Because we live on the Western Slope of Colorado, so close to acres of public lands, rugged ridgelines, dark skies, and rippling waters, we appreciate these natural wonders more than most communities in the U.S. We also want our youth to be able to experience these places, learn about the intricacies of nature, be challenged by outdoor endeavors, and appreciate our natural resources.   

Our communities have been so generous to our youth in helping Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) facilitate school nature outings, summer camps, mentored outdoor skill building experiences, and nature learning workshops through grant awards and private donations that help make these opportunities happen for our youth in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray Counties.  Community foundations have been an incredible source of funding for FOYAN.  Through the umbrella organization of the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF), FOYAN received $5,000 from the West Elk Community Fund for outdoor camp scholarships for youth in the North Fork Valley. The WCCF Delta Community Fund awarded FOYAN $500 for camp scholarships to youth in the City of Delta. The WCCF CORE Fund and the WCCF General Fund donated $6,000 and $3,600 respectively specific for watershed education opportunities for our youth in the four counties. The Gunnison Basin Roundtable awarded FOYAN $1,500 to facilitate opportunities for our youth to learn about the Gunnison and Colorado River watersheds.  Colorado Grand (Classic Car Charity Tour) donated $10,000 for various outreach opportunities for youth across our four counties. The City of Grand Junction donated $10,000 for youth outdoor and nature learning scholarships for Mesa County youth. Through FOYAN, Montrose Walmart donated $2,500 for the Montrose High School Climbing Team and the Delta Walmart donated $500 for City of Delta youth outdoor scholarships.

In addition, FOYAN hosted several fundraisers in collaboration with businesses and other partners. In Grand Junction, the Gearhead Outfitters hosted a "Kuhl Try-On" event, Trail Life Brewing- "Grains for Good" and Roots Gastrohub hosted a non-profit night with proceeds going to FOYAN.  The Christi Reece group committed to provide volunteer time for FOYAN youth events. FOYAN partnered with the "Kid's Pasta Project" in Hotchkiss which is all about youth serving the community through the preparation/serving of freshly made, healthy dinners giving profits to community non-profits in the North Fork Valley. FOYAN also collaborated with various partners to host the "Bring on the Summer" kid fest fundraiser in Montrose which generated over $5,000 in it's first year.

These foundation awards and fundraising events were leveraged through matches from individual donors like you – giving directly to FOYAN or through Colorado Gives Day to help us receive their incentive matches.  FOYAN received over $15,000 during the end of the year campaign from private donors. Thank you to all who were able to donate to our local youth experiences!

In 2024, FOYAN was able to facilitate outdoor and nature learning experiences for over 8,500 youth in Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Ouray Counties. We distributed over $87,000 to schools for field trip (bus) transportation assistance to Eureka Science center, river festivals, natural resource days, outdoor learning labs (OWL), and snow science/ cross-country skiing opportunities on the Grand Mesa National Forest – just to name a few!  We also provided scholarships for youth to attend summer camps locally at The Nature Connection in Hotchkiss and Delta and a weeklong overnight camp at Santa Maria YMCA near Grant, Colorado for 13 Delta County teens.

It's obvious our community members get it - that time outdoors is vital to re-set one's frame of mind and relieve stress. For kids it also builds confidence and resilience, and provides a chance to play outside- essentially the healthy, active lifestyles many of us Coloradans live here for! It also encourages new friendships and open discussions about our planet and all it has to offer us if we care for it. We are hoping to instill a sense of ownership, appreciation, and respect for our public lands and resources in these young folks so that one day they will be good stewards of our open spaces, habitats for wildlife, clean air and water, and places to seek physical challenges, exciting fun, or solitude. Thank you to our communities for recognizing this great gift we all enjoy on the Western Slope of Colorado and for supporting efforts to pass it on to our next generation.
 

In a world dominated by screens, getting kids to step outside and connect with nature can feel like a herculean task. Many parents and educators face the dilemma of competing with video games, social media, and streaming platforms for childrens’ attention. However, understanding that incremental change can lead to more long-lasting results, what if we instead harness technology as a bridge to the outdoors?
 
Blending technology with nature-based activities offers a unique opportunity to engage today’s “digital natives” while fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. Through intentional use of these tools, we can inspire a love of exploration, curiosity, and stewardship in a way that resonates with tech-savvy youth.
 
While screen time is often, and maybe rightly, blamed for the growing disconnect between children and nature, technology can also be a powerful tool for fostering engagement. Apps like iNaturalist, Seek, and Star Walk allow children to interact with the natural world in interactive and educational ways. These platforms transform outdoor spaces into living classrooms, encouraging kids to identify plants, track animal behaviors, and map constellations.
 
Take geocaching, for instance. This modern-day treasure hunt uses GPS-enabled devices to lead participants to hidden caches scattered around the globe. It’s an adventure that combines problem-solving, teamwork, and outdoor exploration, making it an excellent way to get children excited about spending time in nature. Technology can make the outdoors feel like a video game!
 
Critics often worry that using technology outdoors could detract from the benefits of unplugging, which is a fair concern. The key lies in moderation—by framing technology as a tool, rather than the main focus, parents and educators can encourage kids to use it as a stepping stone into deeper, screen-free engagement with nature, while also building healthier attitudes and habits around the ideal role of technology in day to day life. 
 
For example, apps like BirdNET allow users to identify bird calls using their smartphone microphone. Once a child gets excited about this exciting power to identify birds in their backyard, they’re more likely to put down the phone and spend time observing birds with their own eyes and ears.  
 
And blending technology and nature isn’t just about fun—it’s also a powerful way to nurture stewardship of our public lands. When kids use apps to identify plants or participate in outdoor programs, they develop a personal connection to the natural world. Here on the Western Slope we value our public lands for all of the different ways we interact with them as hunters, anglers, bikers, hikers, or any other outdoor activities. If we want to ensure continued stewardship of those public lands it’s crucial that the next generation has a chance to experience them and create a personal attachment and value of their own.
 
Research supports this approach. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children who used interactive technology to learn about nature were more likely to express interest in environmental conservation than those who only received traditional classroom instruction.  
 
One of the greatest advantages of tech-assisted outdoor activities is their accessibility. With a smartphone and internet connection, even families in highly urbanized areas can explore local parks or their backyards with fresh eyes. Similarly, rural communities can use digital tools to connect with broader communities through activities like tracking monarch butterfly migration or monitoring water quality.  
 
For families on a budget, many apps offer free versions, and community programs often lend GPS devices or binoculars to participants. These resources make it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of tech-integrated outdoor adventures.  
 
If you’re looking to combine technology and outdoor play, here are a few tips to get started:  
 
1. Choose the Right Tools: Research apps or programs that align with your child’s interests, whether it’s stargazing, wildlife tracking, or geocaching.  
 
2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits for screen time during outdoor activities, encouraging moments of direct interaction with nature, without the devices in hand. 
 
3. Start Small: Begin with simple activities like identifying backyard plants or spotting planets and constellations, before moving on to more complex projects.  
 
4. Make It Social: Invite friends or classmates to join in, turning outdoor adventures into shared experiences that build community and cooperation.  
 
By embracing technology as a tool for outdoor exploration, we can meet kids where they are while fostering a genuine love for nature. Whether through identifying birds with an app or hunting for geocaches in a nearby park, tech-integrated activities offer endless opportunities to inspire curiosity and creativity.  
 
In a time when our public lands need defenders more than ever, these small steps can lay the foundation for a future generation of environmental stewards—creating a healthier form of connection with technology, and a greater connection to the wonders of the world around them.  

Youth from FOYAN's partner program "Together for Resilient Youth" or TRY, enjoy a winter day on the Grand Mesa National Forest, sledding, ice fishing, creating snow sculptures and learning to cross-country ski and snowshoe

Winter is the most magical time to get children outside. The crisp mountain air calls to something deep in the soul. Snow blanketing the ground brings a fresh clean slate for creating memories together.
 
To have successful outings with kids in the winter takes a bit of preparation. There are things you can gather now that will make that first outing to the sledding hill more fun for all. It’s time to make a list and gather essential items. Grab a box or backpack that you can use to collect essential items and put in an “out of the way” spot. Make a list of anything else you need but use on a regular basis and cannot put in your box.
 
When you take a trip to the Grand Mesa, or any other mountain destination, you need to remember that you are going to a completely different environment. Local mountain playgrounds are a mile higher in elevation than the surrounding valleys, and temperatures, sun intensity, and weather often are important considerations. Check the weather forecast the day before your outing to make sure you are properly prepared.
 
It is always good to have extra gloves, knit caps, socks, chemical hand warmers, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and sweaters in your car or pack to stay protected during a morning of winter fun! You can put a few old hats and gloves in your “winter gear box” that you take with you, and that way if someone in your party forgets something, you are good to go!
 
 Sunscreen, sun protecting lip balm, and sunglasses are a must to protect against sunburn. Being in the mountains means a mile less of insulating atmosphere, and more intense reflection of the sun off the snow. Make sure your sunscreen is a broad-spectrum protection (protecting from both UVA and UVB rays) with at least 30 SPF, or ‘sun protecting factor.’
 
Days are short in the winter, and darkness sometimes falls a little earlier than you expect. A headlamp in your pack will come in very handy (extra batteries in a ziploc). There are lightweight led lights that will do the job as well and are easy to carry. It’s always a good idea to have matches or a lighter and a space blanket with you. Many of these items can be stored in your car through the winter.
 
Dressing in layers, or “like an onion” on the day of your outing is very important! Having a wool or synthetic underlayer next to your skin will help absorb moisture and keep you warm, even if it gets wet. The next upper layer should be a wool or pile sweater or sweatshirt, and then a light water and wind proof jacket over that is your outer onion layer! With this system, if you are working hard cross-country skiing or climbing that sledding hill, you can peel off a layer to prevent overheating, and put it back on when you are sitting around at lunch. The same layering system works well on your legs, with either long underwear or tights under your outer layer of wind pants or snow pants. Large bulky winter coats make it difficult to regulate your body temperature when you are being active outdoors, but they are important in protecting yourself from the wind and will keep you warm while you are less active.
 
Taking care of your hands and feet and head are important, too!  Wear a warm pair of wool or synthetic socks – sometimes two layers work well if your boots are big enough. Most winter and ski boots have wonderful insulation, however, and one pair of warm socks is usually sufficient. Don’t depend on your athletic shoes to keep you warm: heavier and more water repellent boots will serve you better. If you only have athletic shoes, a plastic sack outside your sock and inside your shoe will help keep you dry. Gloves are important when playing in the snow! Look for gloves that fit well, are not too snug, and have modest insulation and a water repellent, yet breathable, synthetic outer layer. Some folks like to have a thin glove liner with them that fits well inside their regular glove in case the weather gets cold. And always bring a cozy knit cap made of wool or acrylic. You can lose up to 70% of your body heat through your head if it is uncovered.
 
In addition to what goes on your body to keep you comfortable, it is important remember to bring food and water with you. Stay hydrated - frequent sips of water help stave off altitude headaches and will leave you with more energy. And it is important to bring healthy high calorie snacks like trail mix (aka gorp), cheese sticks, apples and peanut butter, and snack bars. Exercising outside, especially in the winter, takes energy! A thermos of hot tea or hot chocolate is also a welcome treat that warms your body from the inside out.
 
As with all outdoor experiences, when you are well prepared your wild winter outing will truly be wonderful!

 
“During the beginning of my term, we (the Nature Connection staff) were right in the middle of preparing for one of our core school programs that takes place in the wintertime- our Skis for Kids Program. I was all too familiar with this program, as both of my parents had started this program, and I had helped with several outings. After previously working with a much older population than our core youth audience, I was a little nervous. Over time and leading many programs and activities, I became more comfortable with holding conversations and joking around with just about any kid.
 
Fast forward to our summer camp programs with The Nature Connection that took place in two locations, Hotchkiss and Delta, Colorado.  I was responsible for facilitating education stations
for various themes offered for each camp week throughout the summer.  I was hopeful
that the summer camps would be fun for the kids, give them a chance to relax, make
new friends, and just let them be kids doing kid things. Even though we saw
some of the same kids from our school programs, each camp brought a different vibe for
each location. I was a little surprised by this.  Some camper groups needed a lot more
physical activity and movement throughout the day particularly to get through that last chunk of the day.  Knowing this, I had fun modifying education lesson stations based on the
location of the camp and the kids needs.
 
During one station, I had taken the kids and camp counselors for a nature walk to gather
leaves for a leaf rubbing activity to get the kids moving, and observing. After we came back with the gathered leaves, we started our activity. The theme of that week's activity was Nature of Art, and the goal of that activity was to use leaves gathered to create designs on a piece of paper using crayons for a colorful result. After they had created their designs, the
campers could write a little note to whomever they chose.. One camper wrote
"Anthony, please come to camp. It's not as bad as you think it is."  This had me and the other counselors cracking up in fits of laughter! I mean, what would you expect a kid to write, other than complete honesty? It was as funny as it was humbling. I didn't know which camper wrote that note, but it assured me and the other counselors that the kids were actually
having fun and making memories.
 
Ultimately, having fun while connecting to the outdoors is our intention and if we can make
an impact on at least one kid, then that is more than satisfying enough.”