By Jean Zirnhelt
An incredible opportunity is being offered to an area student between the ages of 13 and 17 to attend a week long camp this June. If exploring nature in beautiful surroundings and learning about birds sounds appealing, this is the camp for you. Camp Colorado is based at the Highlands Camp and Retreat Center in Allenspark, CO, at the edge of Rocky Mtn National Park. This camp will teach you skills to enhance your observations of the natural world with sketching, painting, field journaling, photography and more.
A new adventure awaits each day when campers explore the birdlife in ecosystems from the grasslands, and foothills to mountain areas within Rocky Mtn National Park. Make new friends from across the country with similar interests. With the small number of campers in the program and friendly, knowledgeable staff, the camp is designed to make your experience a blast from beginning to end.
The camp in 2024 takes place from June 23 to 30. COVID vaccination is strongly recommended but not required. Camp requirements do require that all campers and staff provide a negative COVID-19 test before arrival. Detailed information on the camp may be found on the website aba.org/campcolorado.
To apply for the scholarship, students should submit an essay of 400-600 words describing his or her experiences in the outdoors and reasons for wishing to attend the camp, along with a letter of recommendation from an adult who is not a relative. Submissions must be received by Weminuche Audubon Society by March 1 and may be sent by email to weminuche.audubon@gmail.com or by mail to PO Box 1087, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
The scholarship, which pays camp expenses, is awarded thanks to the generosity of Joan Ward, who has funded the scholarship since 2015. Only through this support is our chapter able to offer this opportunity. The scholarship fund was established in memory of Michael Ward, former chapter board member and supporter, and is named in his honor.
Jean Zirnhelt writes for the Weminuche Audubon Society.
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