Friends of Camp Colton

Camp Colton is Flagstaff Unified School District’s residential environmental education program for sixth grade students. In 2011, Camp Colton celebrated its 40th anniversary and was awarded (with the Friends of Camp Colton) Flagstaff's Orgainzation of the Year.

Established in 1971, Camp Colton introduces children to the natural environment and increases their understanding of science and ecology through hands-on outdoor experiences. Camp Colton has served over 40,000 children since its inception, and over that time, FUSD students have attended the Camp at no cost (expense offset by FUSD, tax credit donations and funds raised by The Friends of Camp Colton).

Camp Colton's curriculum is aligned with STEM and Arizona science standards and integrates physical/health education, social sciences, character development objectives and introduces students to outdoor and science-related career opportunities. Ultimately, the Camp Colton expereince encourages children to discover who they are and what they are capable of achieving. 

Students spend four days and three nights at Camp Colton, participating in a series of inquiry-based environmental education classes which include: wildlife, botany, history, environmental stewardship, map & compass, geology, and backcountry skills/LNT. Programs and staff awaken an excitement for learning within students and encourge them to continue to explore the wonders of Nature upon returing to their classrooms. 

In addition to classes and scientific investigations, students attend presentations from local scientists, hike, play, journal, star gaze, square dance, and enjoy campfire activities.  They also work cooperatively in teams throughout their time at Camp. As a result of attending Camp Colton, students form a deeper appreciation for the natural environment, expand scientific understandings, make new friends, and create lasting memories. 

Testimonials from sixth grade campers communicate the positive effect Camp Colton has had upon thier lives: 

"At Camp Colton there was always something to do. My favorite memory was all the classes because from the classes we learned a lot about nature and I can use what I learned in the future."

"The trip to Camp Colton was very special to me. We got to go to the pond to test the pH of it, learn how animals live up by Camp Colton, plant seeds during our service learning project, and learn how to use maps and compasses. We even got to see a bear on the way to the pond! I love the environment so everything we did was extremely fun.  I can't think about my 6th grade year without it!"

"The week at Camp Colton was a fantastic opportunity and had an impact on my daily life. It helped me learn more about Flagstaff's environment and where we get most of our resources. The classes were filled with so much information that just interested everyone around you. It helped my understanding about the environment."     

"At Camp Colton we learned ways to help our environment. That was awesome. I also liked that we learned about water and how it is very important to keep our water clean. We also learned about leave no trace which is very helpful. Being able to be in the environment was great." 

"My week at Camp Colton was a great experience with my friends. I learned how firemen deal with extreme situations in the forest.  Also how to be helpful and clean up after yourself and how not to leave a trace in the natural environment. I would like to say thanks to all the people that helped me and my classmates go to Camp Colton and experience a lot more with nature."