Nature Kids/
Jóvenes
De La Naturaleza
Expanding access to The Outdoors Through Nature-Based Programs
Nature Kids is a coalition of over 50 Boulder County partners with a shared goal of expanding access to the outdoors. Nature Kids is more than just free programming - it is a community dedicated to connecting with one another and with nature.
Our partners provide a wide variety of nature-based programs: summer camps, archery and fishing workshops, equine therapy, stewardship projects, family camping trips, paid jobs for teens, and much more. Promotores, parent leadership groups, and a Youth Advisory Board ensure that community members have an active voice in driving program decisions and direction.
Nature Kids is a space where people can authentically build relationships - with one another, with their community, and with the land. We hope you'll join us!
Who Can Join & What to Expect
Nature Kids serves Boulder County youth and families who have faced barriers to participation in the outdoors. These barriers can take many forms, including language, cost, gear, technology, transportation, and others not listed here.
Many participants qualify for free- and/or reduced-cost lunch or receive other forms of government assistance; many others speak Spanish at home. Others identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) or as Hispanic/Latino/a/x. If you think Nature Kids might be for you, we encourage you to reach out.
All Nature Kids programs are free for participants. We also support with gear, transportation, translation/interpretation, and other challenges as needed. To see what programs are available for you and your family, check out the calendar below or make an account in our registration system!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime at nkjn@thornenature.org or 720.601.4964.
Cost & Funding
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Yes! Nature Kids programs are free for participants.
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Some NKJN programs are offered at no cost thanks to funding from foundations, government agencies, and community partners who believe all families should have access to nature and environmental education.
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Scholarships are offered through NKJN partner organizations. NKJN helps connect families to available funding.
Eligibility & Who Can Participate
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Nature Kids serves Boulder County youth and families who have faced barriers to participation in the outdoors. These barriers can take many forms, including language, cost, gear, transportation, etc. If you think Nature Kids might be for you, we encourage you to reach out!
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Families who face barriers to accessing outdoors may qualify, including families with limited income, families receiving public assistance, BIPOC families, and families who have been historically excluded from outdoor opportunities.
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Priority is given to kids attending BVSD and SVVSD, and families who live in Boulder County, but some programs may accept families from neighboring areas depending on availability and funding restrictions.
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Families receiving these services are welcome and encouraged to participate.
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No. NKJN does not require proof of income or proof of public assistance.
Registration & Communication
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Follow our social media to see upcoming events and programs
Contact (720).601.4964.
Fill out our interest form.
Sign up using our registration to see all current offerings.
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Nature Kids maintains a waitlist for most programs. We often have cancellations, so we strongly encourage you to join the waitlist for any programs you are interested in.
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Nature Kids partners generously provide programs to participants free of cost, but it still costs partners a lot to provide these programs. Missing a program without giving advanced notice not only has an impact on the partner, but it means that other waitlisted participants are not able to attend in your place. Please do not cancel last minute or miss programs unless absolutely necessary. If you repeatedly miss programs or cancel last minute, you may not be able to participate in future programs.
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Yes! Families are welcome to share NKJN opportunities with others who may benefit. Each family will need to complete a registration to receive updates and apply.
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Families can contact the NKJN team directly by email at nkjn@thornenature.org.
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Yes. NKJN provides support in English and Spanish.
Program Logistics & Types
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Programs take place across Boulder County and nearby areas, depending on the partner organization.
Please refer to the program descriptions and program registration materials for specifics.
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Please refer to the program descriptions and program registration materials for specifics. Some programs provide transportation and others do not.
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All programs indicate either an age limit or a grade number that refers to rising grade year - the grade that your child will be starting in the upcoming school year.
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You will get a complete program checklist in your registration materials. Participants should always wear appropriate clothing to explore outside: walking shoes (no flip flops), and a sweatshirt/light jacket.
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No. Some opportunities are available year-round.
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NKJN does not operate its own camps. We work with partner organizations to connect families to programs and reserved camp spots.
NKJN Community Calendar
View our community calendar to see available NKJN opportunities.
If you’re having trouble seeing the calendar, we recommend logging out of your Google account and viewing the calendar using guest mode.
Program Spotlight
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NKJN Partners
See a list of current NKJN partners or explore becoming a partner.
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Resources
Find tips and resources, plus learn more about our programs and get your questions answered.
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Support NKJN
There are many ways to support NKJN: join our promotores group, donate gear or funds, or become a member of our Youth Advisory Board.
