Each year, the Youth in Nature program starts with a June orientation, but the true beginning is a 4-day, 3-night hut trip to Margy’s Hut outside of Lenado, CO.
This year, students from 5 high schools spanning from Aspen to Parachute came together to kick off the 2025-2026 year.
To begin our trip, we loaded coolers and overnight bags into the truck and drove to the trailhead. Then, students and RFOV leaders started the over six-mile hike up the Spruce Creek Trail to the hut.
After a tiring but rewarding hike, everyone settled into the hut - choosing their bunks, unrolling sleeping bags and settling in for our first card games. Over our first meal together, we discussed the role of technology in our lives, the pros and cons, and how we might use this break from our phones thoughtfully.
Tuesday morning, Wren Loyd from the Buddy Program joined us to lead an orienteering lesson: learning about the features of a topographic map, the parts of a compass, and how to combine those two tools to find your way in the wilderness. With the students leading the way, we made our way from the hut to Mount Yekel without using trails, GPS or other aids. After having lunch on the panoramic summit, we found our bearings again and made our way back to the hut for our afternoon activity.
We continued our day with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) staff, including three YIN alumni, for an observation drawing activity and nature games. These apprentices shared lessons that they led for younger students through ACES programming, providing a window into life as an environmental educator. This first-hand experience shared from YIN alumni who have been employed for multiple summers by a partner organization is extremely valuable for current participants.
On Wednesday, staff with the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association shared the history of the hut system and led a stewardship project: stacking up burn piles to create defensible space and improve forest health surrounding the hut.
After completing the project, we had lunch and discussed the upcoming “solo”, where each student was placed by RFOV leaders, out of sight of other students, with their journals. Throughout the trip, we rarely had time to ourselves, and several students said that the solo was a highlight. This time to rest, write, observe and reflect is an important tool that is revisited throughout the program.
Students said, “I thought I’d miss my phone, but it’s actually been really nice not having it,” and “I feel like we have gotten to know each other really quickly out here.”
Throughout our time, students learned from each other, from cooking meals and cleaning up afterwards to encouraging each other along the hike.
We enjoyed the expansive night sky, marveled at rainbows and wildflowers, and hiked to take in a color-drenched sunset. While these students come from different grades, schools and backgrounds, they bonded quickly. They met challenges with surprising positivity, encouragement and determination.
The combination of education, “slow fun” (reading, card games, watercolors, etc.), exploration, and service, made this an impactful trip for all involved. Students took advantage of this opportunity to practice being present during the time away from everyday life with new people in a beautiful new environment.
Just before leaving, we took a group photo on the deck and every student signed their name in the Margy’s Hut logbook, enshrined for future YIN participants.
It is hard to overstate the importance of this trip. By removing pressures and distraction, we can bring together students from across west-central Colorado and quickly build a community that is open, accepting and positive. The hut setting creates a unique space to learn about and experience our environment, and this shared experience sets a solid foundation for the rest of the year.
By Ben Sherman, RFOV Education Director
