Overview

HISTORY

In 2001, Bob and Tom Hewson recognized the struggle that teenagers and their parents had in communicating and relating to one another.  In today's world where parents work long hours and teens would rather text message and play video games than hang out with their parents, often both parent and teen feel disconnected from one another. 

 

From their own experiences while growing up, these two brothers believed that outdoor recreational activities provided an ideal environment for youth and their parents to strenghen their relationship.  With a passion for families and the outdoors, CYO was born.  Colorado Youth Outdoors continues to fulfill its mission by addressing a very real real problem with a very simple solution. 

 

 

PROGRAMS

Colorado Youth Outdoors is a two year after school program provided at no charge for High School students and their parents.  There are no requirements or restrictions for signing up for this program with the exception that a parent or mentor must participate with the student.  Instructors for the program are High School teachers hired and trained by CYO.  Each school program optimally consists of 20 pairs of students and parents for the first year of the program and 15 pairs for the second year.  Each level meets every other Wednesday evening throughout the school year in High School classrooms or in the outdoors.  In the case of schools in Northern Colorado they regularly take advantage of the Regional Educational Facility at Swift Ponds. 

 

CYO is currently running 9 school programs with approximately 480 students and parents participating.  There are programs in Loveland, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Colorado Springs, Eaton and Ft. Collins.