Welcome to Camp7 Camp 7 is a non-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational and recreational purposes. Specifically, this organization will promote happiness and provide recreational and life skills development to participants utilizing an outdoor natural environment. History of Camp 7 During the 70 s there was a premier outdoor specialty retailer known as Camp 7. They manufactured only the finest, high end equipment known at the time; although no longer in existence their story lives on! Camp 7 is a manufacturer of camping, backpacking and mountaineering equipment. The name Camp 7 comes from the quest to climb Mt. Everest where climbing expeditions work their way up the mountain by going from Basecamp to Camp 1 to Camp 2 and so on. Camp 7 remains traditional as the highest, most demanding camp before the summit, and symbolizes our personal commitment to provide you with the highest quality equipment in the world today. Here in Collbran at the site of Camp7, our goal is simple; We get these kids to Camp 7 and create an environment that fosters self-discovery, teamwork, gratitude and enrich the drive to reach for greatness. All along preparing them for the day they leave camp ready to continue the journey to climb their own summit. The plan at Camp7 is to run traditional nature based youth development camp programs ranging from school break camps (spring, summer, fall, winter) to mini camps/clinics (fishing derby, youth archery programs etc. ) throughout the year. The school break camp program will be open to all school aged children who are seven years of age or have completed the first grade. We will charge registration fees based upon fair market value for our services. Additionally, these programs will be funded through donations, grants, and fundraisers to cover expenses. Once established and operating fiscally sound, our goal is to provide financial assistance to those who cannot afford the full registration fees and thus reducing barriers in order that all campers have the opportunity to experience programs provided by Camp 7. The summer, spring, fall, and winter camp programs will be held during the school year in alliance with local school district scheduled breaks. We are targeting the Plateau Valley School District, Mesa County School District 51, Dubuque School District and the Garfield County School District.
Our first camp program will be a summer day camp commencing in May 2017, approximately the last week of May through the end of August. Summer campers will have the option of signing up for a single two-week session during this time block or the option of signing up for all sessions and participating through the course of the entire summer. Each camp session will offer different daily planned schedules promoting the opportunity for a wide array of experiences and recreation. Campers will spend more than six hours outdoors in the fresh air each day. Examples of camp activities that could be included, based on camper interest and registration, include; hiking, canoeing, archery, fishing, swimming, athletics, nature crafts, group games, air rifle, rock climbing, horseback riding, field trips and nature exploration. Additionally, we will have an Evening Program and a Campout on the second Thursday of each two-week session promoting family values and togetherness. The entire family is encouraged to participate and share in the program experiences and events. After the evening camp program activities, have ended, and parents have departed, campers will settle in and spend the night with their counselors in a traditional Crow tepee located in our high mesa summer tepee grounds. Regular activities will resume on the following day including a full breakfast and lunch provided by Camp7. Additional camp programs to be held during the remainder of the calendar year 2017 are; Thanksgiving break, and Christmas break. Generally, the dates will align with school district schedules, although not all districts have aligned schedules and some overlap may be necessary. During the remainder of the year, otherwise known as Shoulder Seasons Camp7 will hold various Mini Camps/Clinics These mini camps and clinics will be held on weekends closely aligned with the approved state of Colorado water regulations decreed to Camp7 (total number of flushes) (See Attached Decree). A sample of these mini camps will include; fishing derby, archery programs in association with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, Wounded Warrior sponsored Fishing Days, programming for the Partners program and an annual getaway day for the folks at Mosaic. These shoulder season mini camps will be conducted and programmed with the same format and standards based on the mission and goals of Camp 7.
Camp 7 Camp and Conference Center Conditional Use Permit Application Narrative 1. Introduction 1.1 The residence at 17846 Kimball Creek Road, Collbran (to be named Camp 7 Camp and Conference Center) Under new ownership, it is intended that the primary use of the land shall remain agricultural, with additional land use proposed for youth camp and recreational events programming. 1.2 The applicants (Scott & Kim Carlson) own and currently reside at the property. The owners have a vested interest in maintaining it for their own enjoyment, for the benefit of wildlife and for future generations. As such, they intend to make changes to the property in such a way as to limit changes to its general character, to use as much of the existing infrastructure as is practical and to improve the site through encouragement of native plant and wildlife. Any additions to the property will be made in a manner which is sensitive to the environment and the property s surroundings, and the owners recognize the importance of contributing to the community in a manner which is congruent with its heritage. 1.3 As a part of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application, this narrative details the proposed changes in land use in accordance with the Mesa County Land Development Code (MCLDC). 2. Current Land Use 2.1 The 40 Acre Property is currently zoned as Agricultural Forestry Transitional and is comprised of the following: 1. Primary dwelling 4 bedrooms 2. Attached garage to primary dwelling 3. Secondary mobile home (to be removed fall 2017) 4. One pond that measures.75 Acres as per water rights requirements 5. Flood irrigated farm land (20 acres) 6. Riparian habitat 2.2 A large portion of the property is located within the 500 and 100-floodplains with most southeasterly portions located in the floodplain. 2.3 The property is currently enjoyed by a wide range of wildlife, with mammals, waterfowl, and other birds predominantly inhabitation and transiting the riparian habitat, floodway and many water ways. These areas are excluded from any proposed changes to the land and the applicants have already consulted with the fish and wildlife experts with a view to protecting and enhancing habitats across the whole property. The proposed land use will not restrict the movement of wildlife through the site or to/from adjacent properties.
3. Proposed Land Use 3.1 In addition to the current land use, Conditional Use is requested for the following: The property will be used to conduct non-profit youth camp programs. The camp programs will include programming for children ranging in age from 7 through 12 and offer campers activities such as archery, athletics, nature crafts, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, hiking, rock-climbing and various camp games. Programing will take place in two-week time blocks(sessions) during the summer program and weekly sessions during the fall, winter, and spring camp programs. 3.2 The property will also be used during shoulder seasons for mini camps/clinics for both youth and adults with a heavy emphasis on nature. These programs may range from 4H fairs and adult rock climbing classes to archery and fishing clinics. 3.3 Camp 7 has received a great deal of support from various organizations in the Grand Valley. We recognize the need for the proposed programming and for the contribution it will make in support of the local economy. We intend to accommodate community based events/activities for all of Mesa County and surrounding areas such as Plateau Valley, Dubuque and the Town of Mesa. We are proud to offer volunteer hours to local high school students as camp counselors as well as part time and seasonal employment for the many programming events to be conducted. 4. Shoulder Season Events 4.1 Shoulder season events will be hosted in outdoor areas or the existing facilities located on the property as appropriate to the event type, size, and weather conditions. 4.2 Operations relating to all proposed land uses will be balanced to ensure that traffic numbers do not exceed CDOT Traffic Permit allowances. 4.3 As proposed designs seek to provide a site where both camp programming and shoulder season events fit organically into the landscape by adhering to the following standards: 1. Utilizing existing features 2. Planting additional indigenous trees and other plants 3. For additions to the site, selecting materials and designs which allow them to fit comfortably into their surroundings 4. Positioning and spacing of tepee site and new building structure in a manner that is not comparable with high concentration 4.4 On-site soils and geological conditions are considered suitable for the proposed land use and this will be shown in the associated engineering reports. 4.5 Nothing proposed in this application will prevent adequate reclamation of this site for appropriate future uses when applicable. 5. Adjacent Land Use 5.1 Camp 7 is bordered by BLM east of the Camp 7 property and Kimball Creek Rd on the west. Land uses north and south of the property are agricultural and residential; however, the closest residences are buffered from the Camp 7 property proposed land uses by hundreds of feet in all directions, by trees, bushes, spring and by changes in ground elevation. 5.2 Boundaries between Camp 7 and adjacent properties are all clearly defined by wire post fencing. Campers and event participants will be given clear instructions about the limits of their access. Signs will be posted to indicate No Entry areas.
6. Access and Traffic 6.1 Primary access to the property is via gate located on Kimball Creek Rd. Except for the primary access described above, no other private roadways external to the property will be utilized except by decree of Emergency Services. 6.2 Further detail regarding management of traffic and access is included in the Camp 7 binder. 7. Parking 7.1 Parking for the camp buses will be in the designated parking area next to the orchard. Additional parking will be in the designated area west of the athletic field. Both parking areas are shown on the attached site plan. 8. Handicap Access 8.1 Camp7 will comply with 2010 ADA standards for accessible design and accessibility. 9. Lighting 9.1 Lighting will be utilized where necessary to ensure safe operation of the site. However, Camp 7 will adhere to the Dark Sky principles to protect the rural character of the property and to avoid light pollution for surrounding residences. 10. Signage 10.1 Signage which is visible from outside the property will be constructed and limited in accordance with the MCLDC. Signage on site (directional, emergency, informational etc.) will be constructed in a manner which is fit for purpose, visible but limited in its aesthetic impact, and which meets all code requirements. 11. Camping 11.1 Camp 7 will host an overnight camping program during each of the two week sessions during summer months (Thursday s) and additional overnights may be granted with other private entities (Boy Scouts, Partners etc.) There will be no camping overnight for 30 consecutive nights at any time at Camp7. 12. Existing Structures 12.1 The Camp 7 property currently has 2 homes located on the property. The main, permanent home will remain on the property and be used for camp staff. The single wide mobile home will be removed from the property (Fall 2017) 13. Service Buildings 13.1 A multipurpose building will be installed on the property (Fall 2017) that will include a multipurpose room, camp office and flush bathrooms to meet the requirements of the granted commercial water rights, Mesa County and the State of Colorado Childcare Licensing. The structure will be of low-impact design and will be installed on a concrete pad. The multipurpose building will comply with Mesa County Building Codes and Colorado Department of Public Health and environment (CDPHE) standards. The building will also be used for various camp activities and vital to successful programming 13.2 A prefabricated bathroom building will be installed directly south of the pond (Spring2017) (see site plan) The bathroom building will have flush toilets and hand washing sinks to meet the requirements of the granted commercial water rights, Mesa County and the State of Colorado Childcare Licensing. The bathroom building will be of low-impact design and will be installed on a concrete pad. The bathroom building will comply with Mesa County Building Codes and Colorado Department of Public Health and environment (CDPHE) standards. The bathroom building will provide toilet facilities on the eastern side of the property where a majority of the Camp7 programming will take place
14. OWTS 14.1 The flush restrooms located in the multipurpose building and the bathroom building have met the requirements of Mesa County Department of Public Works Engineering Division (OWTS). A septic and leach field have been designed and approved for both facilities and will be installed fall 2017 15. Utilities 15.1 Water, electric, and gas will be supplied in accordance with MCLDC and state/local regulations. Camp 7 will ensure that services provided will be adequate to serve the completed proposal and existing users in the area during regular, periodic, and peak usage. 16. Pond 16.1 An existing pond site has been excavated and filled to meet Colorado state water regulations and guidelines pertinent to the Camp 7 s commercial water rights. The plan has been designed and approved by a Mesa County approved engineer. There will be proper gauges and meters installed at the pond to ensure proper maintenance and compliance. 16.2 Upon completion and filling of the pond, Collbran water commissioner (Bruce Michaelson) will be contacted and will survey the pond to ensure adherence to the proper criteria. 17. Floodplain 17.1 All land use and construction in the floodplain will be in accordance with Mesa County s Floodplain Development Regulations. This project will have no flood-related impact on adjacent or down-stream properties. 18. Irrigation and Drainage 18.1 Camp 7 property is not an urbanized area for drainage and is considered AFT - agricultural, forestry, transitional zoning. See attached Drainage and Irrigation Check Sheet for detailed irrigation and drainage information provided by the local water commissioner. 19. Waste Management/ Trash Collection 19.1 Centralized waste collection will be located adjacent to the primary parking area and will be serviced by Mesa Waste Inc. The trash receptacles will be large enough to facilitate the needs of the activities taking place at camp and be bear proof. 20. Emergency Services 20.1 Camp 7 has and will continue to work with local emergency services both in Grand Junction and Collbran to ensure that the site is designed and managed in such a way as to minimize risk. Standard emergency procedures have been put into place to protect all who enter the camp property. See attached Emergency Procedures Manual In addition, there is sufficient access for emergency vehicles and personnel to access the property in the event of an emergency. Plateau Valley medical center is located in downtown Collbran approximately 5 minutes away from Camp7 in the event that immediate medical attention is needed. 21. Ongoing Site Maintenance 21.1 The land is currently managed and maintained by the owners and it is intended that they will continue to do so, with the addition of site management and maintenance staff as required.
Programming schedule for Camp7 camp programs - Based on Colorado State Water Decree Month Days People per Day Jan 0 0 Feb 0 0 Mar 7 75 Apr 7 75 May 0 0 Jun 27 185 Jul 29 185 Aug 28 185 Sep 0 0 Oct 0 0 Nov 2 50 Dec 10 50 Total 110 805 Programming Schedule for Camp7 camp programs (Requested from Mesa County CUP) 2017 Summer break camp programs May 29 th - 2nd June 5 th - 9 th June 12 th -16 th June 19 th -23 rd June 26 th -30 th July 3 rd 7th 5 days (100 children 15 staff ) July 10 th -14th July 17 th -21st July 24 th -28th July 31-4 th August 7 th - 11 th 5 days (100 children 15 staff ) August 14 th -15th 2 days (100 children 15 staff) Fall break camp programs November 20 th 24 th 4 days (50 children 5 staff) Christmas break camp programs December 26 th January 5 th 8 days (50 children 5 staff) Spring break camp programs (2018)March 12 th 16 th 5 days (70 children, 5 staff) Total 74 days (530 people) Based on a typical calendar school year we will average approximately 74 days and 530 people for spring, summer, fall and winter camps. Remaining programming would be requested in Minicamp / clinics and spread evenly throughout the spring summer and fall. (approximately) 36 days (40 participants 5 staff) 36 days (275 people) Estimated projections were based on school district schedules in 2014 and submitted to the state in the official water application. Numbers above were averaged and balanced to provide a year-round programming schedule based on current school district schedules.