp Jackson is a place for establishing friendships that last a lifetime, having fun in one of Colorado’s most beautiful outdoor settings and sharing the fellowship that enhances social and outdoor skills. Mornings are spent focusing on camper selected “specialty area” and learning new skills during choice time. The afternoons are spent with tribe groups trying new activities and experiencing the great outdoors. Friday is our tribal contest where the different tribes compete for the prestigious title of ‘tribe of honor’.

Base Camp - This one week program is our most popular program at Camp Jackson, it is a great introduction to our camp community. Spend a week in the beautiful mountains, making new friends, learning new skills and making memories that will last a lifetime. Every day is spent with cabin mates and new friends while the evenings are spent with the whole camp in evening programs and camp fires.

Extended Base Camp - If you are 10 to 12 you can register for our two week extended base camp program. This program contains all the same activities as regular base camp. The extra week lets campers develop deeper friendships.

Hold Overs - If you don’t want to go home in between weeks at camp then register for a holdover weekend and stay for two weeks without going home. Hold over weekends can also be used for our teen & senior teen programs

Base Camp Specialty Areas
When registering for camp, each camper needs to select a specialty area of their choice. Every morning campers will participate in their specialty area. During the afternoon, campers will have the opportunity to try many of the specialty area activities (including horse riding) with their tribe groups.

Shooting Sports - This area includes archery, riflery and slingshots. It starts with safety and basic techniques, then progresses to advanced techniques and competitions. We focus on the sport from a marksmanship perspective.

Eco Challenge - Experience the great outdoors first hand at 8000 feet! Go on hikes discovering forests, creeks and meadows. Make amazing nature art with different projects each week. You’ll work on our vegetable garden and with our camp animals. Have fun with recycling and composting - you might even see some worms!

Mountain Sports - Campers spend time at the lake canoeing, rock climbing at Crockett Falls, orienteering and learning survival skills. This is the ultimate specialty area for outdoor enthusiasts.

Horsemanship - Campers learn Western Riding techniques through a variety of games and patterns. Participants then practice some of the basic gymkhana events. This is interspersed with trail rides through our scenic property.