Colorado Outdoor Education Center

Colorado Outdoor Education Center is a non-profit educational institution located in the Rocky Mountains 35 miles west of Colorado Springs.

COEC offers these programs: Sanborn Western Camps, Big Spring Ranch for Boys, High Trails Ranch for Girls, High Trails Outdoor Education Center, and Nature Place Conference Center

Since 1948, the Big Spring Ranch and High Trails Ranch have provided outstanding, nature-based summer camp programs for children. Young people from more than forty states and a dozen countries annually gather for one of two month long terms. They grow socially and emotionally by living within a nurturing community and experiencing adventurous activities in the out-of-doors. High Trails Outdoor Education Center.

Since 1967, COEC has been providing resident outdoor education programs for students from many schools in Colorado. The High Trails Outdoor Education Center curriculum is based on innovative experiential activities which teach natural science, local history, and creative arts.

Since 1978, Nature Place Conference Center has offered leadership and team development programs for universities, school faculties, and business and professional organizations. It also offers natural history programs and reunions of all types.

The Sanborn Semester is a 16-week residential high school program designed with an experiential focus to build student academic rigor and relevance, community leadership and personal skills. The academic opportunities and community support on this beautiful mountain campus can catalyze the lifelong learner in all participants.