CAMO Open Enrollment Programs
Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities offers a number of programs that are open to Veterans or Active-Duty service members with a service-connected disability. Please review our Eligibility Guidelines and be prepared to provide a copy of your form DD214 & VA Rating letter if you are applying to a CAMO Retreat or Western Slope Social.
CAMO Retreats
Retreats are multi-day, holistic recreation & wellness programs designed to teach adaptive outdoor recreation skills, deliver personal wellness sessions, and foster social interaction. Our goal is to send a participant home with new skills, new friends, and a mindset that they can overcome any obstacle. Retreats are filled from our pool of CAMO Applicants at the discretion of CAMO staff members based on our Eligibility Guidelines.
CAMO Beginner Snowsports Retreat – December 16-21, 2022
Challenge Aspen is excited to offer an opportunity for beginners or participants re-learning how to ski with their disabilities. This retreat will give participants 4 full days of adaptive ski or snowboard instruction and is adaptable to all levels of ability. Beyond top-tier professional instruction, the group will enjoy personal wellness sessions and daily group dinners to wrap up the day. The ideal candidate for this retreat is a Veteran currently feeling held back by their service-connected disability, who may not be able to afford the cost of professional adaptive ski instruction. Priority is given to physical disabilities such as spinal cord injury, amputation, visual impairment, and traumatic brain injuries – although any VA-rated disability qualifies for participation.
This retreat has room for ten (10) veterans, and all costs are covered, including transportation.
CAMO Rocky Mountain Winter Couples Retreat – February 6-10, 2023
CAMO works with David LaSalle, USAF Veteran and owner of Vert CoWorking in Estes Park, CO, to offer a unique experience to veterans and their spouses (veteran or not). This 6-day retreat brings participants to Estes Park, CO, in the heart of the northern Rockies, to enjoy good company, beautiful mountain scenery, peaceful cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The ideal candidates for this retreat are veteran couples living with a service-connected disability looking for mild adaptive activity and enjoy spending time in remote places.
This retreat has spots for five (5) couples. All expenses for the retreat are covered, excluding travel. Participants are required to drive themselves to Estes Park, CO, or fly into Denver International Airport, where they can be picked up by staff.
Western Slope Socials
Working with local veterans is a priority for Challenge Aspen. The Western Slope Social program provides drop-in, attend-when-you-want, adaptive recreation at an extremely subsidized rate. Day programs are offered once a month, and activities vary throughout the year. Activity costs, equipment, and a meal are all included in the fee. Participants are required to provide their own transportation.
Western Slope Socials have a limited number of spots for each event. Spots are first come, first serve.
To attend a Western Slope Social…
- Review our Eligibility Guidelines.
- Fill out the CAMO Application.
- Email ngillette@challengeaspen.org or call 970-923-0578 to speak with a CAMO staff member for further instruction.
2023 Western Slope Socials
January 6th – Ski & Snowboard – $50, 10 spots – $50, 10 spots – Join CAMO for a day on the slopes at Snowmass! Participants are welcome to join a private group lesson or explore the mountain independently. At the end of the day, the group will meet at a restaurant for apres’ food. $50 fee includes a lift ticket, rental gear, group lesson, and apres’ food.
February 3rd – Ski & Snowboard – $50, 10 spots – $50, 10 spots – Join CAMO for a day on the slopes at Snowmass! Participants are welcome to join a private group lesson or explore the mountain independently. At the end of the day, the group will meet at a restaurant for apres’ food. $50 fee includes a lift ticket, rental gear, group lesson, and apres’ food.
March 10th – Ski & Snowboard – $50, 10 spots – Come join CAMO for a day on the slopes at Snowmass! Participants are welcome to join a private group lesson, or go explore the mountain on their own. At the end of the day, the group will meet up at a restaurant for apres’ food. $50 fee includes a lift ticket, rental gear, group lesson, and apres’ food.
April 7th – Ski & Snowboard – $50, 10 spots – Come join CAMO for a day on the slopes at Snowmass! Participants are welcome to join a private group lesson, or go explore the mountain on their own. At the end of the day, the group will meet up at a restaurant for apres’ food. $50 fee includes a lift ticket, rental gear, group lesson, and apres’ food.
May 26th – Road Bike – FREE, 10 spots – A chance to ride Independence Pass before it is open to cars for the year. This is a challenging ride at elevation, but the effort is worth it! Tandem, recumbent, and handcycle bikes are available for use. Snacks and post-ride food provided.
June 9th – Archery – $20, 10 spots – Learn to shoot recurve and compound bows with certified archery instructors at our amazing range in Basalt. The day starts with target shooting instruction and practice, and ends with a 3D course. $20 fee includes equipment, instruction, and picnic lunch.
