Gear up with
The Nature Connection

Are you an educator or youth program leader in our community? If so, you can be eligible for low-cost gear lending to support getting kids and families outdoors.

Through surveys and discussions with community members we have identified three ways to break down the barriers to getting outside

1. Create a rich array of year-round Outdoor Programs for kids and families to build confidence and skills

2. Develop new Places close to communities and schools where kids, families and teachers can enjoy access to outdoor activities and programs

3. Offer job Pathways so that youth in our community can be the next generation of land stewards 

Joining the “Gear to Go” Program

Educator Orientation

Attend an educator orientation (TBD)

Orientation

Training and Testing

View the training slides and requirements

Training Slides and Gear Tests

Reserve Your Gear

Fill out the required registration form

Registration Form

Price Breakdown

See the pricing of our programs for this season

Pricing Chart
Do I qualify?

Requirements for Gear to Go program:

1

Must be Delta County or Montrose County School District teacher, staff, or youth program leader.
2

Other local youth-serving organizations must have reciprocal liability insurance for all trips offered with Nature Connection gear
3

Leaders must attend a “Gear to Go” orientation to use outdoor gear
4

Lending is subject to Nature Connection staff availability and program needs
5

Outdoor trips must follow USFS, BLM or other agency guidelines and/or permit requirements
6

All participants must sign a waiver (digital preferred, paper copy available)
LINK TO WAIVER FOR PARTICIPANTS

The Nature Connection is not a public gear rental company.

If you are interested in renting outdoor gear for personal use please contact one of our local business partners:

Nature_ConnectIon_SK_Bikes
Nature_Connection_Grand_Mesa_Outdoors
Nature_Connection_Silent_Custom_Cyclery

Examples of our “Gear to Go” Programs

Stand Up Paddle Boarding:

Take your class SUPing at Sweitzer Lake or Crawford Lake State Park. We provide access to boards and PFDs. Or work with our staff to create a plan for another flat water destination.

Bike Day at Crossroads or Confluence Parks

The Nature Connection staff will assist in leading a field trip a local bike parks near your school. For example: Crossroads Park in Hotchkiss or Confluence Park in Delta. The Nature Connection brings bikes, helmets and staff to help develop biking skills and confidence.

Backpacking or Camping Equipment

The Nature Connection has a variety of different sized backpacks, sleeping bags, kitchen sets, tents and more to get your classroom out on the trail or on an overnight field trip.

Archery field trips and equipment checkout

Through the Nature Connection’s Gear to Go Program, teachers can become certified to lear archery with your students. Gear check out and on-site field trips are available.

Classroom Ski Gear Checkout:

Check out cross country ski equipment for your whole class for a two week period. You can use gear around the school yard or plan your own simple field trip on local trails.

High School Bike Checkout:

Check out mountain bikes for your whole class for a two week period. You can use bikes during the school day or organize your own field trip. Trailers are available for transportation.

Rock Climbing Field Trips:

The Nature Connection operates a mobile 30-ft climbing wall that will soon be available for custom outdoor programs.