Summer Camp Partnerships

This year, we invited several outside organizations to partner with us and provide campers with a better understanding and appreciation for our Earth. Here is a closer look at our partners and their important work. 

Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP) is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, and sick birds of prey in Colorado. Their mission focuses on ensuring the survival of raptors such as hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls, many of which face threats from habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and human-wildlife conflict. RMRP works to restore the health of these majestic birds and return them to their natural habitats. By providing expert care and fostering a deeper connection between people and wildlife, RMRP plays a crucial role in safeguarding the future of these vital yet often overlooked species. Our High School and Middle School campers enjoyed meeting some of their bird ambassadors and learned about the importance of the raptor species, their role in ecosystems, and how communities can help protect them.

https://www.rmrp.org/

The Boulder Watershed Collective (BWC) is an organization focused on protecting and restoring the health of water systems and watersheds in the Boulder, Colorado area. Their work spans a variety of environmental initiatives, including habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and community engagement. BWC took campers down to Rock Creek and taught campers how they can become stewards of watersheds. Campers even got to capture and observe mayfly nymphs before returning them to the water. By fostering a connection between people and their natural environment, BWC helps ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the region’s vital water resources. 

https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com

Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NoCo Astro) is a community-driven organization based in Northern Colorado that aims to inspire interest and education in astronomy and space science. Through public outreach, events, and educational programs, NoCo Astro brings the wonders of the night sky to people of all ages and backgrounds. They organize star parties, telescope workshops, and guest speaker events, offering opportunities for the public to learn about astronomy and space exploration in an accessible and engaging way. NoCo Astro brought telescopes to Highlands and provided campers with a hands-on learning experience, fostering curiosity about the universe. NoCo Astro helped ignite a sense of wonder in our campers. 

https://www.nocoastro.org

Butterfly Pavilion is a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of invertebrates, with a special focus on butterflies, bees, and other essential pollinators. Located in Westminster, Colorado, it serves as both a living museum and an educational hub, offering visitors a chance to explore interactive exhibits and immerse themselves in the world of invertebrates. Butterfly Pavilion is home to thousands of butterflies in its tropical conservatory, but its work extends beyond education. Through research, conservation programs, and habitat restoration efforts, they aim to protect pollinator populations that are critical to global food security and biodiversity. For a second year, their outreach program came to Highlands where campers learned about the diversity and importance of pollinators and invertebrates and how we can protect them.

https://butterflies.org