Earth Keeper Explorers – Pre-teen Boys Nature Camp
Camp Type: 5 days, Mon. – Fri., 9 am – 3 pm.
Dates: July 21-25; 9 am – 3 pm
Cost:$425
Ages: Rising 2nd – 5th graders
Location: Vail Valley, CO
Activities included: Explore Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Learn Plant Mysteries, Listening to Nature, Hiking, Nature Games and Art.
Only 30% of boys between the ages of 8 and 12 say, “I feel confident.” (YPulse Survey, February, 2018)
Due to popular demand, we are excited to offer the first Earth Keeper Explorers camp this year for boys aged 7-10 years. This is an exciting and empowering adaptation of the Caterpillar Girls camp for girls, but geared for boys!
Throughout the week, campers will engage in hands-on activities such as hiking, creek exploration, and fire-building. Games and teamwork are part of this immersive experience encouraging boys to gain a deeper understanding of nature and develop more confidence through knowledge and skills.
Camp Details
Earth Keeper Explorers is an empowering camp designed to help boys discover their personal connection to nature by exploring the elements of earth, air, water, fire, and spirit. Through outdoor play, creek exploration, hiking, games, and nature crafts, campers will gain a deeper understanding of nature’s ecosystems and the concept of personal ecosystems.
Each element is the theme for a day during this 5-day camp. Boys can dress thematically and games, activities, learning, and challenges also relate to the day’s element.
Monday: Earth – Bones, hiking, learning the land and its ecosystems; finding their sit spot for reflection time
Tuesday: Water – Blood (and other human liquids!); watersheds, “boat” races, and learning about Water as Life
Wednesday: Air – Breath; Air currents around the earth; why words matter and how to use them to support your goals and intentions
Thursday: Fire – Energy; good/bad fires; making a safe, leave-no-trace fire. Inner fire and how to feed it.
Friday: Inner Spirit – What makes you, YOU?
Held in beautiful Eagle, CO, surrounded by trails, tipis, and open spaces, the camp offers a rich environment where boys can roam, play, and connect with the natural world. Throughout the week, boys immerse themselves in Nature through a variety of fun, educational activities, with plenty of free time for creativity and play.
On hikes boys discover “magic” soil, breathe with plants, and track animals. They develop strength, courage, and confidence when they climb to a promontory and yell their strength into the wind. Nature-inspired games, arts, and crafts allow campers to express their creativity. Boys learn valuable skills such as way-finding and building a safe fire.
The camp encourages abundant free time for creativity and imagination, leading to adventures like building forts and dams, finding bugs in the creek, stacking stones, or simply roaring loudly!
“Our goal is to show boys the path of peaceful warriorship; where they can be strong and empathetic; go all out…and go deep within. There has never been a more important time for young men to find their balanced heart and that’s what we’ll do in our Earth Keeper camps.” Ryan Loo, Lead Facilitator.
This camp is an incredible opportunity for young boys to deepen their connection to nature, learn new life skills, and grow in confidence.
The investment for this empowering experience is $425.
Questions?
Email
susie@womenempower.us
Phone
970.328.5472
Contact us to discuss customized Earth Keeper Explorers Camp for your Club, Troop, or other groups.
Boost the confidence of your young boys.
Facilitator
Ryan Loo – Connecting Boys to Nature, Community, and Inner Strength.
Ryan Loo is a father of five boys and two girls, happily married, and leading men’s and boys’ circles near Austin, Texas. He is deeply committed to the path of self-discovery, mentorship, and community. Seeking truth, he once spent three months alone in the mountains, stripping away distractions to investigate the fundamental nature of reality. He has also undertaken a four-day nature fast without food or shelter to mark a new stage of personal growth. Through these experiences, he sees nature as a mirror that helps us remember who we truly are.
Steeped in the Indigenous traditions of North America and Mexico, Ryan deeply respects the wisdom of ceremony, reciprocity, and connection to nature. He has found that rites of passage are sorely missing in modern culture and that community role models are essential for the positive initiation into manhood.
As a father and mentor, Ryan believes that Rites of Passage prepare young men for their own Hero’s journeys, equipping them with the strength and wisdom to face life’s challenges. In doing so, they become capable of contributing not just to their families, but also to their communities and the greater human story.
“I feel privileged to help guide boys in the Explorers camp discover their unique connection to nature. I’m excited to return to the Earth Keeper Way program and guide older boys in their first steps through their important passage to manhood.”
Boost the confidence of your young boys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Where and when is it?
Held in Eagle county on July 21-25; 9 am – 3 pm. Refer to the website for details. Directions and a schedule will be sent via email prior to camp.
What makes it special?
It features hands-on nature activities, leadership development, exploring the boys’ connection to nature and the web of life.
How do I sign up?
Register online
What is the cost?
$425, including activities, instruction, and materials, and supervision from 8:50 - 3:10. Payment plans may be available.
What is the refund policy?
Full refund before [June 1]; partial refund afterward.
What activities are included?
Nature connection through hikes, instruction, free time, team-building, arts and crafts, mindfulness, storytelling, and outdoor games.
What is a typical camp day like?
Days include structured activities with each day focused on one of the five elements - Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit/Self. Instruction and crafts connect to the day’s theme, plus plenty of time for free play, lunch (not provided), and reflection time. A detailed schedule will be provided.
Is prior nature camp experience required?
No. The camp is beginner-friendly and all activities are structured to include diverse abilities and ages.
How are campers supervised?
Trained staff maintains a low camper-to-guide ratio.
What safety measures are in place?
First-aid certified staff, emergency protocols, hydration guidelines, and constant supervision are implemented. All staff have emergency contact/parent information.
What should my child bring?
A packing list will be provided. Essentials include outdoor clothing, plus a change of clothes, swim suit, water and hiking shoes (close-toed), a quart water bottle, sunscreen (non spray), hat, and prescription medications.
Are meals and snacks provided?
No, so please pack your child a robust lunch and healthy snacks. Dietary restrictions should be noted on registration paperwork.
What if my child has allergies or special needs?
We accommodate allergies and special needs. Provide medical or behavioral information in advance through the registration paperwork.
How will I receive updates?
Daily updates can be are provided via email by request. Parents will be informed at pick-up or via same-day email immediately if there is an issue during camp.
Can parents visit the camp?
Parent visits are not permitted during camp hours, but a family showcase will be offered on the last day of camp. We welcome visits to the camp prior to the start of the session, by appointment only. This can make tentative campers feel more comfortable on the first day of camp.
Boost the confidence of your young boys.
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