SPREE Summer Camp
The Greenway Foundation hosts ten weeks of camp at SPREE Headquarters every summer. Each week has an unique theme that ties directly to the South Platte River and our urban waterways. Hands-on activities, special guests every week, games, and crafts are tied to each weekly theme, allowing campers to learn about their environment through direct engagement—all while having fun outside along our river.
Summer Overflowing with Fun
Whether we are in the river catching critters, playing games, or doing experiments, every day is an outdoor learning adventure at SPREE Summer Camp!
Registration Begins January 30th!
FrOG Member Early Registration opens January 6th
2022 SPREE Summer Camp Sessions
Every week of SPREE Summer Camp is brimming with amazing outdoor adventure. While our structure stays the same in each session, there are different themes each week. We’d love to see your camper for just one week or for many weeks throughout the summer.
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Please note 3:30 – 5:00 pm requires an additional After Care fee.
June 5-9: SPREE Force: Eco Warriors
Camp Week 1
Do you want to fight for our River and the planet? Then come join us at our favorite theme to kick off summer as we become SPREE Special Agents, challenge each other to implement green practices in our lives, learn how to be a steward of our environment, and experience a Vac Truck tour.
June 12-16: Water Works
Camp Week 2
Did you know the water we drink today is the same water the dinosaurs swam in! We’ll investigate the many forms water takes as it moves in and around our planet. Expect many wet and wild adventures as we explore our pond, South Platte River, and all things aquatic!
June 19-23: Habitat Hikers
Camp Week 3
Come hike the different river habitats in Johnson Habitat Park and learn how life varies in each. Discover the biogeography of river life, learn how to recognize a wetland, and understand how these ecosystems are all interrelated.
June 26-30: Decomposer Detectives
Camp Week 4
Explore the wonderful world of decomposers and all the magical places they can be found. We’ll discover the mysteries of mushrooms and their thread-like mycelium – an underground network that acts as a nutrient highway between plants and fungi!
There is no SPREE Summer Camp July 3-7
July 10-14: Extreme Animals
Camp Week 5
Nature is full of wonder, beauty, and unbelievably extreme animals! In this camp we’ll learn about the smartest, fastest, and deadliest animals in Colorado and why they have evolved such special traits.
July 17-21: Plantapalooza
Camp Week 6
Discover the wonderful world around you from the perspective of a plant and explore how different plants support our South Platte River ecosystem. Learn how plants, grasses, leaves, and algae are the base of the food web that sustains life.
July 24-28: Colorado Carnivores
Camp Week 7
Sharpen your senses in this camp on predators and their prey. We will discover who eats whom in our city and learn what adaptations, from stalking to ambushing, help carnivores find their dinner.
July 31-August 4: Can You Dig It?
Camp Week 8
Indiana Jones isn’t the only one who enjoys the excitement of an archeological dig! Examining fossils and artifacts of the past will be just the beginning of this week’s adventures. Learn all about Colorado’s prehistoric discoveries.
August 7-11: SPREE STEAM
Camp Week 9
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math will be what this camp is all about. We’ll do experiments, learn how winged animals fly, and discover art in Nature. Get ready to think, build, and test your critical thinking skills!
August 14-18: A River of Imagination
Camp Week 10
The natural world is a wonderful place to stretch the imagination. Campers will learn to express their creativity and inspirations through drawings, paintings, songs, and movement.
Camp Structure
SPREE Summer Camps are educational, outdoor, and active programs. Education will be hands-on and engaging, but will require listening, respect, and cooperation by campers. Structured lessons will be broken up by snacks, free-time, quiet time, and other activities. It may be helpful to discuss the educational component with your child if they attend camp to ensure this program is a good fit.
While we do have indoor facilities, there is no air conditioning at SPREE camps. Summer days are hot – we cool down with frequent water breaks, quiet story time in the afternoon, wading ankle-deep in the river, and adjusting location or structure of activities, if needed.
Camp Details
Grades
Entering 1-5 Grade
Hours
1 Week Sessions
8:00 am -5:00 pm
After Care: 3:30-5:00 pm
Location
SPREE Headquarters at
Johnson Habitat Park
Fees
Campers: $360
Leaders In Training: $300
After Care: $65
Fees are per child, per week.
Camp Policies & Guides
Testimonials
I tell all my family and friends in other cities about this amazing river and science camp in the heart of Denver. They can hardly believe it and wish their kids had the same opportunity.
We wanted to thank you for running such a fantastic program this summer for our son! We have been continually impressed every single day with the curriculum, outdoor time, safety, respect and all that he is learning about the environment.
Dad, can I come to SPREE every year? It’s my favorite!
Location
SPREE Headquarters at Johnson Habitat Park: 610 S Jason St, Denver, CO 80223
Documents & Policies
Peruse our Parent Handbook, packing list, and find forms fast. We have answers to your common camp questions ready to go. Of course, if you need more assistance, you can contact us.
Registration Schedule
- November 28 – LIT Applications and Scholarship Applications Available
- December 16 – LIT Applications close
- January 3 – Last day to become a FrOG to receive priority registration
- January 6 – Priority Registration open for FrOG Campers ONLY
- January 27 – All LIT applications confirmed via email
- January 30 – Registration for all Campers open to the public
- April 30 – Last day to request a refund
Friends of Greenway (FrOG) donors are eligible for early summer camp registration and other amazing benefits.
Leaders in Training
For children who have attended SPREE Summer Camp in the past but have aged out, there’s good news! They can apply to be Leaders in Training (LITs). This is a special opportunity for incoming sixth-nineth graders to develop their leadership skills, while continuing their connection to SPREE.
Contact Information & Feedback
Still have questions about summer camp or want to offer feedback? Reach out to our Camp Coordinator for more information. Email camp@greenwayfoundation.org or call 303-481-1974, Ext 3.
Sponsor SPREE Camps
Would you or your business like to sponsor a SPREE Camp? This is a great way to gain exposure while supporting SPREE, Denver’s children, and the South Platte River. Email camp@greenwayfoundation.org for more information.