CAIRN PROGRAM
Our award-winning high school program guides and challenges students to become caretakers of Colorado's natural resources.
Applications are open for the 2025-2026 program - apply today!
Applications will close on July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.
VOC'S PROGRAM FOR YOUTH AGES 14-18
Founded in 2008, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC)'s Cairn Program engages 15-20 students throughout the school year in monthly outdoor activities and stewardship projects across the Front Range.
Led by young adult mentors, students develop leadership skills, make new friends, learn about environmental issues facing Colorado, explore career paths, and have a hands-on impact as they plan and lead their own stewardship project (think trail building, planting, habitat restoration and more)!
STUDENT BENEFITS
- Participate with your friends and make new ones
- Learn about environmental issues facing Colorado and the world
- Gain leadership skills
- Opportunity to apply for the Grossman Scholarship
- Fulfill community service hours for school, while being outside
- Build your resume and earn letters of recommendation
- Learn about careers in natural resources
- Make a REAL IMPACT in caring for Colorado's outdoors
Photo by Anna Sophia Vera/ The Nature Conservancy
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 14 – 18 years old and enrolled in grades 9 – 12
- Commit to attending once-a-month activities September – April
- Have an interest in environmental stewardship
- Attend Student Orientation on August 22nd (2 hours in the evening)
- Students may participate over multiple years, though annual applications are required
MENTOR BENEFITS
- Make a tangible difference in the lives of Colorado youth and the future of our outdoors
- Help youth learn about the environment and outdoor stewardship in a fun and engaging way
- Build your resume and leadership skills
- Have access to early registration on VOC projects and discounted or free Outdoor Stewardship Institute trainings
MENTOR REQUIREMENTS
- Prior experience working with and leading youth
- Must be at least 21 years of age or older
- Successfully pass reference and background checks
- Attend in-person Cairn Mentor Training on August 21st (2 hours in the evening)
- Commit to attending once-a-month activities September – April (Approximately 7-10 Hours/Month)
- Mentors may serve for several years if they are invited back into the program
- Willingness and ability to transport students in large passenger vans or pick-up trucks to events
- Willingness and ability to lead students in activities throughout the program (i.e. team-building, ice breakers, outdoor stewardship, etc.)
Questions? Contact Emily Novack at 303-715-1010 ext. 113
