Underserved Youth Experience Winter on the Grand Mesa by Trigg Skoe

Photo Captions: (Top Left) One of FOYAN's many volunteers on this day helped tend one of the little ones as Mom from Haven House tried out cross country skiing; (Top Right) What's a winter outing without sledding? The sled hill on the Grand Mesa is a perfect ride; (Bottom Left) Most everyone loved the  thrill of ice fishing and actually catching fish! (Bottom Right) A Forest Service Ranger helped one of the youth find their balance on skis. 

Winter has finally arrived in Colorado, and just in time for Friends of Youth and Nature’s TRY event on the Grand Mesa! On February 16, 2026, Friends of Youth and Nature hosted more than 80 youth participants and 27 volunteers across two locations on the Grand Mesa for a day filled with fun, first-time experiences, and outdoor education. Participants had the opportunity to try ice fishing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing, many for the very first time.

The TRY (Together for Resilient Youth) Program hosts six events throughout the year, all focused on providing underserved youth and families with meaningful outdoor recreation experiences. The winter event on the Grand Mesa has always been a favorite, and it’s a wonderful way to kick off the new year with community, connection, and adventure.

The Together for Resilient Youth coalition collaborates with eight local organizations, including Families Plus, Partners, CASA of the 7th Judicial District, Haven House for the Homeless, Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club, Peer Kindness, Voyagers, and Hilltop Family Services. The TRY coalition also partners with agencies that help make these events possible, including the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, both of which play a major role in supporting the winter event on the Grand Mesa.

These events give youth and families the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of spending time outdoors while building community, resilience, and confidence. Following FOYAN’s Grand Mesa event, all participants reported an increased sense of self-esteem, confidence, and belonging in outdoor spaces. Quotes from participants and volunteers at this year’s event highlight just how meaningful these experiences can be for all involved:

“This was the best day ever! Sledding was the most terrifying, but fun activity I’ve ever done!”
“I wasn’t planning on coming today, but I am so happy I did because it was such a fun day.”
“Volunteering for these events fills my cup. Seeing these kids get outside and enjoy life when there’s so much else going on in their lives brings joy to all those around.”
“I caught four fish today! I have never caught a fish before!”

Together for Resilient Youth events are deeply impactful for participating youth, families, and volunteers alike. These experiences are made possible by the generosity of Western Slope community members and grantors such as GOCO’s Generation Wild Uncompahgre, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant, the Western Colorado Community Foundation, and more.

If you’d like to support future TRY events, please consider donating to Friends of Youth and Nature, reaching out about volunteer opportunities, or following and sharing our work on social media.