Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Adventure Awaits at Camp Chief Ouray
Camp Chief Ouray has been crafting transformative summer camp experiences since 1908, rooted in over a century of expertise in outdoor education and youth development. Our dedicated team of 125+ trained staff members maintains a 1:5 counselor-to-camper ratio, ensuring personalized attention and safety across our 5,100-acre mountain campus. Accredited by the American Camp Association and recognized as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard program, we combine adventure with intentional programming to build confidence, independence, and environmental stewardship.Our staff includes certified wilderness first aid providers and specialists in activities ranging from rafting to leadership training, all operating under rigorous safety protocols reviewed annually by Colorado Child Care Licensing. We uphold the YMCA of the Rockies core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith, creating an inclusive community where campers develop lifelong skills while exploring the Colorado Rockies' natural beauty.
Services
Overnight Camps
Day Camp
Family Camp
Parents' Night Out
Wilderness First Aid
Youth Leadership
Backpacking
Horseback Riding
Rafting
High Ropes
Details
- Year established: 1908
Highlights and features
- We offer over 5,100 acres of pristine Colorado wilderness for immersive outdoor experiences.
- Our 125+ trained staff ensure a safe environment with a 1:5 counselor-to-camper ratio.
- Accredited by the American Camp Association and Leave No Trace Gold Standard for quality.
- We empower youth through adventure and challenge, fostering core values since 1908.
- Scholarships available to ensure accessibility for all young people.
Associations and certifications
- American Camp Association
- Praesidium
- Leave No Trace Gold Standard
What people say
Transformative experiences
Confidence building
Accessible through scholarships
Services
Overnight Camps
Our overnight camps offer 1-3 week sessions in a mountain setting, combining adventure activities with character development. Campers aged 7-17 engage in structured programs that build leadership skills while exploring 5,100 acres of Colorado wilderness. The 1:5 staff-to-camper ratio ensures personalized attention and safety throughout all activities.
Day Camp
Weekly day camp sessions serve ages 5-14 with diverse outdoor activities in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Programs include wilderness education, team-building exercises, and adventure challenges while maintaining daily connections with families. All activities follow strict safety protocols and ACA accreditation standards.
Wilderness First Aid
Certified staff provide wilderness first aid training integrated into all camp programs. The curriculum covers injury assessment, emergency response, and prevention strategies tailored to mountain environments. Training emphasizes practical skills for both staff and campers participating in outdoor adventures.
Leadership Programs
Leadership training combines adventure challenges with personal growth opportunities for teens aged 12-17. Participants develop communication skills, decision-making abilities, and team leadership through structured wilderness experiences. Programs include mentorship from experienced staff and peer collaboration activities.
Family Camps
Family-friendly programs offer multi-generational outdoor experiences that promote bonding and shared learning. Activities include guided hikes, environmental education, and adventure challenges adapted for various age groups. Programs emphasize collaborative experiences that strengthen family connections in natural settings.
Questions
What age groups does Camp Chief Ouray serve?
We offer programs for children aged 5-17, families, and adult participants through various camp sessions.
Are scholarships available for camp attendance?
Yes, we provide need-based scholarships on a sliding scale to ensure accessibility for all campers.
What safety measures are in place at the camp?
We maintain a 1:5 staff-to-camper ratio, employ certified wilderness first aid providers, and follow ACA accreditation standards with annual licensing reviews.
What adventure activities are offered?
Our programs include rafting, horseback riding, high ropes courses, backpacking, and wilderness leadership training in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
How should campers prepare for their stay?
Families receive detailed packing lists and handbooks outlining clothing requirements, prohibited items, and health preparation guidelines for summer camp sessions.
Videos
