Headwaters Institute Resources
June 9, 2025
Thanks to everyone who joined us at the annual Headwaters Institute – Gathering of the Guides on June 6.
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
Camp GARNA
Rising 5th-8th graders
STEM at the Schoolhouse
July 7-10, Noon -4pm.
4 days of fun environmental STEM activities designed for middle school kids at the Valley View Nature Learning Center.
Attend one or attend all 4, just $20/session.
Stream Explorers
Rising 5th-8th graders
Stream Explorers is a 2-day mini camp in partnership with Trout Unlimited where students learn stream ecology and fly fishing skills.
2025 Buena Vista Dates
July 18 & 19
2025 Salida Dates
August 1 & 8
Joint Family Fishing Day for Participants and their Families – Aug 9
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!
We have a few spots recently opened – email Craig for available slots.
Latest GARNA News
Brett Beasley Scholarship Awarded to Izzy Hughes
May 19, 2025
On behalf of the Beasley family and scholarship committee, GARNA awarded the annual Brett Beasley Memorial Scholarship to Salida High
Ways and Days to Volunteer with Youth!
April 10, 2025
Our Youth Ecological Literacy Program field trips are coming up soon, and we need a few good volunteers! Station topics
