Youth In Nature
Meet new people, spend time in nature, challenge yourself, and have fun!
RFOV and our partners are excited to offer this paid internship opportunity that connects students from across our region with new people, places, and outdoor professionals. Whether you are interested in farming, outdoor exploration, or just looking for a chance to put down technology, please consider joining the next Youth In Nature team!
Hear from the students:
“If you’re scared to try something new like this... I’d say do it. It takes me a minute to get comfortable and I was nervous...but this has been fun. I’ll be a little sad for the trip to be over but I know we’ve got more [ahead].”
2023-24 YIN team enjoying a campfire at Margy’s Hut - July 2023 (Scroll down for more photos.)
2024-25 Program Information
Find this year’s Youth In Nature flyer here!
en Español ver aquí
Youth In Nature is a 12-month program including a hut trip and eight Saturday Sessions:
June 2024: Kick-off Orientation
July 2024: Backcountry Hut Trip
Saturday Sessions are 1x/mo Sept 2024 to May 2025 (9am-4pm)
Who Can Apply
Open to 9 -12th grade students in the Aspen-Parachute region.
Prior outdoor experience IS NOT needed.
Applications open January 15th, 2024
Applications close April 12, 2024
Education Award
There is no cost to participate.
All participants receive a $1,500 award over the course of the program.
Outdoor Gear
No boots? No problem!
All gear and supplies will be provided. We’ll get you what you need!
Transportation
All transportation will be provided.
Students are welcome to drive to program sites.
Students creating burn piles at Margy’s Hut - July 2023
Applications for 2024-25 are open from January 15 - April 15
2023-24 Program Schedule – Dates & Partners
June 21 Program orientation | Coffman Ranch | Carbondale, CO
July 10-13 Backcountry hut trip | Margy’s Hut | Aspen, CO
September 16 Farm Collaborative | Cozy Point Ranch | Aspen, CO
October 7 Aspen Center for Environmental Studies | Maroon Bells | Aspen, CO
November 11 Glenwood Climbing Guides | Colorado National Monument | Grand Junction, CO
December 9 & 10 Desert Mountain Medicine | Third Street Center | Carbondale, Co
January 20 Buddy Program | Carbondale, Co
February 10 Aspen Ski Co | Aspen, CO
March 16 Eco-Flight | Aspen, CO
April 20 Aspen Valley Land Trust | Coffman Ranch | Carbondale, CO
May 11 & 12 RFOV | Colorado River | Glenwood Springs, CO
YIN team learning orienteering skills and navigating to Mount Yekel with The Buddy Program - July 2023
Youth In Nature is made possible by the Jonathan D. + Mark C. Lewis Foundation
Thank you to all of our Program Partners!
