Raising the Next Generation of Nature Explorers
A nature-based summer camp in Crested Butte, Colorado—created and lead by local Triple Crown long distance hiker Christian “Buddy Backpacker” Thomas.
CB Explorers is a nature based, half-day outdoor camp for kids ages 7–11. We’ll meet five times a week in the wild beauty of Crested Butte, Colorado. Our themes include wildlife tracking, river games, painting, and storytelling — giving kids space to explore and grow.
July 7th-11th:
Monday: Camp kickoff with games and a nature walk
Tuesday: Trail navigation – signs and skills
Wednesday: Trail Treasures challenge
Thursday: Map-making, trail play, and explorer crafts
Friday: Trail quest finale with games and music
July 14th-18th:
Monday: Safe water play and river critter discovery.
Tuesday: Build and race twig boats by the river
Wednesday: Water races, wetland play, and splashy science
Thursday: Bug viewing, nature games
Friday: Boat races, camp art, and silly awards
July 21st -25th
Monday: Nature painting with handmade brushes
Tuesday: Craft medallions and bracelets with nature materials
Wednesday: Make forest creatures and tell silly stories
Thursday: Costumes, crowns, and face paint fun
Friday: Camp art show and celebration
July 28th- August 1st
Monday: Build shelters and learn explorer skills
Tuesday: Track animal signs and go on a scout walk
Wednesday: Obstacle course and nature trivia games
Thursday: Compass basics and a scavenger hunt
Friday: Explorer games, awards, and bubble fun
August 4th -8th:
Monday: Bubble science and bouncing ball tests
Tuesday: Sink or float experiments and boat races
Wednesday: Dig for fossils, make earth jars, and earth themed trivia
Thursday: Paper airplane lab and parachute drops
Friday: Volcanoes, color science, and fun awards
August 11th – 15th
Monday: Kids vote and lead their favorite activities
Tuesday: Nature missions and obstacle fun
Wednesday: Long hike, bracelets, and trail games
Thursday: Memory rocks, journals, and shout-outs
Friday: Camp carnival, certificates, and goodbyes
$120 Per Week
Or
$30 Daily Drop In
9am – 1pm
What Campers Take Home
Nature Literacy
Learn to ID plants, track animals, and explore local ecosystems.
Creative Expression
Painting, storytelling, and nature journaling every week.
Teamwork & Confidence
Group games and quests build trust and problem-solving skills.
Our Mission
CB Explorers is more than a camp—it’s a youth-led project designed to connect children with the natural world through joy and movement.
Meet Christian Thomas
AKA
“Buddy Backpacker”
Christian Thomas is a 17-year-old CB local adventurer who grew up learning outside. After hiking all 8000+ miles of the Triple Crown trails before age 10, he is now sharing that joy through a camp he designed just for kids.
Sign Up Here:
Please include the dates you are interested in signing up for, number of children, ages, names and any allergies or important information you’d like to share about your camper