Summer Leadership Camp for 14-15-year-olds
Colorado Youth Outdoors’ Pathfinders Camp is a one-week, career exploration and skill-building day camp for 14- and 15-year-olds.
Pathfinders campers will spend time fishing, shooting archery, and canoeing (just like regular CYO camp).
They’ll also learn CYO campus operations to gain hands-on experience, earn resume-ready volunteer hours, and learn practical skills.
Participants hear from outdoor professionals about career pathways in conservation, recreation, and environmental fields.
The week wraps up with a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at CYO, helping youth take confident steps toward future leadership and employment opportunities.
FAQ’s
I have a 14 year old. Do I sign them up for regular CYO camp or Pathfinders Leadership camp?
If they have attended CYO summer camp previously and like the idea of being a summer camp counselor in the future, Pathfinders is the place for your child! If they have never attended CYO camp before and are ‘on the fence’ about future summer jobs, they will probably enjoy regular CYO camp more.
I have a 15 year old who has never attended a CYO camp. Are they eligible for Pathfinders?
Yes. Previous camp attendance is not a requirement for 14 or 15 year olds. If they are curious about working in the outdoor industry once they turn 16, this will be a great experience.
Why is Pathfinders Camp less than half the cost of the regular camp?
Pathfinders campers will still be taught archery, fishing, and other outdoor skills. They will also spend some time helping out around campus. In addition, there is not a family Friday with this camp. With less expenses and the hope these leaders will help out, this week-long camp is $200/camper.
WHO
CYO camp is young adults who will be 14-15 years old at the time of camp.
WHERE
Our entrance is on the south side of Kechter between I-25 and County Rd 5. Drop off and pick up are typically at Erion Pavillion, the first structure you’ll see when you drive thru our gate.
OTHER DETAILS
Campers must bring lunch (Mon-Thurs), one snack, water & sunscreen. Parents must download the ProCare app. Schedule of activities, and additional FAQ’s can be found in the parent manual below.
WHAT
A week of work-force readiness training combined traditional outdoor recreation and developing new relationships through our PACD model.
WHEN
Drop off 8:00-8:15am, pick up 3-3:15pm. Starting June 1st, we will be hosting one week sessions though July 31st.
COST
$200/week* includes all equipment and camp swag.. Scholarships available
CYO Summer Camp 2026
Registration for camp weeks will be live February 4, 2026 at 10am.
For the first month of registration, we only allow one week per child. If there is availability after March 4, we will open additional weeks to already-registered families.
Applying for a scholarship? You only need to fill out the scholarship application. Please write your preferred week in the comment section of that form.
Pathfinders Camp Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Pathfinders Camp, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and communication through structured work-force education
- Become exposed to career pathways in outdoor recreation, conservation, agriculture, and environmental fields
- Describe the education, skills, and experience needed for entry-level outdoor and youth development jobs
- Build confidence in professional settings through interactions with community leaders and mentors
- Develop resume-ready volunteer experience and an understanding of how to document work hours
- Apply problem-solving and time-management skills in real-world, hands-on environments
- Strengthen leadership skills and gain insight into working with youth as a future camp instructor or staff member
Any additional questions or additional information can be answered by Andy Te Slaa at ateslaa@coloradoyo.org.
Colorado Youth Outdoors would like to make our programming available to anyone who would like to participate. If cost of our programming is preventing you from attending, please complete the form found here: Scholarship Application