2025 Brett Beasley Memorial Scholarship
April 3, 2025
The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) is planning to award one $1,000 scholarship in the spring of 2025 to
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
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
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 take place via a lottery system, ensuring a fair and equitable selection process. The two-week application period will open on March 6th, and close on March 20th.
Active GARNA Family members (and above) receive double entries and save $30 per registration. Renew or Join!
Camp GARNA
Rising 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 late summer/fall program developed by Trout Unlimited where students learn stream ecology and fly fishing skills.
2025 Buena Vista Dates
TBD
2025 Salida Dates
TBD
Latest GARNA News
Benthic aquatic macroinvertebrates: The hidden heroes of aquatic ecosystems
April 3, 2025
If you’re a kid who has participated in a GARNA or Trout Unlimited summer program or field trip, there is
Sad news
February 26, 2025
UPDATE: A memorial service for Jason will be held on Saturday March 15 at 1pm at the Salida Methodist Church,
