ENDURING TRADITIONS. FUTURE FOCUSED.
Camp Chief Ouray has grown to be a premier overnight camping option for youth from all over the United States and the World. Whether your camper is a first timer or has attended various day or residential camps before, CCO provides a unique opportunity for independent development in a caring community.
We are dedicated to growth in spirit, mind, and body, in an outdoor setting and safe environment. We are committed to developing five core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith for daily living. Explore and grow through a strong tradition of quality programming and fun — and make life-long friends in the process. Our goal is to offer challenging experiences to build leaders through life-long skill development in a safe, imaginative, natural setting. We instill confidence through independence and interpersonal skills. We challenge our campers to discover their true selves.
We are licensed by Colorado Child Care and accredited by the American Camp Association, Praesidium, and from a program perspective we are a Gold Standard accredited youth program with Leave No Trace. We focus on developing confidence, independence and resilience in a safe environment through intentional programming.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
The YMCA of the Rockies will reach out to and welcome all people and organizations of good will and ensure that the rich gifts of diversity are reflected and respected at all levels.
Our Commitment to All People
We will serve a diverse population, inclusive of all people of good will. Reflecting our Christian mission, we will be inclusive and welcoming of all people of good will. Our activities and facilities will be inclusive, accessible, and available to the diverse worldwide community we serve.
Mission
YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Our goal is to offer challenging experiences to build leaders through life-long skill development in a safe, imaginative, natural setting. We instill confidence through independence and interpersonal skills. We challenge our campers to discover their true selves.
Leave No Trace
Camp Chief Ouray believes that every child deserves a high-quality and nature-filled experience. By promoting the seven principles of Leave No Trace, alongside the five core values of the YMCA (Respect, Responsibility, Honest, Caring, and Faith) CCO can ensure that camp stays beautiful and fun for future generations. Leave No Trace is instilled in all areas of camp, from campers picking up trash around camp and yelling "BENDO" to respecting wildlife and observing them from a distance during backcountry trips. We encourage our campers to bring Leave No Trace home with them through sharing new knowledge and stories from their time at CCO with family and community members.