Staff In Training Colorado - 11th to 12th - Expedition Camp

From navigating the backcountry to building lifelong friendships and gaining hands-on leadership skills, the Staff-In-Training Expedition (SIT) for 11th – 12th Graders is an opportunity of a lifetime —one you won’t want to miss.

This unique program kicks off with a six-day backpacking trip in the stunning mountains of Colorado where teens will hike, explore, build community, and receive a specialized Leave No Trace training.

Groups then head to Windy Peak Outdoor Lab, 225 acres of breathtaking wilderness adjacent to the Colorado Trail, where they will reflect on all that they’ve learned and recharge for their upcoming adventures. Next, groups will replenish food supplies and pack up gear for their upcoming week of fun.

SIT campers spend the second week of their empowering experience in the rich landscape of Curt Gowdy State Park in Wyoming where they spend six-days building technical skills in paddling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking and hone their sport-specific skills with their fellow SITs. They’ll also learn how to teach one of our core sports and put those lessons into practice teaching younger campers (assuming groups are inter-mingling in ‘22).

How to apply: 

  1. Complete your registration for your preferred session.
  2. Within a week after completing your registration, we’ll send you the “application” for the Staff-in-Training program.  This helps us get to know your child before the program begins.

Space is limited, so register early!

* Departure and pick up are in Louisville, CO.

PRICING

Camp Length Two Weeks
Price $2,960
Total Camp Hours 293
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Add-Ons Price
DEN Airport Camp Shuttle $40 one-way
$80 round-trip
Sleeping Bag and Pads To minimize Covid risks we are not renting sleeping bags.
Packing lists and gear purchase options will be available.

Camp Details

GRADES

Entering 11th-12th

Hours

2-Week Session
Sunday Check-In, 10:00 AM
Friday Check-Out, 3:45 PM

Location

Drop-Off/Pick-Up: 1501 Empire Rd, Louisville, CO

Camp Location: Curt Gowdy State Park, WY

Policies

Payment Plans
Change & Cancelation Policies

Discounts

Multi-Session:
Mix and Match For Up to $50 Off Per Session

Your Adventures

Backpacking

Rock Climbing

Mountain Biking

Whitewater Rafting

Standup Paddleboarding

Camping

Teambuilding

Leadership

Spend six days hiking through the backcountry!  You will learn what it takes to become a backcountry guide, carrying your gear on your back, pitching tents in picturesque spots and getting to know your expedition-mates. You’ll also learn the Leave No Trace Principles, earning a certificate in the fundamentals of how to enjoy the outdoors respectfully and sustainably.

Try your hands and feet at climbing the nearby Vedauwoo’s striking crags, brushing up on climbing techniques, equipment best practices and safety precautions as you take your skills to the next level.

Explore Curt Gowdy’s 50+ miles of dedicated mountain biking trails on your own two wheels, reviewing bike maintenance and safety and honing your technical and trail riding skills.

Head to Cache la Poudre River for a day of whitewater adventure. Led by licensed rafting guides, you’ll work as a team to navigate your vessel and splash through a range of rapids.

On flat water, campers will spend a full day mastering the basics of stand up paddleboarding, perfecting their strokes and balance. Once they hit moving water, they’ll learn to paddle through rapids and even how to catch waves and carve turns on a paddleboard-turned-surfboard.

On your six-day expedition in Curt Gowdy State Park, you’ll set up and break down your own campsite, sleep in tents, make meals on camping stoves and maintain a clean, cozy, organized home away from home.

Practice important interpersonal skills like communication and problem solving as you play, hang out and adventure alongside your fellow SITs. Learn to lead your team and be led by them, strengthening your bonds through teambuilding exercises and games.

Learn fundamental leadership skills, including the basics of Love and Logic, camper management, delivering feedback and running environmental briefings. Lead lessons alongside seasoned Avid4 Adventure instructors, supporting younger expedition campers as they learn to bike, climb and paddle.

What You'll Take Away

In addition to a rewarding, enriching two weeks at camp, you’ll leave your expedition with:

  • A strong foundation for future work with kids in the outdoors
  • Practical professional skills and job experience
  • A nationally recognized training in Leave No Trace principles
  • References and job recommendations from our staff
  • Community service credit, if applicable (just ask!)

Expedition Pre-Camp Guide

Already registered? All the information you need about your Staff-in-Training Expedition camp adventure – where to go, what to bring, camp photo links – is waiting for you in our Pre-Camp Guide.

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WE TAKE SAFETY SERIOUSLY

While no outdoor adventure is totally risk-free, we work hard to keep your kids safe. Every activity starts with a discussion about the risks involved -- what they are, how to prevent them, how to respond if something goes wrong -- so kids learn how to approach challenges with intelligence and skill.

OUR APPROACH TO SAFETY