The BOEC Wilderness Program offers a number of camps and retreats in the summer for many ages, needs, and ability levels with a focus on enriching adventures. Courses incorporate BOEC’s challenge by choice methodology that allows participants to choose their own level of adventure. BOEC's accrediting body, the Association of Experiential Education deems BOEC as “a model program in the industry” because of this methodology and the extreme care and passion they have for every participant. Camps are custom-designed for each group to ensure that participants have an environment of learning and enjoying activities to meet their abilities.
Wilderness Camp
June 26-30, 2023
Wilderness Camp is a classic western river trip for young adults ages 16-21 with developmental and learning disabilities who are ready for a true backcountry wilderness adventure! Enjoy floating down Ruby and Horse Thief Canyons of the Colorado River in canoes,rafts, inflatable kayaks and paddleboards. This trip traverses the beautiful Colorado River in southwestern Colorado and Southeastern Utah. This section includes 25 miles of scenic views, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for short hikes while paddling down river. Take a break from devices in this remote location with no cell service.
During this trip students learn various aspects of camp craft including cooking, cleaning, setting up their tent and learning how to navigate the water in either a canoe or inflatable kayak. The BOEC invites friends, family members and care attendants to join if assistance is needed. BOEC staff will be there to assist individuals through all aspects of the experience.
Camp Big Tree
July 7-11 2023
Camp Big Tree is a fun, social, outdoor adventure and camping trip for youth ages 12 – 16 who are diagnosed with sensory processing disorders, learning and/or attention deficits and development delays. This adventure begins and ends at BOEC’s program site with the first and last night of camp in Breckenridge, Colorado, campers will also experience two nights of camping under the stars in Buena Vista. The course is packed with high adventure activities ranging from ropes course, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and camping. Throughout the course students will engage in all aspects of camp craft including cooking, cleaning and camp set-up. Outdoor activities are designed to help students to develop social skills, teamwork traits and leadership qualities that will transfer into everyday life. BOEC requires that all students be fully independent with self-care tasks, or be prepared to bring a “buddy” to camp.
Please note: This camp has limited capacity and may already be filled.
Adventures Within
August 27-31, 2023
Adventures Within is a five day day/four night adventure based retreat specially designed for adults living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their spouses, friends or caretakers. BOEC’s Scott Griffith Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado is a tranquil, wilderness setting and ideal location for a variety of Colorado outdoor activities including rafting, paddling, cycling, ropes course, and/or rock climbing. A team of support staff is present to assist and provide home cooked meals, access to specialty equipment, and more. The schedule of activities may vary depending on group interest.
This retreat provides a very unique opportunity to challenge yourself physically with support from a team of experienced staff dedicated to helping you meet your goals. You will also be able to have shared experiences with other adults who have faced similar life challenges.
Outdoor Active Retreat
September 15-18, 2023
This four day/three night adventure based retreat is designed specially to suit adults living with Parkinson’s disease and their spouses, friends or caretakers. Based at BOEC’s Scott Griffith Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado, activities will be either on site or locally in Summit County. This is for anyone who is looking to get outside and try new activities such as hiking, paddling, ropes course or rock climbing while meeting other adults who are also living with Parkinson’s disease. A team of support staff are there to assist and provide home cooked meals, access to speciality equipment, and more.
This retreat provides a very unique opportunity to challenge yourself physically with the support of a team of experienced staff dedicated to helping you meet your goals. Attendees will be able to have shared experiences with other adults who have faced similar life challenges.
Heroic Military Excursions
The summer program consists of a number of mountain retreats, river trips, trainings and camps that feature exhilarating adventure activities, the highest quality instruction and equipment, and some of the most beautiful and exciting venues in the Rocky Mountain West.
- Ruby/Horsethief & Westwater Family River Trip | July 29 - August 3
- Women’s Ruby/Horsethief River Trip | August 28-September 2, 2023
To learn more about the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center and its many adaptive sports opportunities in and around Keystone, visit boec.org. For more stories from the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, read their blog here.