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
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
2025-26 Program Schedule – Dates & Partners
June 14 2025 Program orientation | Coffman Ranch | Carbondale, CO
July 22-25 2025 Backcountry hut trip | Margy’s Hut | Aspen, CO
August 2nd 2025 Youth In Nature Alumni Project | Redstone Boulders | Redstone, CO
September 27 2025 Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers | Hanging Lake | Aspen, CO
October 18 2025 Aspen Center for Environmental Studies | TBD
November 15 2025 Glenwood Climbing Guides | Colorado National Monument | Grand Junction, CO
December 2025 Desert Mountain Medicine | Third Street Center | Carbondale, Co
January 2026 Snow Science | TBD
February 2026 Indoor Climbing | TBD
March 2026 Water in the West | TBD
April 2026 Silt River Preserve | TBD
May 2026 Graduation Camping Trip | Glenwood Climbing Guides | Rifle Mountain Park
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!
