How can I contact Eagle Lake Camps?
Mailing Address
Eagle Lake Camp
P.O. Box 6819
Colorado Springs, CO 80934
U.S.A.

Telephone / Fax
Toll-Free: 1-800-US-EAGLE (1-800-873-2453)
Phone: 719-472-1260
Fax: 719-623-0148

Office Hours
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MST) Mon.-Thurs.
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (MST) Friday

How can I contact a camper or counselor at camp?
The Postal Service does not deliver mail directly to Eagle Lake. It is first received at The Navigators headquarters down in Colorado Springs where it is sorted daily. Please take into consideration the extra time (usually 7-10 days) that it takes for us to receive mail and allot for it as you write your camper/counselor. Mail is typically handed out at dinner from Monday-Thursday night at our On-Site Camps, and only on Sundays and Thursdays for our Excursions.

Please do not call/e-mail/fax campers during their stay at Eagle Lake as the phone/e-mail/fax is not available for camper use. In the case of an emergency, please do not hesitate to Contact the camp office. Summer staff and Crew do have phone privileges on the weekend. The hours are determined by the directors. A personal phone card must be used for billing purposes.


How can I contact Eagle Lake's full-time staff?
Click Here to Contact Full Time Staff!


How do I register and pay for camp?
Registration and Payment
A $100 non-refundable deposit is needed to register and reserve a place for each camper. The remaining balance is then due one month prior to the scheduled camp week. If registering within one month of camp, the full amount (deposit and balance) is due at the time of registration. We accept a personal check or money order (made payable to "The Navigators"), Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card.

Return Check Policy
$20.00 plus collection costs will be added to all returned checks.

Camper Packet
After receipt of your registration form and deposit, Eagle Lake will send you a camper packet containing important information including the remaining balance due, health form, liability release, parent questionnaire, and transportation form, all of which must be completed and returned by mail before your camper comes to camp. Extra copies of the camper packet forms are available to download. Faxed copies of camper forms are not acceptable as they can be very difficult to read and often original signatures are required.


Where can I find out about camp closures and changes?
Our website is updated regularly with a list of all of the camps available for registration. Camps that are closed are indicated with a closed comment next to the specific dates. You may contact the Eagle Lake offices to request a spot on the waiting list for a closed camp.


What are your cancellation and refund policies?
Cancellations
Eagle Lake reserves the right to cancel any camp before the date of departure. If cancellation should occur, campers can receive a complete refund (including deposit) or transfer to another camp.

Refunds No refund will be made for dismissals due to disciplinary action, late arrival, or early departure. Refunds of the full tuition, minus the $100 deposit, may be given if a request is legitimate and is made in writing more than one month prior to the scheduled camp week. Deposits are non-refundable.


Do you offer discounts on camp rates?
If you register before January 16, 2008, you will receive a $50 discount off the camp of your choice (does not apply to Crew).


Do you offer financial aid for campers?
Eagle Lake offers scholarships for campers who need additional help with paying for camp. Eagle Lake believes that no camper should be turned away because of finances. Eagle Lake's Campership Fund, made possible through the generosity of Eagle Lake friends and supporters, is available to any family with financial need.

To apply for assistance, check the Campership Fund box on the registration card you receive in the mail with your Eagle Lake Camps Brochure or call to request an application. Eagle Lake will then send a Campership application for you to complete and mail back within two weeks. If you wish, you can also email our office manager, Jenny, and request an application.

Financial assistance is approved by written application only and is available only to those campers already registered for an Eagle Lake program. Please apply early, as funds are limited. Any financial aid awarded will be applied to the remaining balance of camp fees. Note: Financial aid priority is given to those campers able to attend weeks 1 and 2. You will receive a letter as soon as your application has been reviewed, with the amount your camper(s) have been awarded as well as any remaining balance.


Do you offer discounts and programs for groups?
Eagle Lake's programs can be customized and discounted to meet the needs of groups both large (300 or more) and small (as few as 10). Most Eagle Lake Camps are available for contract groups to charter for one or two weeks. Group discounts are negotiated accordingly.


How can I charter or rent a camp for a large group?
E-mail Tyler.Good@navigators.org for information.


Who's in charge of this whole thing?
Our Full Time Staff!


What is the housing like for your camps?
On-Site Camps
While at camp, boys stay in Weatherport tents or cabins; girls are housed in our newly-built cabins.

Excursions Camps
While on the trail, boy and girl campers sleep under separate nylon tarps which are tied to trees, or in single-pole floorless tents.


What are the capacities of your camps?
On-Site Camps
We take 250 campers per session in our Resident Camps. There is not a cap put on each age group; it is on a first come, first served basis. Once we reach 250 for any particular week, the camp is closed and a waiting list will then be started. Our Horse Camps are limited to 12 campers per session.

Excursion Camps
• Compass & Currents (ages 15-18) - 9 campers/patrol
• Dad/Teen Trek - 12 participants/patrol
• Hike and Bike (ages 12-18) – 9 campers/patrol
• Jr. High Country Trek (ages 12-14) - 15 campers/patrol
• L.E.A.D. Program (ages 15-18) - 15 campers/patrol
• Mountain Discovery (ages 10-11) - 15 campers for each patrol
• New Adventure Camp (ages 12-14) - 15 campers/patrol
• Pedal, Climb, Paddle (ages 15-18) – 9 camper/patrol
• Rocky Mountain Challenge (ages 15-20, 12-day) - 9 campers/patrol
• Rocky Mountain Expedition (ages 15-20, 12-day) – 8 camper/patrol


What are the camper/counselor ratios at camp?
On-Site Camps
Ratios fluctuate depending on the amount of campers we have each week. Typically, Rez Camp camper/counselor ratios are 7 to 1. If larger, a co-counselor may be assigned so the ratio is no more than 10 to 2. Horse Camp camper/counselor ratios are 7 to 1. Crew ratios are 3 to 1.

Excursions Camps
Camper/counselor ratios are never more than 3 to 1 for campers under 14 years old, and no more than 6 to 1 for campers older than 14. There are always at least two counselors with each patrol.


How can I become a counselor for Eagle Lake Camp?
Click Here for Summer Job Opportunities!


What is the weather usually like in Colorado?
Colorado weather in the summer can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. The daytime temperatures get up into the 80s, but can drop down at night (usually ending up in the 40s and 50s). Often, during cooler temperatures, campers are seen wearing jeans and sweatshirts, as well as a jacket or fleece for added warmth. Layers are key.

Clouds move in fast and can bring a good rainshower with them; these rainstorms can last 10 minutes or a good part of the afternoon. Most days, however, the skies are clear blue, averaging 300 days of sunshine a year.


Can I get directions to the On-Site Camps?
Yes, Just Click Here!


When should I arrive and expect to leave Camp?
Campers should arrive at Eagle Lake between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. (MST) on the opening Sunday of camp. To ensure that your camper's opening day is complete and exciting, our gates will not open before 1:00 p.m. (please do not enter the property before then). Please pick up your camper at Eagle Lake between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. (MST) on Friday, the last day of camp.


How do I get to camp if I am flying or taking a bus to Colorado Springs?
If your camper is coming to Colorado Springs by plane or bus, we will provide transportation to Eagle Lake on the opening and closing days (Sunday and Friday). We do not provide transportation from Denver International Airport or pick-ups for Colorado Springs residents.

The only way we can ensure transportation for your camper is for you to complete and return to us the Transportation Form included in the Camper Packet at least 14 days before your camper's session begins. In the event that you do not return your camper's form, we are logistically unable to provide transportation for him or her and cannot be held responsible.

All campers must have a set airline/bus arrival and departure time in order to be included on a transportation run; because of tightly-scheduled arrangements, we cannot pick up campers flying stand-by.


What if I need to stay the weekend between camps?
Eagle Lake offers limited weekend stays to campers arriving early, needing to stay later, or coming to two consecutive weeks of camp without a continual program in between. The fee for a one night stay is $150 per camper; the full weekend is $300 per camper. This pays for the camper's accommodations, food, and supervision. Two weeks notice is required to schedule a weekend stay. Space is limited. Due to programmatic conflict, there are no weekend stays May 31-June 1,June 28-29, July 5-6, and August 9-10.


What forms do I need to fill out for camp?
Click Here for Camper Forms


Can I bring my own music or other media to camp?
Please do not bring magazines, comic books, CD Players, iPods, knives, weapons, or illegal substances as they will be confiscated and returned to you at the end of the week. All camper music brought to camp will be checked in and held for safe keeping in the camp office. Since you won't have access to it, don't bring it!


Can I rent equipment for the Excursion Camps?
Rental equipment for our Wilderness Camps includes everything from Crazy Creek chairs to bikes, backpacks, and sleeping bags. In fact, the only equipment we don't have available are clothing and boots!

Rental items are available on a first come, first served basis. We will provide other necessary equipment once the camper is on the trail - cooking utensils, stoves, etc. Please contact our camp office for more specific rental information.


How do I spend money at camp?
If a camper is staying On-Site, any money that he or she brings to camp must be deposited into his or her camper account. This account corresponds to a unique store account to make purchases, buy camp pictures or DVDs, etc.

As long as adequate funds are available, the appropriate amount will be deducted from the camper's account, which works as a debit account. Any remaining balance is refunded to the camper on the last Thursday evening of camp along with a printed statement of his or her purchases for the week.

Often parents ask how much money they should send with their kids to camp. This really is a matter of preference, but we would suggest anywhere from $25-$50. Eagle Lake apparel (hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts), pictures, DVDs, snacks, jewelry and other items are available in our camp store.


Can I bring food to camp?
We do not allow any food to be kept in the tents or cabins because it can attract wild animals. If a camper has special dietary needs that require him or her to bring specific foods to camp, all food will be checked in through our nurse and kept either in the dining hall or in the camp infirmary.

Eagle Lake has a camp store where snacks can be purchased and eaten during free times. As a general rule, we ask that you refrain from bringing food to camp.


What about medications?
If a camper is staying On-Site and is on medication, the medication is required to be checked in with the nurse at registration. We do not allow any camper to keep medications on them except for inhalers and Epi-Pens.

Our medical staff distributes all medication at the time it needs to be taken by the camper. Please do not have campers bring over-the-counter medication to camp, as our camp infirmary is sufficiently stocked to meet the general needs of headaches, coughs and scrapes. If you have any questions about a specific medical situation, please call the camp office.

If a camper is on one of our Excursions, he or she will need to check any medication in with the counselor in charge, who will then administer the medication as needed.


What if I have a physical disability?
Because of the steep inclines and rough terrain of most Eagle Lake programs, campers with physical challenges should contact Eagle Lake before registering to discuss the respective program and help our staff understand the special needs of his or her situation.


What if I have special dietary needs?
Please contact the Eagle Lake office if your camper has a food allergy or is in need of a specific food regimen because of a medical condition. We want and need to have a clear understanding of the individual's dietary needs so we can make our best effort to serve your camper.


How do I request a bunkmate?
Campers may make a request for one bunkmate when they register for a camp. Eagle Lake will strive to accommodate these requests but cannot guarantee them due to limited housing space and age grouping considerations. These assignments are made one week prior to camp arrival.


What if I get homesick?
Our staff are trained to handle each homesick camper individually according to their needs. By offering personal attention, compassion, and encouragement, we have found that campers respond very positively as the week goes on. Some kids have a greater struggle than others and it takes more time to adjust; however, our counselors are committed to seeing these kids make it through the week by keeping them active and occupied.

Eagle Lake does not offer a phone call home as a means of helping a camper overcome homesickness. Such action often makes the situation more difficult after a camper hears the voice of the one he or she is missing the most. If necessary, a parent will be contacted at the discretion of the individual camp director and options will be discussed as to a beneficial course of action for the camper. This decision, however, may or may not include a phone call home, as Eagle Lake does not have phones at camp for campers to make or receive phone calls.


Do you have Lost & Found?
Lots of campers means lots of lost and found. While we do our best to ensure each camper returns home with all belongings, there is no way we can guarantee we'll find them all. While not responsible for lost items, Eagle Lake catalogs things left behind for possible C.O.D. return. If items are not claimed within two weeks of the camp session, they are donated.


Are there age exceptions for campers?
Resident Camps
Rez Camps will make an age exception for a camper to fit into the next age division (Jr. High or Sr. High) if he or she is going to be turning the required age by that September. However, Eagle Lake does not make exceptions for seven-year-olds, as it has been our experience that most are too young to come to camp away from Mom and Dad for a week.

Horse Camps
In Horse Camp, a camper must be 12 years old with no exceptions made even if he or she is an experienced rider. It is preferential not to have campers younger than 12 combined with campers who are 17 or 18. Trail rides are offered in Rez Camp for campers 8 and older.

Excursions Camps
All of our Excursions need the Excursion Director's approval for an age exception. Please e-mail Tyler.Good@navigators.org or contact our camp office for more information.


When can a parent visit Eagle Lake Camp?
Parents with campers On-Site are welcome and encouraged to come up to camp on the Wednesday afternoon of their camper's week session. Visitation hours are from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Parents are welcome to observe all activities, but will not be allowed to participate due to limited space and liability concerns.

Parent visitation is not available for Excursions Camps as campers in these programs will likely be out of camp property.