Welcome to the Camp Colley webpage! Here you'll find everything you need to know about the City of Phoenix's youth overnight camp.
Camp Colley
What is Camp Colley?
Camp Colley is a 30-acre outdoor adventure camp located on the Mogollon Rim, approximately 50 miles north of Payson, Arizona. The camp is named after former Phoenix Parks and Recreation Director James A. Colley. The camp mission is aligned with Mr. Colley’s vision to provide structured, supervised outdoor nature education and experiences for youth. Over the years, Camp Colley has provided wonderful outdoor experiences for thousands of children by teaching respect for the environment and highlighting the miracles of nature. Camp Colley is an inclusive camp that is open to neurodiverse and neurotypical youth, and is a place where campers will learn leadership skills, enhance their development, and make lifelong friendships and memories.
Background
In November 2023, the Parks and Recreation Department entered into an agreement with the Harden Education and Recreation Therapy Foundation (The H.E.A.R.T Center) as the official operator of the camp. The H.E.A.R.T. Center brings over a decade of experience in inclusive, therapeutic outdoor education designed for youth with special needs, at-risk backgrounds, and neurodiverse learning profiles.The H.E.A.R.T. Center was established in 2014 with a mission to use horses and recreational therapy as a foundation for alternative education for youth with special needs. From 2008 to 2014, the Founder and Executive Director of The H.E.A.R.T Center led therapeutic youth programming through an equine therapy facility in Scottsdale that included overnight outdoor camps for four weeks each summer at Camp Colley, in conjunction with Camp Colley staff.
Learn more about The H.E.A.R.T. Center: https://www.theheart-center.com/camps
2025 Summer Camp Schedule
Tuesday- Thursday Camps | (3-days/2-nights)
- Week 1: June 17 - 19: Adventure Camp & Teen Leadership (CIT)
- Week 3: July 1 - July 3: Adventure Camp & Teen Leadership (CIT)
Monday-Friday Camps | (5-days/4-nights)
- Week 2 : June 23 - 27: Adventure Camp & Teen Leadership (CIT)
- Week 4: July 7 - 11: Adventure Camp & Teen Leadership (CIT)
- Week 5: July 14 - 18: Adventure Camp & Teen Leadership (CIT)
- Week 6: July 21 - July 25: Adventure Camp & Teen Leadership (CIT)
Teen Leadership (CIT) Program
The Teen Leadership Program is a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) experience for teens ages 16–17. Offered during every camp session, this program provides hands-on leadership training, job readiness coaching, and professional experience in youth mentorship. Teens participate in all camp activities while gaining real-world skills in responsibility, communication, and recreation support. All CIT participants will complete additional leadership and safety training prior to attending camp, either virtually or in person.
Camp Cost
Youth Camp Fees:
- $175 for 3-day camp
- $275 for 5-day camp
Teen Leadership (CIT) Program Fees:
- $100 for 3-day camp
- $150 for 5-day camp
Camp fees include:
- Round trip transportation from Phoenix
- All meals and snacks
- Lodging, programming and supplies
All summer 2025 camp opportunities are available through the City’s ActiveNet online registration system. City of Phoenix residents MUST register though ActiveNet to receive resident pricing.
Register for Camp Colley!
Registration is now open! Visit ActiveNet to register your child or teen for camp.
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Where is Camp Colley located?
Camp Colley is a 30-acre outdoor adventure camp located in Happy Jack, Arizona. It is owned by the City of Phoenix and operated by the H.E.A.R.T. Center. The exact address is not posted online for camper safety, but transportation and directions are provided upon registration.