By Katie Soenke

For many Colorado families, summer camp remains a childhood tradition that has changed surprisingly little over the decades.

While technology has transformed how kids spend their free time, camps tucked into the forests of Teller and Park counties continue to offer something simple: a week outdoors, new friendships and a chance to try something different.

For generations of families along the Front Range, summer often begins with a drive west on U.S. 24. Within an hour of Colorado Springs, neighborhoods give way to pine forests, open meadows and mountain views. For thousands of campers each year, those roads lead to some of Colorado’s longest-running summer camps.

Near Lake George, Blue Mountain Ranch has been welcoming campers since 1946. The traditional overnight camp focuses on horseback riding, fishing, hiking, sports, arts and crafts, and camping trips. Nearly 80 years later, the formula remains much the same.

A few miles away, Sanborn Western Camps opened in 1948 and has become one of Colorado’s most recognized camp organizations. Campers spend their days horseback riding, backpacking, practicing archery and learning outdoor skills. The camp draws participants from across the country and abroad, helping make the Florissant area a destination for summer recreation.

The continued popularity of camps like Blue Mountain Ranch and Sanborn reflects a growing desire among many families to get children outdoors and away from screens for part of the summer.

Camp Shady Brook in Deckers offers another option for Front Range families. Operated by the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, the camp includes overnight programs, horseback riding, climbing activities, ropes courses, zip lines and leadership experiences. Its location makes it a convenient mountain getaway without requiring extensive travel.

Faith-based camps have long been part of the summer landscape west of Colorado Springs.

Camp Elim, located north of Woodland Park, has served campers since 1960. The camp combines outdoor recreation, horseback riding and group activities with Christian programming for elementary, middle school and high school students.

Nearby, Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp near Divide offers youth camps, family camps and wilderness programs. Quaker Ridge Camp and Conference Center also hosts youth camps, retreats and family events throughout the summer.

One local camp serves a particularly unique mission.

Colorado Lion’s Camp, located west of Woodland Park, provides camp experiences for children and adults with disabilities and special needs. Through adaptive recreation and accessible programming, participants can enjoy many of the same activities offered at traditional camps while ensuring individual needs are met.

Together, these camps offer a wide range of experiences within easy driving distance of Colorado Springs.

Some focus on horseback riding. Others emphasize faith, leadership, wilderness skills or accessibility. Yet despite their differences, they share a common goal: giving young people opportunities to build confidence, develop independence and spend time outdoors.

In a world increasingly centered on screens, schedules and constant connectivity, the appeal of summer camp may be simpler than ever.

For a week or two, kids trade devices for campfires, group chats for cabin mates and daily routines for mountain adventures.

And for many Colorado families, that remains one of summer’s best traditions.