As the final vans rolled back into town and gear was tucked away for the season, we found ourselves reflecting on yet another unforgettable summer at Telluride Academy. Summer 2025 brought together hundreds of young adventurers from near and far, each ready to explore, learn, and grow in the spirit of curiosity and community that defines our programs. From mountain peaks to desert canyons, and from high alpine lakes to the Pacific Ocean, our students and staff created memories that will last long after the season has ended.
Expanding Horizons Through Adventure
This year has been one of growth and transformation, with our programs expanding into new spaces, fostering meaningful connections, and creating an inspiring impact that will last well beyond the season. Students embarked on multi-day backpacking expeditions through the San Juan Mountains, learning not only how to navigate rugged terrain but also how to work together as a cohesive team. Our river programs took paddlers down stretches of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers, where they learned the rhythms of moving water and the importance of stewardship in fragile ecosystems. Our youngest adventurers dove into discovery camps, where curiosity served as their compass. Days were filled with fort-building, creek explorations, and hands-on art projects that connected play with learning in magical ways.
“This season, we expanded our programs to spark new opportunities for discovery and adventure. From Furry Friends, a partnership with the Second Chance Humane Society where campers visited the shelter to learn about and care for animals, to Filmmakers Fiesta, where campers brought stories of adventure to life using GoPros, we’re excited to see students grow in new directions this season.” Brian Meyer, Program Manager
Outdoor Leadership Challenge
A highlight of 2025 was the continued growth of our Outdoor Leadership Program. Students from Telluride High School, Norwood, and Nucla schools, as well as those from different parts of the country, came together for a ten-day trip that they’ll surely never forget. From backpacking the San Juans to rafting the Colorado River, these students learned outdoor skills, teamwork, and stewardship. This program exemplified the power of experiential education, teaching beyond textbooks, bootstrapping skills through real-world challenges, and cultivating leaders who connect deeply with themselves, one another, and the natural world.
These experiences sparked essential conversations about responsibility, resilience, and what it means to give back, not just in the mountains of Colorado, but as engaged citizens of a wider world.
This summer, three of our Outdoor Leadership participants had a truly life-changing experience thanks to the Chason Russel and Wendy Brooks Memorial Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded each year to honor the memory of two beloved members of our community whose passion for the outdoors continues to inspire generations of young adventurers.
Because of this generous support, these three students were able to attend the program at no cost to their families. For them, this wasn’t just about hiking, climbing, or camping, it was about discovering new strengths within themselves, learning how to lead with compassion and confidence, and forming bonds with peers who share their love of the natural world.
Community at the Core
What makes every Telluride Academy summer truly unforgettable is the community we build together. Around campfires, over shared meals, through silly games, and in quiet reflections at the end of each adventure-filled day, we’re reminded that while the mountains, rivers, and canyons are breathtaking, it’s the people, the students, families, and staff, who bring them to life.
This year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to provide more than $284,000 in tuition assistance to 257 local students. We are deeply proud to continue our commitment to ensuring that every child who wants to experience the magic of Telluride Academy has the chance to do so.
We are profoundly grateful to every camper who joined us, to every family who entrusted us with their child’s growth, and to every staff member who poured their heart, creativity, and energy into making this season’s adventures possible. Together, we created memories that will last a lifetime.
Staff
“I’m incredibly proud of the team we assembled and the programs we delivered this summer. As a new member of the parent community, I’ve had the joy of hearing first-hand about the transformative experiences our staff creates. Their dedication, creativity, and care turn our programs into unforgettable adventures and lasting memories for every camper.” – Ross Perrot, Program Director.
Staff came from all over the country, even as far as Spain and Panama, to join our team and take these kids on adventures. We were lucky enough to welcome back 15 returning instructors, 20 first-year instructors, and an energetic class of interns and Field Instructors-in-Training to the team.
Looking Ahead
“This summer’s resurgence in enrollment reminded me how vital our programs are to families near and far. Working with our staff and board, we are charting a vision shaped by community feedback, collaboration, and passion. The energy of Summer 2025 showed us what’s possible, and we’re excited for the adventures ahead.” Jason Merritt, Executive Director
As we close the book on Summer 2025, we’re already dreaming of next year, new routes, new stories, and new friendships waiting to be made. The adventures may change, but our mission remains the same: to inspire children and teens through experiential education that promotes physical activity, creative learning, environmental stewardship, responsibility to others, and positive life choices.
Here’s to the next journey, we’ll see you in Summer 2026!