Strategic Plan - The Nature Connection

Our Mission

The Nature Connection is dedicated to eliminating barriers to the outdoors for youth and families in our community, Delta County and Olathe.

Our Vision

All kids and families can easily access the outdoors in order to build confidence, connection, and a love for exploring and caring for the ‘best backyard in the world.’

Our Values

Connection Before Content

We believe that meaningful relationships with nature, ourselves, and each other must precede any specific outdoor skill or environmental knowledge. When people feel genuinely connected, learning happens naturally. Every program we offer prioritizes building authentic connections first.

Belonging in the Wild

We believe the outdoors is for everyone—not just those with prior experience, expensive gear, or certain backgrounds. We create spaces where people from all walks of life feel they truly belong in nature, not just that they're being "included" in someone else's experience.

Wellness Through Wonder

We believe that the awe and wonder experienced in the natural world can unlock limitless opportunities for growth, healing, and discovery. The magical moments that happen outside can quiet our inner anxieties, inspire creativity, and transform the way we see ourselves and the world.

Courage Through Challenge

We believe that exposure to appropriate challenges in natural settings builds the confidence needed to face life's obstacles. When young people overcome outdoor challenges with support, they discover inner resources they never knew they had leading to strengths that they can carry into all areas of their lives.

Partnerships Create Possibilities

We recognize we cannot achieve our vision alone. Through meaningful partnerships with community groups, land agencies, teachers, parents, youth, local governments, businesses and beyond, we expand possibilities for our young people to experience the outdoors and build connections with mentors who can have a lasting impact on their lives.

Stewardship Through Experience

We believe that people protect what they know, understand, and value. We foster authentic emotional connections to nature that naturally evolve into a desire to preserve these wild places for future generations.