Colorado Summer Camps

Students fly into and out of Denver International Airport (DEN). Rustic Pathways staff meet students at the airport and provide group ground transportation to and from the retreat facility on the program arrival and departure days.

Families receive detailed flight guidance after enrollment so they can book flights that match the program’s airport transfer windows.

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Yes. Rustic Pathways offers scholarships and financial aid for qualifying students. Learn more and apply for a scholarship→

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Yes. Students sleep in dormitory-style, gender-specific rooms with bunk beds. Staff members stay in adjacent rooms and are on-site overnight throughout the program.

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Yes. Students may use their phones to call, text, or WhatsApp family at appropriate times during the program. Families can also reach Rustic Pathways through our 24/7 emergency line at any time if needed.

Program Leaders post daily photo updates from the program so families can follow along with the group’s adventures. You’ll see what students are experiencing each day throughout the program.

Students may bring phones, but we encourage them to disconnect and stay present with the group. Wi-Fi is available at the retreat center but may be limited or slower than what students are used to at home. Families can always reach Rustic Pathways through the 24/7 emergency line if needed.

Colorado Summer Camps is open to students ages 12–18. Groups are kept small to maintain a supportive camp-style experience with individual attention from Program Leaders.

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students fly independently to Denver International Airport (DEN). Students traveling on non-U.S. passports are responsible for confirming any US visa or entry requirements before enrolling. After enrollment, our team helps coordinate arrival and departure planning into DEN.

Both are common. Many students arrive without knowing anyone, and many come with a friend. Ice-breakers and group activities on Day 1 help everyone connect quickly. By the end of the first day, most students feel at home with the group.

Students stay at a rustic Outdoor Education Center-style retreat facility that feels more like a hostel or college dorm than a hotel. Students sleep in gender-specific dormitories with bunk beds and shared bathrooms, plus shared indoor and outdoor spaces for meals and group activities. Bathrooms have standard Western-style toilets and showers, and students have reliable access to running water and basic amenities throughout the program.

Roommate requests can be noted during enrollment and are considered wherever possible. Final room assignments are made by staff to ensure the best experience for all students and for safety purposes.

The program is structured with full-group activities each day. Any free time is limited, age-appropriate, and managed by staff. Students are supervised throughout the program—on-site and during all off-site outings.

Program Leaders prepare meals on-site and can usually accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary needs with advance notice. Please list all allergies and dietary restrictions on the medical form so staff can plan ahead. A few meals may be eaten in town during outings. Students with strict dietary needs may want to bring a few favorite shelf-stable snacks as backup.

Most core costs are included in the program price. We recommend approximately $100–150 for souvenirs, extra snacks, and any airport food on travel days. Personal spending money is not included in the program price.

Colorado Summer Camps is a domestic US program. US students and students already authorized to enter the United States do not need a separate visa for this program. International students traveling on non-US passports are responsible for confirming any US entry requirements (including visa, ESTA, or other documentation) before traveling.

Homesickness is normal, and our Program Leaders are trained to support students through it. The structured daily schedule and strong group dynamic help most students settle in quickly. Learn more about how Rustic Pathways manages homesickness →

Rustic Pathways is committed to inclusive travel experiences. We encourage families of neurodiverse students to reach out to our Admissions team before enrolling so we can discuss whether this program is the right fit and what accommodations may be possible. Learn more about inclusivity at Rustic Pathways →