Colorado has a natural beauty and landscape that is unparalleled in the United States. Do hands-on volunteer service and spend time learning from local leaders to hear their vision for the future of Colorado’s natural environment. This is a one-of-a-kind chance to experience conservation up close in some of the country’s most majestic scenery!

Last minute spots may be available. Apply now!

Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A 3 weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place on-site.

June 29–July 19

 15–22 Deadline Passed. Apply for Session B now!

$6,975

Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Centennial Award: Scholarships up to $2,500 are open to students who join this project. Learn more here!

If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.
Session B 3 Weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place on-site.

July 27–August 16

 15–22 Last-minute spot available! Apply ASAP!

$6,975

Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Centennial Award: Scholarships up to $2,500 are open to students who join this project. Learn more here!

If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.
  • Session A
  • Length
    3 weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place on-site.

  • In-Country Dates

    June 29–July 19

  • Ages
    15–22
  • Application Deadline
    Deadline Passed. Apply for Session B now!
  • Price

    $6,975

    Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Centennial Award: Scholarships up to $2,500 are open to students who join this project. Learn more here!

    If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.

  • Session B
  • Length
    3 Weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place on-site.

  • In-Country Dates

    July 27–August 16

  • Ages
    15–22
  • Application Deadline
    Last-minute spot available! Apply ASAP!
  • Price

    $6,975

    Financial assistance is still available! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Centennial Award: Scholarships up to $2,500 are open to students who join this project. Learn more here!

    If you deferred your participation from a 2020 program, your fee may be lower. Please contact Krista Boscoe at [email protected] for pricing and application details.

About the Project

Project Type

Pod-based. Maximum enrollment is 17.

 

Colorado Facts

Nickname: The Centennial State

State Dinosaur: Stegosaurus

State Animal: Big Horn Sheep

There are four national parks and 42 state parks in Colorado.

The federal government owns more than a third of the land in Colorado.

Colorado has 53 mountain peaks higher than 14,000 feet. This is most of any state in the U.S.!

The 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver is exactly one mile above sea level.

 

Wolf Reintroduction

In 2020, Colorado voters narrowly passed a resolution to reintroduce the gray wolf to the state, with urban voters generally pro-reintroduction and rural voters largely against.

 

Outdoor Recreation

Colorado was one of the first states whose governor created an outdoor recreation industry office to prioritize business, outdoor recreation, and conservation as they relate to our natural environment.

 

Centennial Award

The AMIGOS Centennial Award provides financial support to students who are passionate about service and conservation. Multiple scholarships of $500–$2,500 will be awarded this year to volunteers who join the Colorado Project. Learn more and apply here!

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

How the West Stays Wild

Protected Areas

Visit some of the most beautiful places in the country! Take in the scenery at Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, the San Luis Valley, Lizard Head Recreation Area, and the Uncompaghre Wilderness. Learn how wild spaces—even in urban areas—can be protected and shared.

 

Outdoor Recreation

Dig into the benefits and challenges of building an industry around activities like hunting, fishing, and mountain sports. Consider equity in access to the outdoors and how to make our shared, protected spaces available to all.

 

Road Tripping on the Western Slope

Head out with a group of your newest friends to explore Colorado together! Spend a night under the stars at Great Sand Dunes National Park, watch the sunset over the Rocky Mountains, and find out what staying in a yurt is all about.

Program Pillars

Ethical Service

Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.

Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.

Leadership

Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.

Where You'll Stay

Session A

Simple Lodge & Hostel, San Luis Valley, 7/2-7/8

Simple Lodge is in the heart of Salida and only a block from the Arkansas River that runs through town. Its open indoor and outdoor spaces make it a perfect place to connect and build strong relationships. It has two dorm-style rooms with bunk beds in addition to two private rooms and a communal kitchen, living room, and dining room.

Gunnison Basin, 7/10-7/16

This classic Colorado lodge is nestled in the San Juan National Forest and has over 40 acres of land to explore. Inside the lodge, there are dormitories and private rooms as well as large meeting spaces. On the property, there are firepits, volleyball courts, basketball courts, horseshoe, and plenty of places to gather.

 

Session B

Joyful Journey Hot Springs, San Luis Valley, 7/31-8/6

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa is an oasis that lies in the middle of the San Luis Valley surrounded by mountain views. There are three different hot spring pools, a greenhouse, a labyrinth, and many outdoor spaces to enjoy. The accommodations we will be using include their yurt village, lodge rooms, and casita.

Elk Point Lodge, Gunnison Basin, 8/9-8/15

This group of cabins sits at the edge of Vallecito Reservoir, which is about 45 minutes away from Durango. Vallecito Reservoir is a secluded area in the San Juan National Forest and has plenty of options for outdoor recreation. Each of the cabins has a sleeping area, full kitchen, and bathroom in addition to outdoor spaces where the group can come together.

A Day in the Life

Days 1–6 (Quarantine Period)

Wake up and have breakfast in small groups

Morning: Hike nearby trails and practice your orienteering skills!

Afternoon: Fun group activities and environmental workshops

After dinner: Free time, fun and socially-distanced activities, group meetings

Day 7–End of Project

Morning: wake up and eat breakfast. Take part in intercultural and leadership activities.

After lunch: activities like tours, hearing from guest speakers like environmental advocates and state officials, student-led actitivies

After dinner: group activities, free time, relax!

Apply now!

Click Here

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Have an Adventure

Travel to must-see spots in the state! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations Colorado has to offer, like protected areas, mountains, rivers, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who is learning the context and history of the area. Volunteer with local organizations and earn 40 service hours. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!

Travel with Trust

AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.

Training for AMIGOS and Beyond

Prepare for AMIGOS through guided training in topics like: cultural humility, health and safety, emotional intelligence, travel safety, leadership, and team building.

Upon arrival in the field, you’ll start area-specific training with your pod. During your time with AMIGOS, you’ll meet regularly with an AMIGOS staff member who serves as your mentor.

AMIGOS has just been an opportunity for me to grow as a person and become the best version of me possible. That’s pretty much why I came here—just to grow and have a great experience and learn more about myself and other cultures. It’s just been fantastic.

—Lex, AMIGOS Volunteer

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation and follow the mental health procedures if necessary.
  • Receive required immunizations and medications
  • Be age 15–22 on the project start date
Resources
Apply Now

Field Notes

Western Colorado: A Rafting Guide’s Experience

Colorado, U.S.


Read More
Colorado: Flowers and Fires

Colorado, U.S.


Read More
Western Colorado: Meet Your Staff Team!

Colorado, U.S.


Read More

amigoswesterncolorado

16

amigoswesterncolorado

View

Jul 29

Open
They're here!! Day 3 of briefing with Session B 😍

They're here!! Day 3 of briefing with Session B 😍 ...

Still deciding?

See more projects like this one!

8 weeks
Ages 17–22

Gap Semester: Colorado


Mar 14–May 11, 2022 Conservation in the West
3 Weeks
Ages 15–22

Costa Rica: Monteverde & Costa Atlántica


A: June 29–July 19; B: July 27–Aug 16 Community-Driven Conservation & Climate Justice (Intro to Spanish)
SEE ALL PROGRAMS
Latest posts by lyoung (see all)