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Spend summer days at Ghost Ranch’s Community Camp where kids 5–17 explore geology, paleontology, waterfront play and landscape-inspired art. Age-grouped activities and trained staff make this a safe, curiosity-forward introduction to the high desert for Rio Arriba County families.
Spend summer days at Ghost Ranch’s Community Camp where kids 5–17 explore geology, paleontology, waterfront play and landscape-inspired art. Age-grouped activities and trained staff make this a safe, curiosity-forward introduction to the high desert for Rio Arriba County families.
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Operated by Ghost Ranch · Abiquiu, New Mexico
Ghost Ranch’s Community Camp places kids ages 5–17 at the heart of New Mexico’s high desert, just outside Abiquiu. Set amid red sandstone cliffs, badlands and fossil-rich ground, this day camp turns ordinary summer days into hands-on science, art and outdoor play. Each morning begins at Ghost Ranch’s central meeting area and runs 8:30am–3:30pm, with age‑grouped programming that balances waterfront refreshment, field geology, paleontology digs, desert-ecology walks, team challenges and landscape-inspired art. Small-group instructors lead practical investigations: identify layers in exposed sedimentary rock, sketch hoodoo shapes, examine real fossil fragments and practice low‑impact field techniques. Waterfront activities give campers supervised chances to cool off through guided games and safety-focused water play; staff emphasize sun protection and hydration. Afternoon sessions rotate between creative workshops and team-building obstacles that build confidence and outdoor competence without sacrificing fun. What makes Community Camp special is how it uses Ghost Ranch’s geology as a learning tool. The property’s badlands and sandstone fins are living classrooms—students can see sedimentary bedding, eroded fins and fossil-bearing deposits that reveal millions of years of landscape change. That hands‑on focus, paired with art-making inspired by those very views, creates a memorable loop between observation and expression. The camp operates as a day program for Rio Arriba County youth, with transportation available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Parents should note required paperwork: Outdoor Adventure Liability Waiver, Medical and Emergency Contact Information Form and Photo Release must be completed before check‑in. Drop-off and pick-up are managed to keep groups secure; campers may only leave with approved adults. Practical details matter: campers should bring sturdy hiking shoes, water clothes and water sandals with heel straps, refillable water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat every day. All participants must be potty trained and able to manage bathroom needs independently. Group size is limited to maintain high staff‑to‑camper ratios and a safe learning environment. Ghost Ranch’s camp program connects children to the land while teaching observation, stewardship and collaboration. For more information or to discuss medical or dietary needs, contact Isabel Chavez, Youth Programs Manager [email protected]. Whether a first‑time visitor or a returning camper, participants leave with new skills, muddy shoes, a sketch or fossil in hand, and a clearer sense of the high desert that frames Abiquiu. Staff are trained in youth safety, first aid, and outdoor education, and the program emphasizes low‑impact field etiquette so children learn to enjoy without eroding fragile soils. Week-end family events on the final day welcome caregivers for an art show and community dinner that highlights camper projects and creates a bridge between learning and local culture. Registration fills; families are encouraged to reserve spots early and contact staff with questions about transportation, special accommodations, or scholarship availability.
easy.
7 hours (8:30am–3:30pm).
Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven desert terrain for short periods and able to manage basic outdoor tasks (hydration, sun protection, bathroom needs).
Camp accepts children ages 5–17; all campers must be potty trained and able to manage bathroom needs independently.
Daily hours are 8:30am–3:30pm; on the final Thursday families join for an art show and community dinner beginning at 3:30pm.
Transportation is available on a first‑come, first‑served basis and details will be emailed after registration.
Bring a signed Outdoor Adventure Liability Waiver, Medical and Emergency Contact Information Form and Photo Release before or during check-in.
Campers bring their own lunch; inform Youth Programs Manager of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance.
Contact Isabel Chavez, Youth Programs Manager at [email protected] for program questions, medical concerns, or accommodation requests.
Ghost Ranch has long hosted educational programs that combine art and scientific inquiry, using the high desert landscape as both studio and classroom.
Programming emphasizes low‑impact field techniques and respect for fragile soils; staff teach Leave No Trace principles and water conservation appropriate to the high desert.
Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, is a public education and retreat center known for dramatic red hills, colorful cliffs, and cultural resources that inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Located near the village of Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch offers interpretive tours, hiking trails, museums, lodging, camping, and wellness experiences that highlight art, anthropology, and paleontology. The campus includes the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum and the Ruth Hall Museum, where visitors can learn about the Gallina people and view Triassic fossil discoveries including Coelophysis finds. Guided Paleontology Tours include a scenic drive and a moderate walk to original quarry sites, providing close-up views of Triassic paleontology and fossil history. Ghost Ranch offers multiple Georgia O’Keeffe experiences, including landscape tours, guided walks retracing O’Keeffe’s paths, and viewpoints of her Ghost Ranch house. Day passes allow access to trails, museums, and a peaceful labyrinth, with on-site café services and both reservation and walk-in options when available. Accommodations and activities vary from shared rooms with communal baths to RV sites with full hookups and tent-only camping, alongside seasonal workshops, massage and sound therapy, and evening ghost-and-sunset strolls. Programming combines natural scenery, museum interpretation, and guided experiences designed for visitors seeking art, history, and outdoor exploration. Information, schedules, and reservations are provided by Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. Special events and weekend programs are offered seasonally, including performances, music, yoga sessions, and poetry readings that celebrate art and culture in the landscape that inspired many artists. Visitor information desks and museum staff provide expert interpretation regularly.
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