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
Do I qualify?
Requirements for Gear to Go program:
Examples of our “Gear to Go” Programs
Stand up paddle boarding field trips
Take your class SUPing to Sweitzer or Crawford reservoirs or work with our staff to create an plan for another destination.
Biking field trips at Crossroads or Confluence Parks
The Nature Connection staff assisted field trips to your schools local bike parks Crossroads park in Hotchkiss, or Confluence Park in Delta. The Nature Connection brings bikes, helmets and staff to help develop your students biking skills and confidence.
Backpacking equipment checkout
The Nature Connection has a variety of different sizes or backpacking backpack, sleeping backs, kitchen sets, tents and more to get our classroom out on the trail and backpacking.
Archery field trips and equipment checkout
Through The Nature Connections Gear to Go program teachers can become certified to archery to your students. Check out and on site field trips available.
Classroom ski gear checkout: 2 week period
Check out cross country ski equipment for your whole class for a two week period.
Highschool classroom bikes checkout: 2 week period
Check out bikes for your whole class for a two week period.
Coming soon: Rock Climbing Field Trips
Stay tuned for details soon.
