Our purpose is to guide and inspire the next generation of scientists while fostering curiosity, wonder, and a deep respect for the natural world. RMBL’s nature and science camps take place at our field research station in Gothic, Colorado, and surrounding public lands. In this outdoor classroom and alongside career scientists, young people engage directly with ecosystems, participate in hands-on scientific investigations, and learn to observe and care for the environment. Our programs guide students through the practices and processes of science using interdisciplinary, collaborative, and fun activities. Curiosity, care, and a sense of stewardship shape each day’s learning experiences with RMBL.

We hope you’ll join us this summer to explore, learn, and grow alongside nature! 

Summer 2026 Youth Programs 

Exciting Updates for 2026 Summer Youth Programs Registration 

We’re making summer camp registration simpler and more efficient! Instead of a lottery, we are moving to a first-come, first-served system with priority registration periods for our K-9 summer programs: Children of RMBL community; past program participants, and local families get early access before spots open to the general public.

We ask families to register during the period that accurately reflects their eligibility. RMBL reserves the right to deny registrations submitted outside the appropriate period. This helps us keeps our system running smoothly. 

K-9 Registration Periods (open at 8am MST on the following start dates): 

• Feb. 1–14: RMBL Community (family members of RMBL scientists, staff, or others closely connected to RMBL) 

• Feb. 15–28: Past RMBL Youth Programs participants 

• March 1–15: Gunnison County full-time residents (children attend GWSD, Lake City Community School or are full-time homeschooled in the county) 

• March 16–Ongoing: General public 

This new approach makes it easier for everyone to secure their preferred sessions while keeping the process transparent and efficient. We can’t wait to welcome campers for a fun summer of science outside! 

The High School Introduction to Field Biology course applications and acceptances are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so spots are secured in the order applications are received with a select number of spots held for Gunnison Watershed School District and Lake City students. Apply starting on Dec. 1st!

Introduction to Field Biology (high school) 

Project Eco-STEM. (rising 6th-9th) 

Nature Camp (rising k-2nd) and Science Camp (rising 3rd-5th) 

Please check back here in the next month for additional registration details. If you have registration questions, please email youthscience@rmbl.org.