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.)
2025-26 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 14, 2025: Kick-off Orientation
July 22 - 25 2025: Backcountry Hut Trip
Saturday Sessions are 1x/mo Sept 2025 to May 2025 (about 9am-4pm)
Who Can Apply
Open to 9 -12th grade students in the Aspen-Parachute region.
Prior outdoor experience IS NOT needed.
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
Transportation support will be provided.
Students are welcome to drive themselves to program sites.
Students creating burn piles at Margy’s Hut - July 2023
2024-25 Program Schedule – Dates & Partners
June 15 2024 Program orientation | Coffman Ranch | Carbondale, CO
July 15-18 2024 Backcountry hut trip | Margy’s Hut | Aspen, CO
September 21 2024 Farm Collaborative | Cozy Point Ranch | Aspen, CO
October 19 2024 Aspen Center for Environmental Studies | Toklat | Aspen, CO
November 16 2024 Glenwood Climbing Guides | Colorado National Monument | Grand Junction, CO
December 14 & 15 2024 Desert Mountain Medicine | Third Street Center | Carbondale, Co
January 18 2025 Colorado Avalanche Information Center | Mcclure Pass, CO
February 22 2025 Buddy Program | CMC Spring Valley Campus | Glenwood , CO
March 15 2025 Roaring Fork Conservancy | Basalt, CO
April 26 2025 Aspen Valley Land Trust | Silt River Preserve | Silt, CO
May 17 & 18 2025 Glenwood Climbing Guides | Rifle Mountain Park | Overnight | Rifle, CO
August 2nd 2025 Youth In Nature Alumni Project | Redstone Boulders | Redstone, 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!
