We love putting our Cairn Youth Program students in the spotlight so that we can share their unique and inspiring experiences with you! VOC's Cairn Youth Program guides and challenges high school students to become caretakers of Colorado's extraordinary natural resources, and we couldn't be prouder of this year's young stewards. This month, we'd like to feature Kadin Mangalik.

Kadin grew up exploring the Colorado Rockies and has always loved spending time in nature. Two summers ago, he took a backpacking course with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Alaska, and the experience forever changed him.

"After spending such an extensive period of time in the wilderness, I gained an even greater appreciation for the beauty and peacefulness of the mountains. I realized how important it is to have these natural places and how incredible it is that Colorado has so many spectacular landscapes. I knew that these places were in danger or damaged by overuse, so I looked for ways in which I could get involved," said Kadin.

Kadin soon discovered VOC's Cairn Youth Program, and he believes it has been a great opportunity for him and his peers to make a difference for Colorado's outdoors. "While our efforts might seem small, after every project I feel like we have made a truly significant impact toward keeping a natural place natural for future generations."

Kadin's experience with Cairn has inspired him to pursue more conservation work. This past summer, he joined the Student Conservation Association's High School Crew Program and had the chance to revisit Alaska to participate in habitat restoration.

Outside of Cairn, Kadin enjoys hiking, skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, and climbing. At school, he is involved with the cross country team and academic coaching program.