A Free River Camp Connects Cortez Youth to the Outdoors—and Builds Relationships

Recent surveys conducted by Montezuma Inspire Coalition (a group of nonprofits, businesses, and government organizations interested in serving youth and the outdoors) revealed a drop in participation in outdoor activities among middle school youth in the Cortez area—a problem because a lack of meaningful connection to the outdoors has negative impacts on health and well-being. Among the barriers to middle schoolers accessing the outdoors: transportation (middle school students can’t drive and many parents do not have time to provide transportation) and financial limitations (equipment can be expensive). Complicating matters further, in summer months, the same middle school youth lose the daily connection with their peers and trusted adults—just one more blow to their well-being. Staff at Dolores River Boating Advocates had a idea for how to help: Launch a free five-day immersive river camp program for middle schoolers to keep them connected to nature in a fun, safe way, while also building positive relationships with peers and trusted adults. LOR’s funding supported the purchase of equipment, and transportation and contractors costs to ensure the success of the camps.

In The News

Dolores Boating Group Launches a New River Camp for Young People (Cortez Journal)