Gear up with
the Nature Connection

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

Joining the “Gear to Go” Program

Educator Orientation

Read through this entire page 🙂

Training & Testing

View the training slides and requirements

Training & Tests

Reserve Your Gear

Check out outdoor equipment

Request Form
Do I qualify?

Requirements for Gear to Go:

1

Must be an educator, staff, or program leader affiliated with a youth-serving organization
2

Other local youth-serving organizations must be able to provide reciprocal liability insurance to the Delta County School District for all trips offered with Nature Connection gear
3

Leaders must complete a “Gear to Go” orientation once per year (virtually or in-person)
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 SUP’ing at Sweitzer Lake or Crawford State Park. We provide access to boards and PFDs. Or work with our staff to create a plan for another flat water destination.

Bike at Crossroads or Confluence

Nature Connection staff will assist in leading a field trip at a local bike park near your school including Crossroads Park in Hotchkiss or Confluence Park in Delta. We bring bikes, helmets and staff to help develop bike skills and confidence outdoors.

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 an overnight field trip.

Archery Equipment

Teachers can become certified to teach archery to students. Contact us for more info. Gear check out is also available.

Classroom Ski Gear

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

Mountain Bike Lending

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.

Rock Climbing Field Trips

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