Denver, CO
- Hiking
- Camping
- Backpacking
Denver, CO
- Hiking
- Camping
- Backpacking
Exploring Colorado’s Backcountry
Itineraries
Our programs gradually immerse youth participants into nature in a series of smooth transitions. First, we familiarize them with the front country through day hikes and overnight camping trips. Then, we embark on our flagship weeklong backpacking or canoeing expeditions in the backcountry. This comprehensive approach fosters self-confidence that remains well after the participants depart.
Day Hike Itinerary
Hike Prep
- Land acknowledgement introduction
- Positive learning agreement introduction
- Expedition flag introduction
- Youth roles introduction
- Phone free expectations
Activities and Lessons
- Games
- Backcountry skills: map reading basics
- Backcountry skills: traveling as a group
- Backcountry skills: essential gear & equipment
End of the Hike
- Personal reflection & journaling
- Roundtable reflection
- Gauge level of interest & ability to participate on the overnight
Frontcountry Overnight Itinerary
Overnight Prep
- Review youth roles and phone free expectations
- Outfit participants with necessary clothing and equipment
Activities and Lessons
- Goal setting
- Reflection roundtable
- Backcountry skills
- Minimizing our impact
- Tent site selection and setup
- Sleeping comfortably
- Cooking
- Backcountry bathrooms & hygiene
- Route selection & considerations
- Animal encounters
- Lost & alone
End of Overnight
- Final reflection
- Discuss expedition dates, location, and requirements
- Complete end of program feedback form
Weeklong Backcountry Expedition Itinerary
Expedition Prep
- Review youth roles, phone free expectations, and positive learning agreement
- Duffle shuffle: What to bring and what to leave behind
- Self-care in the backcountry: how folks are feeling and what they need from the group
- Backcountry skills:
- How to pack a pack
- Review lost & alone and backcountry hygiene lessons
Activities and Lessons
- Backcountry skills:
- Recognizing hotspots & treating blisters
- Treating water and staying hydrated
- Campsite boundaries
- Challenge day
- Create an expedition flag
- Daily reflection roundtables
- Celebration dinner
End of Expedition
- Assist with end of program gear clean up and organizing
- Learn about participant alumni opportunities
- Complete end of program feedback and survey
Meet Our Partners
We collaborate with community-based youth development agencies, recreation centers, and schools to identify young individuals who would benefit most from our program. By doing so, we ensure that our program reaches those who may not have had the opportunity to connect with camps and outdoor activities otherwise.
These partnerships are crucial in developing our curriculum, preparing students for their experience, and ensuring that the valuable lessons learned during our expeditions continue to positively impact the participants’ homes, schools, and communities.
Discover how we work with youth agencies.
I Have a Dream Foundation
I Have a Dream Foundation partners with youth and their families as they successfully navigate school, college, and career by providing a holistic academic, social, and emotional program from elementary school through college, along with postsecondary scholarship assistance.
Denver City Lax
Denver City Lax creates opportunities for youth in underserved neighborhoods by providing access to lacrosse and then engaging participants in year-round lacrosse training, academic guidance, and enrichment experiences.
Black Parents United Foundation
Black Parents United Foundation empowers parents of black and brown children to empower their children, and to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion through confidence building, community development, and community engagement.
Looking to Support?
Looking to Partner?
Sal Prado
Denver Regional Program Manager