For CYO, the outdoors is the setting, not the goal. Our mission is relationships. Every experience is guided by PACD, a simple model that helps parents and youth participate together, appreciate one another, communicate openly, and dedicate time to each other. The skills families practice outside carry home into everyday life.

Our CORE program is designed for youth and their parents to take part together. CYO also offers field trips and team-building experiences for schools and community groups. If you are unsure which opportunity fits your family or group, our team is glad to help you find the right starting point.

Youth must be at least 10 years old to participate in CORE. The program is designed for a parent and child to participate together, creating shared experiences that strengthen their relationship through the PACD model.

No previous outdoor experience is required. CYO welcomes families with different levels of experience. Our instructors provide guidance throughout the program so parents and children can learn together. The emphasis is on participation, communication, and building relationships rather than prior skills.

CORE is CYO’s structured 12-week program for parents and youth. Families share traditional outdoor recreation experiences while practicing the PACD model together. Over the course of the program, the focus stays on building trust, improving communication, and creating lasting habits of time spent together.

PACD stands for Participate, Appreciate, Communicate, and Dedicate. It is the model behind every CYO program and the way relationships are strengthened: doing things together, recognizing what each person brings, talking openly, and committing time to one another. Outdoor recreation simply gives families a place to practice it.

Because relationships are built together, not separately. When parents and youth share the same experience, they create common ground for conversation and trust. Participating side by side is the first step of PACD, and it gives families intentional time that is often hard to find in busy everyday life.

Visit our Programs page to explore current opportunities and registration information. When enrollment is open, follow the registration instructions for the program that interests you. If registration is not currently available or you have questions, contact our team at 719-398-5855 for assistance.

Our traditional 12-week CORE program tuition is $300 per parent-child pair. Scholarship opportunities are available for qualifying families. Under the current scholarship structure, families contribute $120 upfront, which may be refunded when they attend at least 10 of the 12 sessions. Contact our team to confirm current tuition, scholarship availability, and requirements before registering.

CYO serves families in Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado. Experiences take place at program-specific outdoor locations, including Venetucci Farm. Our team confirms meeting locations for each session. Our office is located at 421 N. Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Come ready to spend time together — that is the heart of every program. Clothing, footwear, and equipment needs vary by activity, location, and season, so our team will share what to bring for your specific session. Questions before your first visit are always welcome.

Colorado weather can change quickly, and conditions may affect outdoor plans. Our team communicates arrangements for your specific session. If conditions look uncertain, please contact us to confirm any updates before you travel so your family can plan with confidence.

Volunteers help make shared family experiences possible. If you would like to give your time and support our mission of building relationships, visit our Get Involved page or contact our team to learn about current volunteer opportunities and how your skills can make a difference.

Businesses and community organizations can help strengthen local families by supporting CYO’s mission. Visit our Get Involved page to see current ways to give and participate, or contact our team to start a conversation about how your organization can be part of building relationships in Southern Colorado.

Yes. Businesses can support Colorado Youth Outdoors through program sponsorships, community events, employee volunteer opportunities, and financial contributions. These partnerships help CYO expand opportunities for families and communities throughout Southern Colorado. Contact our team to discuss available sponsorship opportunities.

Donors interested in supporting Colorado Youth Outdoors programs in Southern Colorado can contact our team to learn how contributions are designated and used. We are committed to clear communication about how charitable support advances our mission and serves families in our community.

CYO offers field trips and team-building experiences for schools and community groups, applying the same relationship-focused approach found in our family programs. Contact our team to talk through your group’s goals and the opportunities currently available.

Venetucci Farm is one of the places where CYO brings the Colorado Springs community together, offering farm-based experiences and seasonal events such as pumpkin patch visits. Visit the Venetucci Farm page for current information, events, and ways to take part.

Colorado Youth Outdoors measures its impact through program participation, family engagement, school and community outreach, and feedback from participants. Our goal is to understand not only how many individuals we serve but also how our programs support stronger relationships and meaningful community connections.