Aglow with new possibilities and adventures, Aspen Camp is open and ready to reintroduce itself to the Roaring Fork Valley community. After a nearly five year hiatus, the nonprofit had an impressive first year back, welcoming over 450 participants across 18 programs and events. Executive Director Max Wilding was hired in October 2024, and expressed his eagerness to continue expanding programming and turning the page to Aspen Camp next chapter.
“This year was a huge increase prior to when we closed our doors [in 2020]. I am looking forward to 2026. I think we are going to double our numbers,” Wilding shared with The Sopris Sun. “We are starting our light again.”
Founded in 1967, Aspen Camp is the world’s only year-round camp for the Deaf community. Through extensive, experiential, educational, outdoor and recreational programming, the nonprofit serves youth and adults from across the nation who identify as Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-blind and so forth. This past year, programming included multi-week, long-weekend and day camps that focused on job skills training, adult and women retreats, American Sign Language immersion and family retreats open to deaf children and children of deaf adults. Through these programs, attendees can safely recreate outdoors, connect with others and learn more about themselves remote from the challenges deaf folks often experience in daily life.
Wilding, who previously worked at Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, elaborated that in rural communities, like the Roaring Fork Valley, there may only be one person who is deaf or using sign language in an entire school or workplace. At Aspen Camp, a sense of respite is established for individuals as they are surrounded by others who deeply understand unique needs and experiences.
“This camp provides space for anyone who wants to develop their identity or their language,” said Wilding. “Whether going to the grocery store, post office or a restaurant we experience some form of oppression or language barrier daily. We need that space where we can be fully ourselves.”
Situated on over 15 acres of pristine riparian environment along Snowmass Creek, programming involves the natural landscape, including snowshoe excursions, low ropes course navigation, swimming, hiking and more. In this setting, participants break free from the routine, build confidence and self-esteem, cultivate intentional community and learn new skills to share with family and friends back home.
“You learn so much more beyond the walls,” said Wilding. “This place provides that outdoor adventure and education experience where you can find yourself in a different way besides school and home … We can see their emotional and mental health change when they are outside. It is amazing to see that.”
Wilding emphasized that Aspen Camp is a place where the hearing and Deaf communities can grow and learn together. Thus far, Aspen Camp has enjoyed successful partnerships with the Farm Collaborative, the Town of Snowmass and Roaring Fork Leadership. The camp will also host upcoming retreats during Aspen Gay Ski and Snowboard Week and the X-Games, complete with lift tickets, meals, transportation and full accessibility so attendees can enjoy the competitions and gatherings. Furthermore, the nonprofit’s recent Starlit Soiree Gala at TACAW was a tremendous success, as Wilding noted new connections and interest from attendees.
“We want the community, as a whole, involved. We want to host their company retreats and workshops,” said Wilding. “We want the hearing community to know that they can be allies. They can support us by thinking better of us, learning more about Deaf culture, referring individuals from the Deaf community to us, fundraising and getting the word out.”
As part of its reintroduction, Aspen Camp rolled out a five-year plan to strategically weave the communities together and sustainably update the facilities and surrounding landscape. In partnership with the Basalt-based Design Workshop, the renovations will be guided by DeafSpace principles to allow for more inclusion and accessibility. Renovations are currently underway for the septic tank, drinking water filtration system and the Annex building. Future plans include updated trails, improved parking and access for firetrucks and buses, a commercial kitchen in the Main Lodge, updated cabins and new seasonal staff housing.
“We’ve had great, positive feedback and I can’t wait to get more people out to the camp,” Wilding concluded. “The biggest thing I am excited about is connection. We’re here and we’re excited to see this happen.”
To find out about donating, volunteering, upcoming programs or hosting a company or school visit, head over to www.aspencamp.org