Sanborn Western Camps

Pros: A wonderful experience I treasured. Responsible for my love of the West!
Cons: A little too much freedom for campers to decide their own activity schedules.

Some background: I am 40 years old and am a former camper at Sanborn Western Camps (High Trails for Girls). I went for 2 summers, when I was 14 and 15. I also went back as an assistant counselor and counselor when I was 18.

I read the mostly...

Pros: INTERESTING experience, unlike many things I have done.
Cons: Staff not very responsive, unaware to things that go on.

The Bad Part:

I did not have a very fun time at the camp, but the boys camp is notoriously worse than the girls camp. There is not much interaction between the camps, so you might as well go to a single sex camp. I know that's not what...

Pros: Overall an awesome ,from my point of view as a returning 5th year camper.
Cons: The sessions go by too quickly.

In 15 days, I am flying back out to Colorado for my 5th year at Sanborn. I have read both reviews on this camp. while they both had their own opinions, here is one about how High Trails (the girl's camp) is today.
During the summers...

Pros: everything!
Cons: you have to eventually go home.

I have been a counselor at High Trails for the past two years. Deciding to spend my summers at Sanborn is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Sanborn is a place where kids come to grow though physical, mental and emotional challenges. ...

Pros: Seeing the sunrise from a mountain top and meeting family you never knew you had.
Cons: Leaving.

I spent a month at Sanborn every summer for eight years of my life, and I absolutely loved it! Sanborn has been one of the best experiences I have ever had, and I will never forget it. Over the years, it has helped me grow so much as a person. It helped ...

Pros: Everything is Great!
Cons: none

I went to Sanborn for 4 years, from the time I was 11, until i was fifteen. The girls camp (High Trails) was such a great place. The cabins are so nice and the activities were so much fun. I made so many different friends that I still keep in touch...

Pros: Great fun in the Rocky Mountains
Cons: Terms are too short

Sanborn Camps are fantastic! Our three children have spent a combined total of 23 summers so far and two will be on staff this year. Our youngest boy spent his seventh season at Big Spring Ranch last year (2004) as an Outbacker, or junior counselor. ...

Pros: Lasting memories. Amazing Friendships. Great Trips. Overcom obstacles.
Cons: can't think of ONE.

I have gone to camp at High Trails the past two years and it was a HUGE mistake on my part not to go back this year! I went back to visit today and just remembered what an AMAZING time I had. I had the time of my life when I was there and I can't think ...

Pros: The entire experience
Cons: going home.

I've gone to Sanborn for four years now, and there's no way I could think of going anywhere else. From my new friends that have become my best friends to the beautiful Colorado wilderness, everything about camp is magical. Although I like to think of myself as a pretty athletic person, I've accomplished things that I could never have done in Ohio. I climbed the tallest mountain in Colorado, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I would recommend Sanborn for anyone.

Pros: The people, the staff, the community, the setting, the food and everything else
Cons: Eventually you have to leave

Sanborn Western Camps, and in particular the girls campy, High Trails, is the most wonderful place I have ever been. The staff is amazing and the organization of day to day activities as well as longer overnight camping trips is amazing. The camp think of all possible ways to make each new experience as fun and positive as possible. From the care they put into picking the kids up from the airport to the care that the put into each cabin, everything is amazing. If you do go there, it is almost impossible to not make friendships that will last a lifetime.

Pros: Everything!
Cons: The session passes too quickly

I don't think I've ever had as much fun as I've had all the summers I've been at Sanborn. It's not just the fun, but it's also the realization of what you as an individual can do. I didn't think I could climb 14ers or do the high ropes course, but I did!


I've met the greatest people at camp, too. My best friends are the ones who I only see once a year. The staff is responsible and they're really fun to be around too.


I think I might have been a little too young when I first started going, but now I consider it my second home.

Pros: 15 words could never even start to explain the Pros of attending Sanborn.
Cons: None, other than camp always ends each summer.

I went to Big Spring Ranch (Sanborn boys camp) in the 60's. I had the best time of my life there. I attended the camp for 5 summers. The activities were endless and fun.

Now it's my daughters turn at High Trails Ranch (Sanborn girls camp). This will be her 4th summer there. Her second year was a little tough. She had some serious "home-sickness", but stuck it out. But she wanted to go back for her third summer and had a blast. In fact she did so well that this year, she's been asked to be a junior counselor. She's so excited.

She was so proud of climbing one of Colorado's 14'ers (Mt. Quandry). It was just one of the activities that campers can use to build great self esteem (without even knowing it).

Every year that we take her there, we of course have to stop by the boys camp for "old times sake". Every year it's the same thing. I always ask, but my wife won't let me stay. It's probably for the best as they don't have a Tent 52 :)

Pros: Live in the Outdoors, away from TV the Internet and computers
Cons: Its only 4 and 1/2 weeks.

I have been to Sanborn Camps 8 times now, every summer since i was in 3rd grade, and im very sad now that im too old to go back. I loved every minute that i was there, and came home to the east coast every every fall a better person. Sanborn taught me to push my self to the limit, and to be more consciences in regard to the environment. During my time at Sanborn, i climbed a total of 150,000 feet in the Rockies, (a good friend of mine climbed 126,000 total feet in one summer) and hiked over 1,500 miles. during my time at Sanborn i have made friends from 5 continents, and 11 different countries. I will forever value the friends i met, and the good times i had at Sanborn.

Pros: Staff, setting, curriculum, sense of freedom, environment for fun
Cons: having to leave.

Life-changing experience in every way. Everyone should be required to go to SANBORN!! It is a reminder and teacher of all things good: compassion for all living things, care for the environment, leadership, social equality and social skills, tolerance, and WAY above all - FUN. The unreal setting and backdrop of the pristine WEST, great staff and counselors, and well developed and structured curriculum make this the summer of a lifetime.