Young Stewards Program
Marble Charter School, 2021
Since 2012, RFOV has offered hands-on programming that provides students with the tools and experience necessary to become the next generation of outdoor stewards. The Young Stewards Program includes a variety of enriching outdoor experiences to students in kindergarten through college. By building new skills, working as a team, and giving back to our shared outdoors, we can all take part in community-powered stewardship!
-
Grades 10-12
Youth in Nature (YIN) is a year-long program for high school students from Aspen to Parachute that includes orientations, a hut trip, and eight Saturday sessions. Throughout the year, you'll explore the outdoors, develop hands-on skills, and learn about the role we can all play in taking care of our communities. Spark your curiosity for nature, challenge yourself, unplug and have FUN! Prior outdoor experience is NOT needed.
There is no cost to participate. All participants receive a $1,500 award over the course of the program.
All gear and supplies will be provided. We’ll get you what you need!
All transportation will be provided. Students are welcome to drive to programs sites. -
Ages 8-18.
The core of the Young Stewards Program, these hands-on projects give students a chance to create a lasting, positive impact on the public outdoor spaces open to all of us.
We pride ourselves on creating a custom experience for each group that partners with RFOV. Through the lens of stewardship, we address topics ranging from ecology, land use, writing, art and more. Inquire about how we can extend your classroom to the trail! Each program can be tied to current curriculum and learning goals, with lessons incorporated during the project.
Booking a field trip for Outdoor Education? RFOV can lead a stewardship component and provides students with a chance to get their hands dirty and make a positive impact on the area they are visiting. Offered approximately 3 times weekly from April through October (weather & trail conditions permitting.) Click here for an example itinerary of a Service-Learning Day.
-
Ages 8-18.
The “O” in RFOV means more than just trails! We aim to engage students in the stewardship of any shared outdoors space, and that can begin right outside the classroom window!
Reach out to RFOV to plan a day of service on school grounds - projects may include mulching trees and pulling weeds, planting for pollinators, installing bird/bat/bee boxes or other stewardship projects you have in mind. Please allow plenty of time for planning and coordination.
Booking begins Winter 2024 for all Spring academic year dates.
-
Ages 11-14.
For students who are interested in trying new “adventure sports” while learning about and giving back to the trails, land, and ecosystems that surround them!
Adventure Stewards is a summertime program. Adventure activities include mountain biking, rock climbing and more! Four one-week sessions available: two in June & two in July.
Registration is now open
Cost is $450 for a 5-day session. Financial aid is available.
-
Ages 16-18.
RFOV can assist students with completing their capstone project in their community! We have extensive experience in the development, organization and implementation of conservation, restoration and outdoor community improvement projects. RFOV education staff will be happy to assist groups or individuals through the process of a stewardship-centered project.
Open to students attending public or private schools, members of service organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and more. If you are a student interested discussing a capstone project, please fill out an interest request form
The vast majority of youth education is provided at no cost to students, their families, or our partner schools & organizations. Please consider a Donation to RFOV to enable us to deliver these programs for free in years to come!
