Durango Mountain Camp's location in the magnificent San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado allows campers access to an exceptional array of world-class outdoor pursuits. Many campers find that the excitement, personal challenge and satisfaction experienced through these activities are a perfect complement to the morning's academic emphasis. Each afternoon, campers participate in 3-4 hour programs which include:
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Mountain Biking: Durango is one of the world's premier mountain bike areas with a wealth of trails ranging from gentle forest paths to scenic cross-country singletracks and pounding downhill courses. DMC mountain bikers learn basic and advanced skills from the outdoor pursuits staff and national biking professionals. Many DMC bikers compete in the regional dual slalom and cross-country events held throughout the summer.
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Kayaking on the Animas River: After learning stroke techniques and Eskimo rolls in flat water, campers progress to challenging Class III and IV rapids on the Animas River.
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Horsemanship: Interested campers learn basic riding skills in DMC's outdoor riding arena and then enjoy trail rides through the surrounding San Juan National Forest.
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Climbing Skills: Campers are introduced to top-rope rock climbing techniques, rappelling, peak ascents and orienteering.
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Wild Colorado: Campers are introduced to a variety of outdoor mountain skills including orienteering, natural history, survival skills, shelter building, edible and medical plant identification, shooting, archery, tracking, Animas River activities.
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SCUBA: Two week program exploring basic skills of SCUBA diving. This program leads to the PADI SCUBA certification.
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Other daily co-curricular activities include:
• Art for an hour each day. Projects include a week each of painting, sculpting, drawing and pottery.
• Team Building including low ropes challenge courses, group problem solving and obstacle courses.
• "Free Choice" activities such as soccer, volleyball, swimming, hiking and fishing.
• Night Activities, astronomy, night games, story-telling, singing and snacks around the campfire down by the river is often a pleasant ending to the day.
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Durango Mountain Camp's schedule also includes several weekend day trips to the Silverton/Ouray mining districts, whitewater rafting down the Animas River, scuba diving and a wilderness weekend campout. Sundays, which are free from academics, include special activities planned by the students and staff.
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