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 2023!
FrOG Member Early Registration Date TBD
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 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Please note 4:00 – 5:30 pm requires an additional after care fee.
June 6-10: May the SPREE Force be With You
Camp Week 1
Our favorite theme to kick off summer is a week where we all become SPREE Special Agents by learning how to defend the South Platte River from villains like Evil Drip Drop, the Energy Leech, the Trash Monster and more!
June 13-17: Chomper’s Fear Factor
Camp Week 2
Snakes, spiders, and bats… oh my! We’ll spend the week busting some myths and learning about misunderstood animals, like snakes, reptiles, spiders, bats, and bugs. Face your fears with Chompers Fear Factor!
June 20-24: Animal Olympics
Camp Week 3
Do you have what it takes to survive in nature? Can you measure up to the physical feats of the animal kingdom? How do those South Platte River animals survive in the city? Test your skills and knowledge in the South Platte River Animal Olympics!
June 27-July 1: Time Travelers
Camp Week 4
Want to journey back in time with Chompers? You can experience Colorado’s history from the perspective of Native Americans, discover prehistoric animals, and walk in the footsteps of settlers trying to strike it rich in Colorado. Learn about other historic events that took place right here along the South Platte River while being outside and having fun!
There is no SPREE Summer Camp July 4-8
July 11-15: Wilderness Survival
Camp Week 5
Do you know how to build a shelter or track animals in the wild? Become survival experts with Chompers and learn valuable wilderness skills like Leave no Trace, plant identification, animal tracking, water filtration, and more!
July 18-22: Underwater Explorers
Camp Week 6
What creatures live beneath the surface of our river? How do they adapt to aquatic living? Dive deep into life under the South Platte River to discover where Chompers lives and who his neighbors are.
July 25-29: Nature is Calling
Camp Week 7
Take a deep breath and learn about how to appreciate nature as you engage with it. Activities include mindfulness, yoga, nature walks, observations and more. This week is designed with campers who need or prefer lower levels of activity and/or are sensory sensitive.
August 1-5: Pollinator Protectors
Camp Week 8
Chompers is bugging you to come learn about our pollinating friends and their importance in our urban parks. Campers will learn how some of the smallest animals can make a huge difference in our environment.
August 8-12: Food Web Frenzy
Camp Week 9
Chompers is bugging you to come learn about our pollinating friends and their importance in oIt’s a frenzy of food webs in the South Platte ecosystem! What do river-dwelling animals eat and how are animals connected through food webs? Campers will learn about trophic levels, consumers and producers, and the importance of plants to Chompers and his friends.
August 15-19: A Brush with Nature
Camp Week 10
SPREE helps you channel your inner artist with our river art week! From nature-inspired art projects to finding patterns in nature, inspiration is all around us if we just take the time to look.
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
8:30 am -5:30 pm
After Care: 4:00-5:30 pm
Location
SPREE Headquarters at
Johnson Habitat Park
Fees
Campers: $350
Leaders In Training: $250
After Care: $65
Fees are per child, per week.
Camp Policies & Guides
Testimonials
I wanted to share that your staff showed great judgment and inspired a high level of trust. You have established a great program, and I am truly grateful for the wonderful communication throughout. Your people totally made the magic!
They always come home having learned quite a lot of good things, about recycling, or invertebrates who live in the South Platte River, or the wildlife around here. They have fun, and it seems to be a nice balance of learning and playing.
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.
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
- January 10 – Last day to become a FrOG, LIT Applications Available
- January 17 – Registration opens for FrOG LITs
- January 21 – Registration open for all LITs & FrOG Campers
- January 28 – Registration for all Campers
- February 22 – Scholarship Application Open for all Campers
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.