At Academy of the Winds, our summer programming is designed to keep children outdoors, curious, and deeply engaged with the natural world. We offer two core summer programs that run, full time, throughout the summer, as well as shorter specialty camps for families looking for flexible or focused experiences.
Scroll down to explore all summer options and find the right fit for your child.
Little Winds Outdoor Program
Little Winds Outdoor Program will be a summer full of exploration for your 3- 6yr old, child.
The Little Winds Outdoor Program will be held at the AOW campus, all summer long. The students will use and explore our beautiful 7.5 acres of forest on campus.
Children will engage in a variety of science topics in a nature based curriculum. They will have ample time for observation, play, and experiencing everything nature has to offer. With structured and unstructured learning time children will have a fun summer, full of placed based learning.
Every day the students will be in our “woods” using the Outdoor Classroom and the surrounding area for exploration and learning. They will then have ample play time, followed by lunch and rest time.
This program will be filled with crafts, mud, gardening, water, sticks, and fun!
Goals:
Children will learn how to safely explore and interact with nature.
Nurture the children’s natural curiosity about nature.
Engage in their surrounding environment through observation, nature crafting, journaling/art, and fun.
Schedule: June 8th- August 7th (No camp the week of July 6th-10th)
*This program will have a max of 10 children per day.
*** Please note that your child MUST be toilet trained before enrolling. We do not have the staff to cover bathroom accidents.
COST:
Full time: $675mo (7:45am-3:00pm)
Weekly: $250 wk. (1 week of Full Time)
Daily Drop In: $60
Wild Winds Outdoor Program
Wild Winds Outdoor Program
Wild Winds is a summer full of adventure, exploration, and hands-on learning for children ages 7–10.
Each week, children will be immersed in the outdoors—spending time both on the Academy of the Winds campus and exploring the incredible natural spaces in and around Sinks Canyon and beyond. Through guided exploration, children will learn about local topography, navigation, trails, plants, animals, waterways, and the unique geographical features that make our area so special.
Every day includes generous opportunities for free play, exploration, observation, and discovery, allowing children to connect deeply with the natural world while building confidence and independence.
Program Goals
Challenge children through meaningful outdoor activities that promote leadership, self-confidence, and cooperation
Foster environmental awareness and stewardship while building knowledge of local ecosystems
Provide hands-on, experiential learning that ignites a lasting appreciation and love for the outdoor spaces surrounding Lander
This Program Is a Great Fit for Children Who Are:
7–10 years old
Enthusiastic about spending time outdoors
Able to hike moderate distances daily while carrying their own backpack with daily essentials
Able to follow safety guidelines and meet behavioral expectations in an outdoor group setting
Schedule
Dates: June 8 – August 7 (No Camp the week of July 6th-10th)
Each day blends structured and unstructured outdoor learning. Mornings begin with a hands-on, science-based lesson that is exploratory and curiosity-driven. From there, children travel to a nearby location to deepen their understanding of the day’s topic through real-world experience. Afternoons include outdoor play, reflection, and continued exploration.
Wild Winds is designed to be active, engaging, and grounded in nature—supporting children as they learn, move, explore, and grow all summer long.
COST:
Full time: $675mo (7:45am-3:00pm)
Weekly: $250 wk. (1 week of Full Time)
Daily Drop In: $60
*Please Note summer programs are at an additional cost for AOW students
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Specialty Summer Camps
In addition to our core summer programs, Academy of the Winds offers shorter specialty camps throughout the summer. These camps are designed for children who want to dive into a specific topic or for families seeking a shorter commitment.
LEGO Robotics
Ages 6–9
June 8–11 | 8:00am–12:00pm
Cost: $125wk
In this hands-on robotics camp, students will dive into the world of engineering and problem-solving through LEGO-based builds and creative challenges. Campers will design, build, test, and improve their own creations while developing teamwork, critical thinking, and early engineering skills. No prior robotics experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Week 1: Foundations of Archery
Ages 9–15
June 15–18 | 8:00am–12:00pm
Cost: $125wk
Curious about archery? This beginner-friendly camp is the perfect place to start.
Throughout the week, students will learn essential range safety procedures, proper stance and anchor position, and the fundamentals of accurate shooting. Using a step-by-step instructional approach based on national archery standards, campers will build strong habits from the very first arrow.
Campers will:
Learn and practice safe range commands
Develop proper shooting form and consistency
Understand how to aim, group arrows, and improve accuracy
Participate in skill-building games and team challenges
Compete in a fun, low-pressure end-of-week shoot
No experience is needed, and all equipment is provided.
This camp is ideal for students who want to try something new in a supportive environment while building focus, confidence, and self-discipline.
Hunters Education
Ages 8+
June 23-26 | 9am-3pm
Cost: $15
Hunter Education is a comprehensive safety course required for new hunters and designed to build confident, ethical outdoorsmen and women. This course is taught by certified Hunter Education instructors Jenny Schucker and Alexis Schneider. Students will learn firearm safety, wildlife conservation, hunting laws, and responsible outdoor practices. A mandatory range day will be held June 26th. (A separate link will be sent to you for registration through the Wyoming Game and Fish).
Watercolor Painting
Ages 9–15
June 29 – July 2 | 8:00am–1:00pm
Cost: $125wk
In this creative watercolor camp, students will explore a variety of watercolor techniques while developing their own artistic style through guided instruction and hands-on experimentation. Campers will take a trip to Sinks Canyon to paint from life, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and natural light. Transportation is provided, making this a seamless and immersive outdoor art experience.
Basic Sewing
Ages 8–15
July 6–9 | 8:00am–12:00pm
Cost: $125wk + Fabric
In this hands-on sewing camp, students will learn foundational sewing skills including safe machine use, basic stitches, and how to read simple patterns. Campers will choose from several beginner-friendly pattern options and take a trip to a local fabric store to select the fabric for their own projects. This camp is perfect for beginners and offers a fun, creative introduction to a practical, real-world skill.
Week 2: Advanced Archery
Ages 9–15
July 13–16 | 8:00am–12:00pm
Cost: $125wk
Ready to take your skills to the next level?
This camp is designed for archers who have completed our beginner camp or already have prior experience. The focus shifts from learning the basics to refining technique, increasing consistency, and developing competitive scoring skills.
Archers will:
Refine shot sequence and anchor consistency
Improve arrow grouping and accuracy
Learn official scoring methods
Practice shooting under light competitive pressure
Gradually increase shooting distance as skill allows
Students will track their progress throughout the week and participate in a structured end-of-camp scoring round.
This camp challenges archers to compete against themselves, build resilience, and sharpen their mental focus.
Intro to B&W Film Photography
Ages 9–15
July 20–25 | 8:00am–1:00pm
Cost: $125wk
Film photography takes a slower, more mindful approach to this popular medium and builds understanding from the ground up.
In this immersive camp, students will learn essential skills for traditional black-and-white film photography, including composition, exposure, and technique. Designed for young beginners, this course will guide participants through the entire analog process—from shooting with a 35mm camera to developing your own film and creating prints in the darkroom.
Campers will take a guided photography trip to Sinks Canyon to capture images inspired by the natural environment.
Supplies:
-Limited cameras are available to check out but campers are invited to bring their own camera if it is a 35mm film set-up with removable lenses.
-1 roll of film, developing components and printing materials will be provided.
-Transportation is provided.
Basic Welding
Ages 9–15
July 27–30 | 8:00am–noon
Cost: $125wk
In this hands-on welding camp, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of welding with a strong focus on safety, proper technique, and real-world applications. Campers will work on guided projects throughout the week, building skills, confidence, and an appreciation for craftsmanship in a structured environment. (Space will be limited)
Week 3: Marksmanship Archery
Ages 9–15
August 3–6 | 8:00am–12:00pm
Cost: $125wk
This immersive camp is designed for experienced archers ready to apply their skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Students will move beyond traditional target shooting and begin working with 3D targets placed across varied terrain. Emphasis will be placed on distance judgment, shot selection, mental focus, and adapting technique in changing environments.
Campers will:
Practice shooting at 3D animal targets
Learn basic distance judging techniques
Develop consistency without marked yardage
Participate in a simulated competitive shoot
Prepare for optional participation in a local community archery competition
This camp is ideal for campers who completed Week 1 and 2, or experienced archers who are ready for a new challenge and want to test their skills in a more advanced format.
Stained Glass
Ages 9–15
August 10–14 | 8:00am–1:00pm
Cost: $125wk
In this creative stained glass camp, students will explore the art of stained glass while learning about design, color, and craftsmanship. With guided instruction and close supervision, campers will create their own finished stained glass piece.
If interested please complete the form below to be added to our waitlist
***We will send you registration forms in March**
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