Alta Children's Center |

The Alta Summer Camp embraces the process of having a positive impact on children's relationships with nature. This summer, we invite adventurers aged 6 to 12 years old to spend a week with us doing hands-on environmentally conscious, science and nature-based activities, as well as partaking in experiential learning on the ecology of the Cottonwood Canyons! Through this one-week experience, we hope to foster a harmonious relationship between children and the beautiful place we call home! The Alta Summer Camp is primarily an outdoor hiking and free play camp with ratios of 8 to 10 campers (dependent on age) per counselor. Hiking group are no bigger than 20 campers as we explore the national forests around Alta.

“At the Alta Summer Camp we will care when you’re not there”; a peek into our camp and what to expect.

OUR MISSION

Rooted in our commitment to GET BACK TO NATURE, by instilling values of respect, inclusivity, and mindfulness, we empower our campers to become confident explorers, and lifelong advocates for the environment.

ABOUT ALTA CHILDREN'S CENTER

Using nature right outside our backdoor as a springboard for environmental education, we will connect children to what they love about nature. We inspire a love for nature to spark their curiosity and use that to teach them about the mountains we love and live in!

At camp the children will be hiking, inventing using recycled materials, building solar ovens, learning about the flowers and bugs at Alta, journaling, learning about our watershed, creating art, and so much more. Our curriculum will focus on nature education and on what is so great about the Wasatch!

CORE VALUES

Curiosity and Exploration: Encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity, inspiring campers to explore their surroundings, learn about different ecosystems, and ask questions about the world around them.

Responsible Stewardship: Teach campers the importance of responsible environmental stewardship, emphasizing practices such as recycling, conserving resources, and leaving no trace when exploring nature.

Joyful Play: Encourage campers to engage in unstructured, imaginative play, allowing them to connect with nature in a fun and creative way.

State Licensed & Nationally Accredited

The Alta Children’s Center is a state-licensed childcare facility, accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), reflecting our commitment to excellence. We are licensed to care for up to 80 children, ages 6 to 12, and hold a Level 2 Food Service Permit and an approved Fire Inspection. ACA accreditation, a voluntary process, assures families of a safe, nurturing environment, exceeding state licensing standards. ACA goes beyond basic requirements, addressing staff qualifications, emergency plans, health care. Recognized as the industry standard, ACA ensures the highest level of safety and quality for children.

Delicious & Sustainable Meals

At the Alta Summer Camp, we prioritize healthy, nutritious meals that align with the Top Star Guidelines to promote wellness and sustainability. We strive to use organic, GMO-free products whenever possible, emphasize whole grains, and provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our buffet-style meals also serve as a teaching opportunity, encouraging children to take only what they need and offering seconds to minimize food waste. Any leftovers are repurposed and sent to Ms. Ilse’s chicken bucket, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Client Reviews & Feedback

Review from Google: "My son has attended many camps in and around Salt Lake City. His disposition for calm and quiet adventure led me to this wonderful camp. This is the first camp that he has not had any anxiety at all! The counselors are upbeat and positive. They communicate with pictures throughout the day, and i get to see a slice of happiness my son experiences while I am at work. The check in and check out is organized and secure. He is fed breakfast and lunch that he loves (extended day). Thank you Alta Summer Camp for being amazing!"

Social Media Reviews Page

Deposit required for Registration-

We charge a $35 non-refundable/non-transferrable, deposit for each week per child which will be credited to the final invoice.

One-Week (5 Day) Summer Camp

^$ 400per child

Includes Van Transportation and NO Breakfast

Transportation departs at 9:00am and Pick up is at 3:45-4pm
from the Little Cottonwood Canyon Park-n-Ride.

One-Week (5 Day) Summer Camp (Extended Day)

^$ 465per child

Includes Van Transportation and meals
Transportation departs at 8:00am and Pick up is at 4:45-5pm
from the Little Cottonwood Canyon Park-n-Ride.

Short-Week (3 Day) Summer Camp

^$ 240per child

Includes Van Transportation and NO Breakfast
(Only Offered on Memorial Day & Independence Day Weeks)

Transportation departs at 9:00am and Pick up is at 3:45-4pm
from the Little Cottonwood Canyon Park-n-Ride.

Short-Week (3 Day) Summer Camp (Extended Day)

^$ 285per child

Includes Van Transportation and meals
(Only Offered on Memorial Day & Independence Day Weeks)
Transportation departs at 8:00am and Pick up is at 4:45-5pm
from the Little Cottonwood Canyon Park-n-Ride.

CANCELLATION POLICY: As summer plans evolve from when you first registered, we understand that families may need to cancel a week. Please do so by replying to the confirmation email.

The deposit paid at time of registration is non-refundable/non-transferrable.

Should you wish to add more weeks, a new registration will need to be made on the website.

The final invoices which are created in our communication app, Brightwheel, are due 5 days before the camp week. A child's paid for spot is final and non-refundable/non-transferrable by Wednesday 5pm before the camp week starts.

Can my 5-year-old join? Children must be 6 years old by their first week of camp to attend the Alta Summer Camp due to standards we adhere to with the American Camp Association. However, our sister camp, Superior Summer Camp at Snowbird is geared toward younger children and 5-year-olds are welcome to join. The Superior Summer Camp has less rigorous hiking and allows for more indoor creativity.

[ View more Common Questions in our FAQ area ]

The Alta Summer Camp is currently working to become accredited by the American Camp Association and anticipates completing the process in 2024. The purpose of ACA accreditation is education, and being accredited means a camp owner/director has chosen to complete a peer review process and has met the established criteria.

I had the opportunity to experience camp first hand last week as a substitute counselor for a couple of days. I saw 62 happy campers enjoying themselves and each other. The strength of this camp is that it allows kids to be kids. They were developing friendships and socializing! ... The food selections were impressive, fruits and vegetables even! As a retired teacher and former summer camp director for the Boy Scouts of America, I would recommend this camp for your child.

-- Karl

First of all, let me just say that I never leave reviews. Ever. However, the experience I had last week at Alta Children's Center was so extremely exceptional that I have no choice but to leave a 5-star+ review! Ilse and her team are competent, compassionate, and completely accommodating...and after just 4 days they feel like family!

via Website - Shauna

Alta Children's Center is fabulous! Highly recommended. A safe, loving and fun environment, healthy homemade meals and snacks, and absolutely amazing educators! Thanks Ilse and Molly, we're so grateful for you taking such good care of our little guy!

Via Facebook - SD

Alta Summer Camp 2025 Registration is now Open!

Countdown to Camp Registration (Jan. 26, 2025 - 7:30am)

Countdown to First Day of Camp (May 28, 2025)