School-Age Summer Camp – Dakota Lodge
About this program
School-Age Summer Camp – Dakota Lodge
Registration Opening Dates
All registration takes place online!
When registering, please select the camp based on the grade your child will enter for the 2026–2027 school year and confirm that your child’s birthdate is accurate.
Each camper must be 5 years old by June 1 to participate in any school-age camps. (This is a childcare licensing requirement.)
We offer 10 weeks of summer camp, and families may register by the week.
Only full weeks are available—no partial-week options.
Two holiday weeks—Juneteenth (June 19) and Independence Day (observed July 3)—will have prorated fees.
- A $40 per week, per child deposit is required upon registration. This is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
- There are three registration windows. Each window will open at 9 a.m. on the first date listed and close when the waitlist is at its capacity. Registration dates are:
- February 3->Opens to current Premier Plan families
- February 10->Opens to Ken-Caryl Ranch District Residents
- February 17-> Opens to All (Resident & Non-Resident)
- Cancellation deadline is March 31.
Summer Notes
An online account is required to complete this registration process. Families are encouraged to create accounts before registration opens.
*The following documents will be required for camp. Once registered; information on how to complete this information will be provided:
- Current Immunization Record
- Completed ePACT record – Families will receive an email with a link to their camper’s record, where they can complete the required information.
School-Age Camp at the Dakota Lodge
Following a weekly theme, children will participate in nature-based crafts, science projects, cooking activities, large and small group games, and team building. Once a week, the camps will go on an off-site field trip. Camps include group tennis lessons and swimming at the Community Center once a week, along with weekly hikes in the Ken-Caryl Valley area.
The Dakota Lodge hosts two camps, grouped by grade:
Tadpoles: Grades: rising K* -2nd
*Children must be 5 years old by June 1 in order to register for Hoots
Frogs: Grades: rising 3rd-6th
Fees
5-Day Week
Dates
Schedule
Location
Dakota Lodge
14422 W. Ken-Caryl Avenue, Littleton, CO View detailsWhat School-Age camps should I register my children into?
Ages 3-5 years → Rainbow Fish at Community Center
Rising Kindergartener → Rainbow Fish at Community Center or Hoots at the Ranch House or Tadpoles at the Dakota Lodge
Rising 1st grader → Hoots at the Ranch House or Tadpoles at the Dakota Lodge
Rising 2nd grader → Bears at the Ranch House or Tadpoles at the Dakota Lodge
Rising 3rd grader → Bears at the Ranch House or Frogs at the Dakota Lodge
Rising 4th through 6th grader → Lions at the Ranch House or Frogs at the Dakota Lodge
Preschool Camp at the Community Center is recreation-based and licensed through the state (all campers must be 3 years old and fully potty trained by the first day of camp)
School-Age Camps at the Dakota Lodge are nature-based and licensed through the state (all campers must be 5 years old by the first day of camp)
School-Age Camps at the Ranch House are recreation-based and licensed through the state (all campers must be 5 years old by the first day of camp)
I have a 5-year-old going into Kindergarten next year. Should I register them for the preschool or school-age camp?
The biggest difference between these camps is the pace and the length. The overall pace of the school-age camp is considered much faster than the preschool camps. The school-age camp is all day (8am-5pm) and the preschool camp is partial day (8:30am-1:30pm).
You know your child best! If they seem ready for a faster pace and a longer day because they have done something similar in the past, go for the school-age camp. If they are new to a full day away from home or need more downtime during the day, go for the preschool camp.
Why are preschool camp hours different from the school-age camps?
Due to the active nature of camp, early childhood age appropriateness, and participant feedback we have determined these hours provide the most successful environment for the participants and the staff.
How do I get “Premier”/early access to camp registration?
Only families that are part of the current school-year’s Before & After Care Program and sign-up through Premier for both Fall and Spring semesters get early access to summer camp registration.
When do I pay for summer camps? Is it all at once?
There will be one initial payment at the time of registration for your non-refundable deposits for each week you signed up for (not including waitlisted weeks). The remaining balance will be automatically put on a monthly payment plan. Those payment plan details will be found at the bottom of your receipt. A credit card must be kept on file to auto-charge on your payment due dates.
Once you have completed registration, you can go onto your account and pay off the balance in one lump sum if you would prefer that over monthly payments.
Are camp swim lessons offered during summer camp hours?
Camp swim lessons are only available for Bears and Hoots campers at the Ranch House location. If you are registered into an eligible camp, you will receive an email with details on swim lesson registration when we have more information available!
How hard is it to get into KCR Summer Camps?
We pride ourselves in offering a variety of programs for all ages and needs. The demand for camps is different every year but most commonly we find that the full day school-age camps for ages 6-9 years are extremely competitive and registration fills quickly. In general, we recommend that you make sure you get on and complete registration right when it is available to you.
Who should I contact with questions or issues about school-age camps?
If you are having issues with your ActiveNet registration account:
Email recreation@kcranch.org or call 303.979.1876
If you have specific questions about camp (schedule, what a typical day looks like, field trip info, etc.):
School-Age Camps: email youthprograms@kcranch.org or call 303.979.1876
Preschool Camp: email carac@kcranch.org or call 303.979.1876
Program Details
- Age Group
- Elementary
- Age Range
- 5 years – 12 years
- Grade
- Kindergarten – 6th Grade
- Activity
- School-Age Enrichment
- Camp Type
- KCRMD Summer Camp
