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PROGRAMS
STRUCTURE
Weekly after-school programs for high school students and their parents are conducted throughout the academic year. Over 60% of the curriculums offered through CYO bring students and parents together in the high school for evening programs. In addition to these curriculums, outdoor experiences are provided for youth and parents at various sites throughout the community.
Programs include sportsman education, safety and an introduction to a variety of traditional outdoor activities. Activities include fly tying, game calling and tracking,spin and fly fishing, hunting, map reading, wildlife and land conservation, shooting sports, orienteering, archery and survival.
The program is structured as a three-year progression, beginning with introductory level experience and culminating with parents and youth working Natural Resource conservation projects. Participants must begin at Level 1 in order to be eligible for Levels 2&3. A parent is required to attend with their student. If they are unable to participate, a mentor is provided. View Photos of the Program
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LEVEL 1 GOAL: (ACTIVITIES YEAR) Provide an introduction to a variety of outdoor experiences that
encourage life-long participation
Participants are introduced to a variety of activities including:
·Fishing ·Shooting sports ·Wildlife calling ·Fly tying ·Map reading and orienteering ·Archery
Classes take place at the high school every other Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 pm September through May and is limited to forty participants per school (twenty students and their parents). Participants demonstrate proficiency of classroom topics during monthly outings that relate to the classroom activities. Upon completion of Level 1, participants fill out evaluation surveys which are used in the formation of Level 2. Participants must complete Level I in order to progress to Level 2 certification.
LEVEL 2 GOAL:(KNOWLEDGE YEAR) Further the student/parent relationship through deeper understanding and
education of our Natural Resources
Introduction to the following topics and continuation of interested activities:
·Competitive Trap Team ·Lectures on Waterfowl,Fisheries,Big Game,Laws and Regulations,Forests and Plains ·Competitive Archery Team
Level 2 is shaped by the participant's Level 1 evaluations. Students who have previously participated in Level 1 attend weekly programs on Wednesday night from 5:30- 7:30 pm, September through May.
Throughout the year, parents and students participate as a two-person team, combining scores and working together to become more proficient. In addition to regular meeting times, students and their parents are offered the opportunity to hunt waterfowl on privately owned property, at no cost.
LEVEL 3 GOAL: (PROJECTS YEAR) Strengthen the student/parent connection using the interest and education they have gained in the prior two years to work together on Habitat, Reclamation, Land use, Recreation Improvement
Level 3 participants complete their CYO progression with competitive trap and sporting clay shooting on a state level. CYO hosts statewide trap tournaments in the
fall and spring for CYO participants to compete against other high schools and
agencies.
Students in Level 3 have the opportunity to hunt big game on privately owned property upon successful draw of a deer or elk license. Level 3 participants are also given the opportunity to mentor Level 1 and Level 2 participants and give back to younger CYO participants.
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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Programs offered through Colorado Youth Outdoors use instructional guidance provided by professionals in the various fields being taught. Past instructors represent a variety of agencies and organizations, including: the Colorado Bow Hunters Association, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
BRINGING CYO TO YOUR COMMUNITY
To bring CYO to a community or high school, sponsors seed the program with a three-year commitment of $9,000 per year. These sponsors make up the Colorado Youth Outdoors Pinecone Society- a small group of dedicated donors who hold a special place in their community for their dedication to fostering family interactions built around the outdoors.
(Read more in FUNDING)
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM
At participating high schools, students have the opportunity to join CYO in the fall of their first year. Students and parents may continue the program over a three-year progression.
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