The Nature Connection is a hub for outdoor education and recreation serving Delta County and Olathe; it runs school-year and summer programs, family events, gear‑lending services, place-development projects and job pathways for local youth.
The Nature Connection operates as a local outdoor education and recreation organization serving Delta County and Olathe and is supported by the Delta County School District. Activities include school-year programming, summer camps, family events, gear lending, place development and youth job pathways.
Programming emphasizes hands-on outdoor learning across seasons, including field trips to parks and public lands, bike and climbing activities, cross-country skiing, water-based outings, and opportunities for schools to borrow equipment. The organization maintains a gear-lending library for classrooms and families and develops nearby outdoor places such as trails, climbing boulders and outdoor classrooms.
Lending of camping, backpacking, skis, stand‑up paddleboards and other family gear at affordable rates or suggested donations.
A program to place outdoor equipment in the hands of teachers, youth groups and families through low‑cost lending and educator orientations.
Generation Wild: ages 7-11 years.
Sign up for one week or all eight weeks. Our “young yetis” will bike ride, swim, paddle board, climb, and explore nature.
Wrangle the wild this summer and join us for all of your favorite outdoor activities! With both day camp and overnight options to choose from, this summer is sure to be an adventure.
Get Wilder!: ages 12-14 years.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from public sources and provider websites and may be summarized for clarity. Unless marked as claimed or verified, this listing has not been reviewed or endorsed by the provider. Information may change; contact the provider directly to confirm current details.
Works with partners to bring outdoor learning and experiences to students throughout Delta County and Olathe during the school year.
Designed for elementary students in K-3rd grade, this program helps students build confidence on bikes and teaches stewardship of local trails.
Our day camp for curious kids ages 4-6 is back.
A semester-long field-based course for high school students exploring outdoor careers, with interactive lessons, field experiences and guest lectures; class meets Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm.
Offers climbing opportunities such as a mobile climbing wall, guided climbing experiences, artificial boulders at schools and community climbing nights.
Introduces 4th and 6th graders to cross‑country skiing on public land with equipment lending and guided beginner tours.
Paid summer jobs and internships for high school students, including camp counselor roles, trail crew positions and other pathway opportunities.
Hosts low-cost summer camps in Hotchkiss and Delta focused on providing formative outdoor experiences for children.
Provides summer jobs and internships for high school students in roles such as camp counselors, water sports leaders, bike techs and trail crews.
Offers discounted swim lessons for Delta County and Olathe students through local recreation providers during the year and summer.
Licensing information may lag the regulator. Confirm with the provider before enrolling.