The Mountain Center's
Summer Youth Program 2026
summer youth program
The Summer Youth Program is a nature-based experience that supports positive social connection, and welcomes children of all genders. Programs provide space for participants to build healthy relationships with themselves, others, and nature. Youth participate in team-building activities, games, hiking, ropes course elements, art, and creative/free play. Through these activities participants establish community, learn healthy conflict resolution skills, and gain self-regulation skills. We strive to build self awareness, strengthen resilience, and increase self confidence within all participants.
HOW IT WORKS
Programs are delivered in two-week program blocks beginning at the end of May and going until the beginning of August 2026. Final dates to be announced in February.
Program Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding holidays
Location: The Mountain Center's Tesuque location: 1524 B Bishops Lodge Road
Applications: Applications open in early March and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the form below to receive the announcement via email.
DATES for SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM 2026 SESSIONS
To be announced in February.
HOW IT'S PAID FOR
The program is free to all participants because of special grant funding by CYFD, focusing on New Mexico families. As a non-profit organization we rely on generous donations from the community to transform lives and build resilience in the groups we work with. If you are able, we encourage you to support The Mountain Center, in any amount possible. You can make a one time donation, or partner with TMC and sign up for an automated monthly donation.
We accept cash and check donations in the main office.
Thank you for your support!
APPLICATIONS
The application link will be available in early March! Please stay tuned.
To receive alerts, please fill out and send the form below.
FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS
"My child benefited from playing outside in such a warm environment and from the generosity of Mother Earth. Thank you to all of the staff there because they care. We love MC youth program and my child has made strong connections there with herself and others."
—SYP 2025 Parent
"This is by far my child's favorite summer camp. She is always excited to go. The counselors are clearly very trained, very experienced at working with kids and groups. It's so good for her to be outside every day, be in the creek, and build her confidence. She developed a close relationship with staff members, and that meant so much to her."
—SYP 2025 Parent
"How SYP approaches behavioral issues was absolutely wonderful and aligns with how we like to approach issues as well. The outdoor activities were awesome and provided him with just enough stimulation and challenge."
—SYP 2025 parent
"We are so grateful to have two weeks of free camp in the summer, in a beautiful location, with trusted staff. Camps in Santa Fe (especially ones that focus on outdoor skills, climbing, hiking, fieldtrips and nature playtime) cost too much for our family so we are very fortunate to have your camp available to us. Thank you."
—SYP 2025 Parent
"My child had the opportunity to make new friends and navigate small conflicts with other kids—something I truly value as an important life skill. Being immersed in nature was incredibly positive for him, offering both a calming environment and a chance to explore freely. I also saw him build on important personal skills, like being more flexible when things didn’t go exactly as planned and going with the flow of the group—both of which have been challenges in the past, but where he’s made great progress recently. I believe that camp has given him a meaningful opportunity to grow his confidence and independence in a supportive setting."
—SYP 2025 Parent
FAQs
ACCREDITED BY
Our Summer Youth Program and Teen Leadership is accredited by the Association of Experiential Education's
