Located in the historic high-country townsite of Gothic, Colorado (just north of Crested Butte), the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) is one of the world's renowned high-altitude field research stations. Founded in 1928, RMBL serves as a living laboratory where professional field scientists, university researchers, and students gather each summer to study alpine ecosystems, climate change, pollination, and wildlife biology.
Through its youth summer programs, RMBL translates this world-class science into hands-on outdoor learning for kids. Operating in Gothic and on surrounding public lands, youth programs pair immersive nature exploration with real scientific inquiry. Campers engage directly with local ecosystems—from stream sampling to ecosystem mapping—and get the unique experience of learning right alongside working field scientists.
Key Program Highlights:
Nature Camp (K–2nd Grade): Focuses on outdoor exploration, creative play, and building early curiosity about mountain plants and animals.
Science Camp (3rd–5th Grade): Focuses on the processes of field research, data collection, stream ecology, and local geology.
Project Eco-STEM (6th–9th Grade): Interactive, hands-on STEM field studies designed for middle schoolers.
Intro to Field Biology (High School): An immersive course for older teens considering environmental science careers.
RMBL's combination of rich scientific history, stunning high-alpine geography, and active research makes it an inspiring environment for young learners to build environmental stewardship and scientific skills.
