About Highlands Camp

Highlands Camp is Accredited by the ACA

The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a national organization with more than 12,000 plus membership and 3,000 member camps. ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camps and outdoor experiences for children, youth, and adults. ACA provides advocacy and evidence-based education and professional development, and is the only national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. ACA-Accredited Camps meet up to 290 health and safety standards. Accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to health, safety, and overall well-being of both campers and staff. Learn more at www.ACAcamps.org.

Childcare Licensing

Highlands Camp is a licensed childcare provider, meeting Colorado State Childcare licensing standards and passing a yearly inspection.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of Highlands Camp is to inspire the next generation of thinkers, doers, dreamers, believers, and difference makers by fostering a sense of belonging, curiosity, connection with nature, and sense of adventure through a safe and fun camp experience.

At Highlands Camp, we plant seeds for the future by stretching kids to grow outside of their comfort zone and reach their full potential. We believe in the power of disconnecting from technology and connecting with nature. Real-life human interactions are invaluable, and we know that there are few opportunities in a modern young person’s life to leave the phones behind, gather with a large group of peers, and play outside. Highlands Camp creates space for a childlike sense of wonder to shine by providing meaningful experiences in nature and allowing time for campers to explore the natural world around them. Under the careful supervision and watchful eye of our professionally trained counselors, campers have room to roam, build, create, and imagine beyond the confines of four walls and phone screens. Through adventure activities like rock climbing and archery, campers overcome challenges and are instilled with confidence in their own abilities. Highlands campers create lasting memories and friendships built upon the core values of belonging, curiosity, play, adventure, and connection with people and place.

The Board of Directors of Highlands Camp & Retreat Center is committed to hosting Summer Camp for Youth that is both faithful to the Presbyterian Tradition and inclusive of all denominations and faith expressions. Highlands Summer Camp is a place that explores and encourages the development of Christian spiritual practices like gratitude, generosity, fellowship, and the practice of awe-seeking. We believe that a deep sense of spirituality naturally comes from a deep connection to nature. Our campers are invited to engage with nature, experience awe and wonder, create lasting friendships and stretch their minds, bodies and souls in ways that will nurture them for years to come.

Highlands Camp Core Values: belonging, curiosity, play, adventure, and connection with people & place

History

In the early 1900s, Miss Augusta Mengedoht managed a cluster of summer rental cottages close to the mountain community of Allenspark.

After World War II, Presbyterians in northern Colorado began searching for a place in the mountains where young people could attend summer camp. They discovered that Miss Mengedoht’s mountain retreat was for sale, and in 1945, 49 acres were purchased, and Highlands Camp was born.

Highlands grew through the years, adding neighboring properties as they became available. This growth increased the acreage from 49 to 293. In 2024, Highlands preserved all 293 acres into a conservation easement held by the Estes Valley Land Trust, ensuring that this sacred land will be protected in perpetuity. It will always remain a beautiful, natural landscape and will never be parceled off or sold.

Today, Highlands Camp operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Highlands’ roots run deep in the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition, and we welcome all faiths, creeds, traditions, ages, abilities, nationalities, genders and gender expressions. Highlands is a sanctuary for all.

Summer Camp remains the core mission of Highlands Camp.