Philosophy
“The mission of Colorado Outdoor Education Center is to develop the potential of individuals by providing extraordinary educational experiences in the natural world.”
For over sixty years, that mission has played out across 6,000 acres of private mountain land — open skies, forested trails, and space to disconnect from the noise of everyday life. Here, growth happens through direct experience: real challenges, real relationships,and real time away from screens. The values below are what guide every program we run, at COEC, Sanborn Western Camps, and High Trails.
Our Core Values
Excellence
We believe in being the leader in our field.
Valuing and Caring for Individuals
We believe in an individual approach by committed passionate staff. We believe that our participants come first.
Responsible Stewardship of COEC
We believe we must care for our land and resources and practice fiscal responsibility to ensure our sustainability into the future. We believe in progressive professional and organizational practices, and in the power of our history and its impact on our future.
Innovation and Risk-Taking
We believe in trying new things, and in learning from our successes and failures. We believe in staying on the cutting edge by valuing relevant research and innovative program development.
Creating Connections with the Natural World
We believe our unique natural environment has a profound impact on individuals, and that a sense of wonder and humility is essential to finding our place in the world.
Creating a Respectful, Fun Community
We believe in the profound effect of a supportive community, and that learning is adventurous and fun — and can happen anytime, anywhere. Part of that is protecting space that’s free from technology, so people can be present with each other.
Education and Human Development
We believe in understanding and cultivating the potential of each individual, and in the professional development and empowerment of our staff.
These values aren't slogans — they're lived out every day on this land, in this community, with this staff. It's why generations of campers, guests, and groups keep coming back to the mountain.
The Nature Place admits clients of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to all participants. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of any of our programs. The Nature Place does not discriminate in employment policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.