Natural Resources
4-H Outdoor Adventures Project
The Colorado 4-H Outdoor Adventures project inspires youth to explore, enjoy, and respect the natural world through a variety of outdoor activities.
Members learn skills such as camping, hiking, backpacking, orienteering, navigation, and outdoor safety. They gain knowledge about wildlife, plants, weather, and environmental stewardship while practicing teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving in outdoor settings. Older participants can deepen their skills in specialized areas like survival techniques, water-based recreation, or trail maintenance, preparing them for careers in outdoor education, recreation management, or conservation, while fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature and active living.
Project Overview
UNIT 1
Hiking Trails
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn hiking essentials
- Learn how to plan a healthy hike
- Learn the “Leave No Trace” behind ethic
- Learn about finding shelter and observing nature
UNIT 2
Camping Adventures
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about camping gear
- Learn to find the right camping spot
- Camping cuisine
- Learn how to care for nature
UNIT 3
Backpacking Expeditions
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn to plan a healthy and safe backpacking trip
- Apply the “Leave No Trace” ethic when backpacking
- Learn to find your way
- Train for your trip
Official Project Materials
Materials & Curriculum
Member Resources
Find Your County
Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.
Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.
To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.
Upcoming Events
Currently there are no events scheduled at this time associated to this page. Please check back for the latest events as they are scheduled.
Project Tips
- Submit a manual with at least six chapter activities and at least six Reach the Peak activities completed each year.
- Complete the Outdoor Adventures e-record and secure in a sturdy binder.
- Include also your completed manual, additional materials such as drawings or attachments, and e-Record in the binder.
- List the day, month, and year for the date of completed activities on page 4 of the manual.
- Submit a display board illustrating a topic investigated during the project year. You may use diagrams, drawings, charts, and photographs. Label and use captions to make your display as educational as possible.
- The standardized display board size of 4 ft. x 3 ft. is to be used with 4-H projects. No additional items may be included in front of the display board.
- Enter your project in the county fair
- Share information learned in talks and displays
Careers
Wildlife & Game Officer
Ensure safety, conservation and compliance so outdoor hunting, hiking, wildlife can be supported
Communications
Associations need individuals to convey important product or service information and promote the industry
Engineer
Create new products to improve safety and consumer satisfaction with outdoor experiences
Journalist
Provide Informational articles and resources for those involved in the outdoor industry
Rescuer/ Medical Professional
Provide search and rescue support &/or medical care or training to others in outdoor areas
Tourism
Provide marketing, planning, & other support/ ownership of a tourism operation focused on outdoor adventures
Photographer/
Videographer
Capture family or outdoor adventures, shoot footage for promotion, education, etc.
Education
Teaches others about outdoor adventure related careers and skills in a variety of applications and learning environments