Kinder Campers: Outdoor Odyssey (Grades: Pre-K - Kindergarten)

NEW! Kinder Campers is a new program developed exclusively for our youngest, first-time campers. These camps, reserved for 5 year-olds stepping into their first formal classroom or camp experience, offer a nurturing environment full of wonder and adventure. Capacities for these programs are limited, allowing for small group sizes.

NEW FOR 2025: EARLY RELEASE FRIDAYS! All K-8 summer camps on the CU Boulder campus end at 3pm on Fridays.

  Frequently Asked Questions 

  Click Here to Register

July 21-25 (Online registration closes July 11. Call 303-492-7188 to register after this date.)
9am-12pm
$295
Location: CU Science Discovery

Gear up, young adventurers! Grab your backpack and magnifying glass as we set off to uncover the wonders of nature right here in Boulder. From investigating plants and animals to exploring streams and meadows, we’ll use our curiosity and detective skills to unlock the secrets of the great outdoors. Through hands-on activities, games, and plenty of adventure, we’ll discover the incredible magic hidden in the world around us. Get ready for outdoor odysseys full of exploration, discovery, and unforgettable moments in nature!


What to Bring: While at Science Discovery, participants are expected to store their personal belongings in their backpack. Space is limited so please limit the number of personal items brought from home. All items should be labeled with the participant’s first and last name in case an item is misplaced. Please send your child with the following each day:

  • A backpack (sized to fit your child) for carrying personal items and any camp materials they will be bringing home
  • Filled water bottle(s)
  • 1-2 snacks (or more), depending on the child's needs
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • A hair tie to hold back lengthy hair, if applicable
  • Full set of extra clothes in a Ziploc bag
  • All camps spend a portion of each day outside. Please send your child with clothing appropriate for the daily forecasted weather (jacket, sweatshirt, rain poncho, etc.)
  • Optional: A mask or any additional Personal Protective Equipment the child wishes to utilize

Grade Policy: CU Science Discovery serves students in grades K-12. Careful consideration is used to determine grade levels for all camps and classes. To provide the highest quality experience for all participants, it is necessary to adhere to the specified grade range for all camps and classes. Please note: All participants must be a minimum of 5 years of age to attend a CU Science Discovery camp.

Cancellation and Transfer Policy: Science Discovery has designed its cancellation policy to minimize the number of camp and class spots that are unused due to last-minute cancellations. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the camp/class. In the event that a camp/class is cancelled by Science Discovery, registrants will receive a full refund. Transfer requests made up to 30 days prior to the start of a camp/class will incur a $15 administrative fee. Transfer requests made within 30 days of the the start of a camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee.


CU Boulder employs a framework for public health and COVID-19 decision-making that follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. While masks are optional on the CU Boulder campus, we encourage those who prefer to do so to continue wearing them. Properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks remain an effective tool for preventing transmission, especially in conjunction with vaccination. Students, parents and staff are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling sick or have COVID-like symptoms.

Feeling under the weather? You should begin isolation at home as soon as you:

  • Begin to experience symptoms that may be related to COVID-19.
  • Receive a positive test result for COVID-19, regardless of whether you have symptoms.
  • Have been instructed to isolate by a healthcare provider or public health staff member.

When considering policy changes around COVID-19 transmission prevention, CU Science Discovery will adhere to all campus, county and Public Health guidelines. (Updated January 2024)