Outdoor Belonging Project

Apply for the Outdoor Belonging Project through TEENS, Inc. The Belonging Colorado grant supports 15 organizations across Colorado, representing a diverse set of nonprofits, community-based organizations, and local governments. These organizations will develop innovative programs that bring people together across lines of difference to address shared challenges, connect on shared interests, and deepen community relationships and heal divides.  

Building on the success of our TeamWorks youth employment program, we are excited to run the Outdoor Belonging Project for a second year. This program is targeted towards 7th–9th grade youth from urban and rural/mountain towns to engage in outdoor adventures together. By bringing together two cohorts of 8 youth each (4 urban and 4 rural) we aim to bridge divides of difference and create meaningful cross-community interaction, while exploring the outdoors and having tons of fun!

Our program creates an immersive experiential learning journey designed to foster confidence, belonging, and leadership among 7th-9th grade youth from rural and urban communities. Through carefully structured activities spanning 22 days over a six month period, participants engage in outdoor recreation and skill-building that challenges them to take healthy risks, gain new perspectives from peers, and develop collaborative problem-solving skills that will support their ability to thrive socially and academically.

• Orientation weekend at Cal-Wood (overnight in cabins) - March 14-15 OR March 28-29 (Saturday - Sunday)

• Climbing day (day trip) - April 11 OR April 12 (Saturday OR Sunday)

• Service day (day trip) - May 9th (Saturday)

• First aid and outdoor skills (overnight) - June 3-5 (Wednesday - Friday)

• 5 day front country camping trip, possible activities include rafting, climbing, hiking (maybe mtn biking) - activities will depend on youth interest and input (overnight in tents) - June 8-12 OR June 22-26 (Monday - Friday)

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training and Activities (day trip) - July 1 (Wednesday)

• 8 day front country and backcountry camping trip, possible activities include backpacking, paddle boarding - activities will depend on youth interest and input (overnight in tents) - July 6-13 OR July 20-27

• Closing weekend and celebration - youth will create a collaborative capstone presentation about experience/learning and share with families at celebration (overnight) - July 31 - August 2

Note: Cohort one will meet on the dates listed first in the activity description. Cohort two will meet on the dates listed second. Example: Orientation weekend, cohort one meets March 14th-15th and cohort two meets March 28th-29th. Our goal is consistency and community building within the cohort groups, so there will be minimal movement from different groups. We encourage youth to sign up individually to improve their experience and allow for new friendships to be built.

This program is FREE! We want to eliminate as many barriers as we can to get youth outdoors. Your application does not guarantee a spot. Once your application has been submitted, we will reach out to all applicants and schedule an interview. 

Since this program is free, please only accept your spot if you are confident you want to participate in the program and can attend 80% of the in-person events. The priority application deadline is January 15th, 2026. Applications received after 1/15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis based on program availability.

Please reach out if you have any questions. Call us at 303.258.3821 and ask for Rebecca or email rebecca@teensinc.org.