Learning that Sticks!
Wild Child is a Colorado youth development organization where children ages 5-17
Dream BIG, Be BRAVE and GO WILD!
What is Wild Child?
Our Story
Our Philosophy
For 28 years, Joel Van Egbert has devoted his life to youth development. It's not just what he does, it's who he is.
Over those years, he's had the honor of serving more than 43,000 children. He's watched shy kids find their voice, seen indoor kids become brave adventurers, and witnessed countless moments where a child discovers they're ca
For 28 years, Joel Van Egbert has devoted his life to youth development. It's not just what he does, it's who he is.
Over those years, he's had the honor of serving more than 43,000 children. He's watched shy kids find their voice, seen indoor kids become brave adventurers, and witnessed countless moments where a child discovers they're capable of more than they ever imagined.
Why do we do this work? The hugs at drop-off. The screams of "best day EVER!" The parents who say their child came home different, more confident, proud, happy and tired.
All of it, every lesson learned, every magic moment, every new friend, led to one thing: Wild Child, established in 2022.
This is the culmination of everything Joel knows about helping children grow.
This is youth development done right.
This is Wild Child.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We don't treat students like kids. We treat them like the people they hope to become.
Our mission is simple: helping young people and their families grow and succeed through lifelong, experience-based learning.
Every Wild Child experience is built on the belief that children learn best when they're free to explore, empowered to choose, and
We don't treat students like kids. We treat them like the people they hope to become.
Our mission is simple: helping young people and their families grow and succeed through lifelong, experience-based learning.
Every Wild Child experience is built on the belief that children learn best when they're free to explore, empowered to choose, and surrounded by people who believe in them. We don't hand out answers. We ask questions that spark curiosity. We don't limit discovery. We fuel it.
Whether you're a wide-eyed 5 year old, a curious teen, or a future leader finding your path - you'll find a place here.
Through hands-on adventures, creative expression, and facing real challenges, we create learning that sticks. Not because someone told you, but because you found it. This is adventure with a purpose.
And families, you're part of this too. We believe families thrive when children go wild, and a strong community builds strong children. We keep you connected every step of the way, because we're building something together, something bigger than a program.
Our vision is to become Colorado's leader in safe, experiential, and inclusive youth enrichment. But our promise is simpler than that: We want your child to dream BIG about who they can become. To be BRAVE enough to try, to fail, to rise again. To GO WILD in pursuit of joy, courage, and a truly WILD life.
Dream BIG. Be BRAVE. Go WILD!
The Formula
The Formula
This is what we think sets Wild Child apart.
A 1:6 ratio. Every child is seen, known, and supported. Our instructors don't manage crowds. They build relationships.
Our PRESS Model. Every program runs on Purpose, REALationships, Edventure, Safety and Skill Development, and Self-Esteem and Self-Advocacy. It's not a poster on the wall. It's h
This is what we think sets Wild Child apart.
A 1:6 ratio. Every child is seen, known, and supported. Our instructors don't manage crowds. They build relationships.
Our PRESS Model. Every program runs on Purpose, REALationships, Edventure, Safety and Skill Development, and Self-Esteem and Self-Advocacy. It's not a poster on the wall. It's how we operate, every day, in every program.
Respect the YETI. Our camper code and special mascot: respect Yourself, your Environment, your Things, and Individuals and their Ideas. When kids know what's expected, they're free to be their best selves.
Choice-based programming. We don't dictate the day. Kids choose their adventures, pursue their passions, and take ownership of their experience. When children choose, they engage. When they engage, learning sticks.
Colorado is our classroom. We don't stay inside four walls. Our vans take kids to rivers, mountains, museums, and wild places. Rafting, climbing, hiking, exploring. These are larger-than-life experiences, not field trips.
Excellent role models. Our staff are the best! aren't. They're true role-models. Passionate, skilled, joyful, and deeply committed to every kid in their care. Some of them were campers and some of them are teacher - but all of them are screened, trained and ready to blow minds!
The proof: 92% of our families return. The national average is 57%.
Families don't just try Wild. They stay Wild.
Harvest Camp is Here!
Wild Child's first-ever fall Hallow-Weekend. October 9-12, four days of fall adventures for ages 4-16.