James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus

This new incredible mural, painted by DU senior Nicole Benton ( ), brightens the walls of DU Outdoors’ on-campus programming hub, Basecamp 🎨✨ We think she did a fantastic job capturing the spirit of Basecamp and the adventures we offer! 🏔️🚴

She also shared a powerful message at the Basecamp Grand Opening earlier this month:

“The purpose of Basecamp is to make the outdoors more accessible to our students at DU. Colorado’s nature is really something that is special, and it should be admired and appreciated. Now, with the help of Basecamp, let’s go explore it together!” 🌲💚

We couldn’t agree more. Check out Basecamp’s offerings at the link in our bio, and learn more about Nicole’s mural process and inspiration in the Q&A below 👇

Featured artist: Nicole Benton, DU class of ‘26
Senior Senator, Chair of Sustainability Committee, Undergraduate Student Government

What is the medium of this mural?
This is acrylic on a 4’ x 6’6” plywood panel. (And the largest thing she’s ever painted!) 🎨

How long have you been an artist, and what’s your favorite medium to work in?
I’ve been an artist my whole life. My mom is an incredible artist, and she taught me to paint, draw, and be creative from a really young age. I’ve gone through phases of loving different mediums, but currently I enjoy painting nature scenes and still life in acrylic. 🌿🖌️

What inspired you to paint this mural?
This mural was inspired by Colorado’s gorgeous nature, and DU’s enthusiasm to get out and explore it. I wanted a mural that would capture the excitement and adrenalin of a good skiing or biking trip, to showcase Basecamp’s ski and bike services. ⛷️🚵

What’s your favorite way to spend time outside?
I’ll take any excuse to get outside and spend time in nature. I love to camp, hike, snowboard, fish, and always enjoy a nice park or lake day. 🏕️🥾🎣

What parts of DU Outdoors’ Basecamp are you most excited about, for yourself and your fellow DU students?
I’m excited that Basecamp makes exploring the outdoors more accessible for me and all DU students. Gear can be rented at a really great price, and the community of students and staff here are a great resource. 💛🌄

Here’s everything you need to know about P.A.S.S. Camp at KMC! ⛰️
● Who: Open to campers aged 9-15
● What: Pioneer Adventure Super Summer Camp at Kennedy Mountain Campus (P.A.S.S. Camp at KMC) is a classic sleepaway camp filled with outdoor adventure, new friendships, and memories to last a lifetime!
● Where: DU’s beautiful Kennedy Mountain Campus in Red Feather Lakes, CO
● When: 4-day overnight sessions in July and August
○ Session 1: Wednesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 18 
○ Session 2: Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26 
○ Session 3: Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, Aug 2 
○ Session 4: Saturday, Aug 8 – Tuesday, Aug 11

Learn more in person at our KMC Open House on April 25th!
Free & open to all. 🔗 Registration link in bio.

So many ways to make memories at KMC, from yoga classes in Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway to impromptu poses along the shores of Cliff Lake ⛰️ 🧘

The Lamont School of Music enjoyed a weekend-long retreat at Kennedy Mountain Campus recently ⛰️🎻

They spent their time here in focused rehearsals, taking advantage of the space to collaborate and refine their sound. We love seeing the mountain campus come alive with creativity and music 🎼

Celebrate Earth Day with us! 🌿

We’ll be exhibiting at the Sustainable Living Association’s Earth Day Celebration on April 18 at Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins.

Come connect with local organizations, learn about sustainability, enjoy great music and food, and take part in a community that cares about our planet.

See what’s in store: https://sustainablelivingassociation.org/earth-day-fort-collins/

A change of scenery does wonders 🏔️
Breathe deeper, slow down, and recharge at our mountain campus.🌿

Keep an eye on Crimson Connect for spring-quarter events at the mountain campus, like Designing for Careers and Lives of Purpose on May 15-17.

Hello, spring 🌸☀️
Celebrating the official start of the season at Kennedy Mountain Campus, where the blooms are starting to show and the views keep getting better.

As finals wrap up and spring break begins, moments like this are a good reminder to pause, take a breath, and enjoy the view 🌅

Reminiscing about days spent in the saddle at Kennedy Mountain Campus 🐎