Colorado Youth Outdoors exists to build strong, healthy family relationships.
In Colorado Springs, we achieve that through intentional design and disciplined execution.
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.
The CYO Mission
At CYO, we build relationships between youth, their parents, and their communities through traditional outdoor recreation.
Yes, we teach archery, fishing and shooting sports — but that’s not why we’re here. We believe time spent together outside combined with our PACD toolkit makes relationships grow!
Learn about CYO’s Teaching Toolkit: PACD
Over years of teaching, CYO has produced a toolkit of words to talk about your relationship: Participate, Appreciate, Communicate & Dedicate.
We aren’t therapists. We aren’t scientists. But we’ve seen our conversations in action, and we think they’ll add another bow to your quiver.
Learn more about the four words in CYO’s PACD Teaching Model in combination with two hours a week spent in the outdoors together.
Here’s our fancy math: PACD + time spent together = Where Relationships Grow!
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.
No gimmicks. Just a clear model that works.
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
