FRIENDS OF CAMP COLTON

The mission of Friends of Camp Colton (Friends) is to cultivate exceptional learning experiences that instill the value of preserving our natural world and inspire growth and discovery. Friends enriches the student experience at Camp Colton, Flagstaff Unified School District’s outdoor learning and discovery center. Camp Colton, an outdoor educational camp located on the San Francisco Peaks, is celebrating more than fifty years of discovery, exploration, and adventure. Through our programs, kids are immersed in nature and inspired to learn about themselves and their world. In addition to developing community partnerships, leading program innovation, and engaging in future planning, Friends expands access to camp. Each year, Friends raises significant funds so that all kids, regardless of income or circumstance, can attend for free and makes our programs possible for schools throughout Northern Arizona. Although Flagstaff and the surrounding areas have plentiful outdoor activities, not every child has the opportunity to experience camp. For the last five decades, our residential programs have introduced more than 48,000 middle school students to the wonders of nature. For many, this is their first-time as a camper, sleeping away from home, and practicing self-reliance. Kids benefit from time in nature away from technology. Campers connect with each other and their environment, ultimately growing in confidence while developing interests and skills that inspire future life and career paths.