Application: Outdoor Belonging Project - Outdoor Leadership Participant Application 2026
Calling all current 7th-9th graders! Apply for the Outdoor Belonging Project through TEENS, Inc. The Belonging Colorado grant supports 15 organizations across Colorado, representing a diverse set of nonprofits, community-based organizations, and local governments. These organizations will develop innovative programs that bring people together across lines of difference to address shared challenges, connect on shared interests, and deepen community relationships and heal divides.  

Building on the success of our TeamWorks youth employment program, we are excited to run the Outdoor Belonging Project for a second year. This program is targeted towards 7th–9th grade youth from urban and rural/mountain towns to engage in outdoor adventures together. By bringing together two cohorts of 8 youth each (4 urban and 4 rural) we aim to bridge divides of difference and create meaningful cross-community interaction, while exploring the outdoors and having tons of fun!

Our program creates an immersive experiential learning journey designed to foster confidence, belonging, and leadership among 7th-9th grade youth from rural and urban communities. Through carefully structured activities spanning 22 days over a six month period, participants engage in outdoor recreation and skill-building that challenges them to take healthy risks, gain new perspectives from peers, and develop collaborative problem-solving skills that will support their ability to thrive socially and academically.

  • Orientation weekend at Cal-Wood (overnight in cabins) - March 14-15 OR March 28-29 (Saturday - Sunday)

  • Climbing day (day trip) - April 11 OR April 12 (Saturday OR Sunday)

  • Service day (day trip) - May 9th (Saturday)

  • First aid and outdoor skills (overnight) - June 3-5 (Wednesday - Friday)

  • 5 day front country camping trip, possible activities include rafting, climbing, hiking (maybe mtn biking) - activities will depend on youth interest and input (overnight in tents) - June 8-12 OR June 22-26 (Monday - Friday)

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training and Activities (day trip) - July 1 (Wednesday)

  • 8 day front country and backcountry camping trip, possible activities include backpacking, paddle boarding - activities will depend on youth interest and input (overnight in tents) - July 6-13 OR July 20-27

  • Closing weekend and celebration - youth will create a collaborative capstone presentation about experience/learning and share with families at celebration (overnight) - July 31 - August 2

Note: Cohort one will meet on the dates listed first in the activity description. Cohort two will meet on the dates listed second. Example: Orientation weekend, cohort one meets March 14th-15th and cohort two meets March 28th-29th. Our goal is consistency and community building within the cohort groups, so there will be minimal movement from different groups. We encourage youth to sign up individually to improve their experience and allow for new friendships to be built. 

This program is FREE! We want to eliminate as many barriers as we can to get youth outdoors. Your application does not guarantee a spot. Once your application has been submitted, we will reach out to all applicants and schedule an interview. Since this program is free, please only accept your spot if you are confident you want to participate in the program and can attend 80% of the in-person events. The priority application deadline is January 15th. Applications received after 1/15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis based on program availability.

Please reach out if you have any questions. Call us at 303.258.3821 and ask for Rebecca or email rebecca@teensinc.org. 

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Participant Name *
Participant Age *
Participant Email *
Parent/Guardian Name *
Parent/Guardian Email *
Parent/Guardian Phone Number *
Second Parent/Guardian Name
*This person will also receive email communication about the program.
Second Parent/Guardian Email
Second Parent/Guardian Phone Number
Mailing Address *
What is the best method of communication to relay trip information? Check all that apply *
Required
Where is the best pick up spot for you on days of outings? 
Please check all that apply.
 *
Required
Our goal is to keep the groups consistent, so youth will either participate in cohort one or cohort two. We recognize that it is hard to plan out all the way to August, so please provide availability to the best of your knowledge at this time.

Below you will find all of the dates for this program. Please only check boxes for days your youth will BE ABLE TO ATTEND. Leave boxes blank if there is conflict. Specifically for trips, if you will be gone for one or more days, please leave the box blank. Feel free to leave any notes about availability in the "other" box.
 *
Required
(Participant Question) There are a limited number of spaces available in this program. Please share with us why you think you would be a valuable member of our team? *
(Participant Question) Why do you want to participate in Outdoor Belonging Project, and what are you most excited to learn, do, or try? *
(Participant Question) Why is it important to you to meet and connect with peers who live outside of your immediate community?
(Participant Question) What activities would you be excited to participate in? No experience is necessary and all gear will be provided. Check ALL activities that sound exciting!
Med Form and Waiver - We ask for a new medical history form and waiver every calendar year. We will email a med form and waiver to fill out electronically - the form will be sent through SignNow from teamworkscolorado@gmail.com. Alternatively, we can print and mail a med form and waiver. Please indicate your preference to complete the form below:
 *
On a scale from 1 to 5, rate the participate's appetite size. This helps us plan the menu and pack food accordingly.
 *
Small Appetite
Large Appetite
What is the participant's shoe size? Please specify men's, women's or childrens. We recommend sizing up by a half or full size for hiking boots.
What is the participant's t-shirt/jacket size? TEENS, Inc. can provide all necessary layers for the participant to be comfortable while outside. Please specify men's, women's or childrens.
What is the participant's pants size? TEENS, Inc. can provide all necessary layers for the participant to be comfortable while outside. Please specify men's, women's or childrens.
Does the participant have any dietary restrictions or food allergies? If yes, please describe accommodations needed.
 *
Will the participant be bringing any emergency medications? (i.e., inhalers, epipens, insulin, etc.)
 *
If you answered yes above, please specify the medication and what it is used for. 

We will have a comprehensive first aid kit with over the counter medications if needed. Benadryl is stocked in all first aid kits.
Are there any medical conditions we should be aware of? If yes, please describe.
 *
Is there anything else the staff should know about the participant to ensure they have an awesome experience?
 *
How did you hear about us? *
If you are a rural applicant, have you ever been to The Teen Center? *
If you have the financial means to make a contribution to this program and would like to support it's mission, please let us know how much you would like to contribute.  This does not impact your youth's ability to participate in the program. Invoices will be sent through PayPal upon acceptance to the program. 
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