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.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| July 7th – 11th | Camp kickoff with games and a nature walk | Trail navigation – signs and skills | Trail Treasures challenge | Map-making, trail play, and explorer crafts | Trail quest finale with games and music |
| July 14th – 18th | Safe water play and river critter discovery. | Build and race twig boats by the river | Water races, wetland play, and splashy science | Bug viewing, nature games | Boat races, camp art, and silly awards |
| July 21st – 25th | Nature painting with handmade brushes | Craft medallions and bracelets with nature | Make forest creatures and tell silly stories | Costumes, crowns, and face paint fun | Camp art show and celebration |
| July 28th – August 1st | Build shelters and learn explorer skills | Track animal signs and go on a scout walk | Obstacle course and nature trivia games | Compass basics and a scavenger hunt | Explorer games, awards, and bubble fun |
| August 4th – 8th | Bubble science and bouncing ball tests | Sink or float experiments and boat races | Dig for fossils, make earth jars, and earth themed trivia | Paper airplane lab and parachute drops | Volcanoes, color science, and fun awards |
| August 11th – 15th | Kids vote and lead their favorite activities | Mystery nature missions and obstacle fun | Long hike, bracelets, and trail games | Memory rocks, journals, and shout-outs | Camp carnival, certificates, and goodbyes |
$150 Per Week
Or
$40 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”
Hi! I’m Christian, a 17-year-old adventurer who grew up learning outside. After hiking all 8,000+ miles of the Triple Crown trails before age 10, I’m now sharing that joy through a camp I designed just for kids.
