Colorado Youth Outdoors exists to build strong, healthy family relationships.
In Colorado Springs, we bring that mission to life through intentional programs, meaningful outdoor experiences, and strong community relationships.
We begin with access to meaningful outdoor spaces, including our work at Venetucci Farm and across the region. These environments are not just locations, they are classrooms where families learn together.
From there, our impact is driven by our instructors. They are trained to lead with purpose, consistency, and care. Using the PACD model—Participate, Appreciate, Communicate, Dedicate—we guide families through a structured progression that builds trust, communication, and lasting connection.
Behind the scenes, our support staff ensures every program runs professionally and effectively. They provide the structure that allows our instructors to focus on what matters most: the family.
The result is simple and direct. Families who engage fully in the program move forward together, with stronger relationships and a shared foundation that extends well beyond the field.
Colorado Youth Outdoors Chapters
Colorado Youth Outdoors serves families through locally led chapters rooted in the communities they serve.
The Pikes Peak Chapter serves families, schools, and community partners throughout the Pikes Peak region.
Looking for Colorado Youth Outdoors in Northern Colorado?
Visit the Northern Colorado Chapter →
Visit Northern Colorado ChapterThe CYO Mission
Colorado Youth Outdoors builds relationships between youth and their parents through shared experiences in the outdoors.
Our programs create intentional time for families to participate, appreciate, communicate, and dedicate together. Through the PACD model, families strengthen communication, build trust, and create connections that extend beyond their time with CYO.
Learn about CYO’s Teaching Toolkit: PACD
PACD—Participate, Appreciate, Communicate, Dedicate—is the framework CYO uses to help families strengthen their relationships.
These four principles give parents and youth a common language they can use while spending intentional time together. The goal is simple: create opportunities for better communication, stronger trust, and lasting connection.
PACD is woven throughout the CYO experience and gives families tools they can continue using long after their time with us.
Meet our staff
Our support staff provides the structure. They ensure programs are organized, resources are in place, and families have a consistent, professional experience.
Our instructors deliver the program. They apply the PACD model with discipline and purpose, guiding each family through a progression that builds communication, trust, and connection.
And the outcome is the family. Parents and youth moving forward together, stronger than when they started, with skills and relationships that last well beyond the program.
A clear model, Intentional delivery, Stronger families.
Colorado Springs InstructorsA bit of CYO history
The history of Colorado Youth Outdoors is a tale of two stories merging together: The Hewson brother’s belief in building relationships through outdoor education, and the Swift Ponds property.
Learn moreCYO is proud to introduce folks to outdoor recreation while helping build their relationships.
Thank you CYO Partners
