DATES & THEMES

Future Scientists (June 1-5, July 6-10)

Do you want to be a scientist when you grow up? Campers this session will learn about biology, physics, geology, and more! Fun outdoor activities will include explosive experiments. Playtime in Sand Creek is included every day. 

Earth Defenders (June 8-12, July 13-17) NEW! 

Help your camper learn how to love, respect, and take responsibility for the natural spaces in their life. Campers in this session will learn about conservation science, sustainability, and stewardship while having fun in nature, going in the creek each day, and planning and carrying out their own service project to help the environment. 

Outdoor Skills (June 15-19, July 20-24)

Does your camper love going on adventures? This session is all about developing the skills necessary to have fun, be safe, and grow in the outdoors. Campers will learn about shelter and fire building, how to identify animals and plants, and go on lots of hikes. Every day will be a new adventure to see new sights, practice new skills, and gain more self confidence in the outdoors! Playtime in Sand Creek is included every day. 

Legends and Lore (June 22-26, July 27-31) 

Cultures from around the world have drawn on nature as an inspiration for our favorite myths, legends, and fantastical creatures. Imagine and bring to life your own constellations, cryptid animals, and stories while learning about the real plants, animals, and natural processes that inspire you in this creative session of camp. Playtime in Sand Creek is included every day. 

Best of Bluff Lake (August 3-7, August 10-14)

Have a week full of wild adventures, each chosen from camper and counselor favorites across the summer. Each day has crafts, games, and activities from each of the other sessions with Future Scientists on Monday, Earth Defenders on Tuesday, Outdoor Skills on Wednesday, Legends and Lore on Thursday, and camper’s choice on Friday. Playtime in Sand Creek is included every day. 

Junior Counselor Program (Ages 13-17)

Junior Counselors are paired with adult counselors for two weeks of camp to gain outdoor education job experience, practice leadership and teaching, and bond with campers and other Junior Counselors. Every “J.C.” will leave camp with personalized feedback, job and reference connections, and experience working with kids. This is a great opportunity for aspiring teachers, scientists, or future camp counselors! If you are interested please submit your application, then be invited to register for two week sessions (camp fees are discounted due to your valuable help). Applications open in early January and interview offers start going out later in the month. Click here for more information.

What does a camper’s day look like at Bluff Lake?

Each day at Bluff Lake has three scheduled activities, one block of creek play, and three meal times. The three activity blocks are usually split between one game, one craft, and one lesson. Daily schedules have enough consistency that campers get used to the flow of the day, and enough variety that they stay engaged. Counselors encourage campers to participate in every activity and to challenge themselves by choice. We are flexible and can accommodate camper needs in our activities, scheduling, and instruction.