A HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRLS CAMP
Camp Nizhoni, whose name means beautiful in the Navajo language, was founded in 1926 in response to the segregationist policies of the time, which prevented African American girls from attending the same YWCA camps as white children. A group of businessmen, who were developing an African American mountain resort in the area, offered them a piece of ground with a house on it that would be given to them if they camped at the spot for three consecutive years. And so, Camp Nizhoni was born, offering a place where African American girls would have the opportunity to understand and appreciate nature.
Camp Nizhoni rapidly grew in popularity, and enthusiastic campers boarded the train from Denver to Pinecliffe, in Colorado’s Gilpin County, for two fun-filled weeks of hiking, climbing, swimming and enjoying the mountain air.
To learn more about today’s Nizhoni Equestrian Program click here!
Support the development of the next generation of young leaders through outdoor education and recreation, cultural history exploration and workforce advancement.
