The GORP Act: Local-led Legislation for Public Lands
January 8, 2025
Amid ceaseless visitation, explosive development and a changing climate, locals in Colorado mountain towns often struggle to feel a sense
Youth Nature Camps
our mission
Connect with nature, build friendships, and have a blast
Explore the great outdoors and let your love of nature bloom with GARNA’s summer nature camps! Join GARNA instructors as we invite campers to explore public lands in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Campers will hike mountain trails, collect bugs in streams, experiment, journal and much more while appreciating the joys of nature.
Programs Available
Nature Camp
Ages: 4 – 10 years old
Schedule: 9am-4pm, M-Th
Cost: $300
Lunch provided
Each day we will visit different locations to diversify our learning environment, introducing Nature Camp participants to different natural areas in our valley!
Scholarships are available, and can be applied for through the application process. Spanish-language support is also available.
2025 Dates
For 2025, all camps will be based out of the Valley View Nature Learning Center in Salida. Transportation from BV will be provided. Youth will be split into two ages groups (4-6 & 7-10) each day for age-specific programming and field trips.
Registration will start in March and will be announced via our newsletter.
2025 Dates
Session 1: June 2-5 – Theme: Adventure Essentials
Session 2: June 9-12 – Theme: The Wild Side
Session 3: June 16-19 – Theme: Uncharted Habitats
Session 4: June 23-26 – Theme: Journey Through Time
Camp GARNA
5th-8th graders
Summer program for Middle School students!
This summer, we will be hosting 3 monthly stand alone overnight experiences. Locations and dates coming soon.
Stream Explorers
5th-8th graders
Stream Explorers is a 4-week program developed by Trout Unlimited where students learn stream ecology and fly fishing skills. The sessions happen in the morning on four consecutive Fridays, and there will be a Buena Vista and Salida option.
2025 Buena Vista Dates
TBD
2025 Salida Dates
TBD
Latest GARNA News
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Awards GARNA Outdoor Equity Grant
December 17, 2024
The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) announces it was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Outdoor Equity Grant Board
A Crash Course on Hazardous Mine Drainage
December 9, 2024
Throughout the Arkansas River Valley sagging mine shafts offer a glimpse into a bygone era of mining, but these sites
