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!

Complete the interest form below to stay updated on the next application window.

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].”

Read about the 2025 backcountry hut trip:

Program Information

2026/2027 Application is Closed

Fill out the form below to get notified when the next application window open!

Youth In Nature is a 12-month program including a hut trip and eight Saturday Sessions:

• June 13, 2026: Kick-off Orientation

• July 14th - 17th 2026: Backcountry Hut Trip at Margy’s Hut

• Saturday Sessions are 1x/mo Sept 2026 to May 2027 (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. 

2026-27 Program Schedule – Dates & Partners

• June 13, 2026│ 1pm-4pm │ Rock Bottom Ranch  │ Basalt, CO

  Organization lead: Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers

  Session focus: Orientation

• July 14nd - 17th , 2026 │ Margy’s Hut │ Frying Pan Wilderness, CO

  Organization lead: Tenth Mountain Division and a Variety of Partners 

• September 19, 2026│ 9am-4pm │ Linwood Cemetery│ Glenwood Springs, CO

  Organization lead: Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers 

  Session focus: Community Volunteer Project

• October 17, 2026 │ 9am-4pm │ TBD

  Organization lead: TBD

  Session focus: Fishing

• November 14 , 2026│ 8am-6pm│Colorado National Monument 

  Organization leads: Bureau of Land Management and Glenwood Climbing Guides               Session focus: service project, canyoneering

• December 12/13 2026 (Sat & Sun)│9am-4pm│Third Street Center│Carbondale

  Organization lead: Desert Mountain Medicine

  Session focus: Wilderness First Aid training & certification

• January 23,  2027│ 9am-3pm │ Snow Science + Winter Naturalism Organization lead: ACES

  Session focus: Snowshoeing, winter ecology, snow science

• February  27, 2027│ 9am-4pm │TBD

  Organization lead:  TBD

  Session focus: TBD

• March 20, 2027│9am-4pm│Rifle River Stop │ Rifle, CO 

  Organization lead: Middle Colorado Watershed Council

  Session focus: Waters of the West

• April 17 , 2027| 9am-4pm |Pick your Path

  Organization lead: TBD

• May 15/16 , 2027│Saturday and Sunday overnight │ Rifle Mountain Park │Rifle

  Organization lead: Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers

  Session focus: Graduation

Youth In Nature is made possible by the Jonathan D + Mark C. Lewis Foundation

Thank you to all of our Program Partners!