PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) to support this year’s Los Luceros Day Camp, taking place June 1 to 5, 2026 at Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde, NM.
Following recent staff changes at Los Luceros Historic Site, PEEC worked quickly to ensure that this beloved program could continue as planned. Eric Vasquez, Director of NRGNHA, and Gabriela Silva, NRGNHA’s Art Program Director, have enthusiastically stepped in to collaborate with PEEC for the 2026 session. Silva and PEEC educators will co‐lead camp activities throughout the week.
PEEC expresses its gratitude to the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area for their swift collaboration, which ensured this beloved nature‐learning opportunity could continue for local families.
NRGNHA staff bring extensive experience running public programs at Los Luceros and deep familiarity with the site’s cultural and natural resources. Their involvement strengthens the camp’s place‐based learning approach and ensures a seamless, enriching experience for participating families.
About the Camp
Los Luceros Day Camp invites children entering grades 1 to 3 to explore the vibrant bosque ecosystem through hands‐on projects, outdoor adventures, and themes inspired by the beloved New Mexico Outdoor Pass booklet. Each day highlights a different topic—plants, animals, water systems, and more—encouraging curiosity and discovery.
As campers complete activities, they earn outdoor‐themed prizes such as camping mugs, picnic blankets, and multipurpose tools to support future adventures.
The camp is guided by seasoned educators with current First Aid/CPR/AED certification, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. PEEC’s camp model emphasizes the physical, mental, and emotional well‐being of every participant, creating a transformative summer experience rooted in nature connection.
Registration Status
Registration for Los Luceros Day Camp filled quickly, reflecting strong community enthusiasm for this program. The camp is currently full, and a waitlist is available.
Families interested in future opportunities or other PEEC Summer Camps can stay updated at peecnature.org/events or contact kristen@peecnature.org or 505.662.0460.
“We’re grateful for this partnership and excited to work alongside NRGNHA to keep this special camp thriving,” PEEC staff member Beth Sanchez said. “Their expertise at Los Luceros enriches the program and ensures campers will have a meaningful, place‐based week outdoors.”
For more information, visit PEEC’s website at peecnature.org/events. Stay connected on social media for updates on each week’s activities.
PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts several interest groups, from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and gift shop merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit peecnature.org/support/membership/.