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!

The deadline to apply was May 17.
Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Colorado: Western Slope 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 19–August 8

 15–19 The May 17 deadline has passed. Please email our Admissions team with any questions at [email protected]

$6,975 – includes all on-program expenses

Financial assistance is available! Apply for the Centennial Award.
  • Colorado: Western Slope
  • 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 19–August 8

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    The May 17 deadline has passed. Please email our Admissions team with any questions at [email protected]
  • Price

    $6,975 – includes all on-program expenses

    Financial assistance is available! Apply for the Centennial Award.

About the Project

Project Type

Pod-based. Maximum enrollment is 17.

Service Hours

Earn 30 service hours

College Credit

Get two college credits for this project! Find out more here.

Service Opportunities

• Work with a local organization to restore beloved trails

• Work on an organic farm and research center to support local communities

• Support citizen science projects on the Arkansas River

• Support forest regeneration in areas affected by wildfires

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.

Centennial Award

Multiple scholarships of $500–$1,000 will be awarded this year to volunteers who are passionate about service and conservation. Find out more about the Centennial Award here!

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.

6R9C+36 Bonanza, CO, USA
Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

Click Here

What You'll Do

  • Road trip through the Rockies! Hike through the aspens, pines, and wildflower valleys, and explore the pristine peaks of Western Colorado
  • Learn directly from indigenous tribes about their land history and environmental stewardship of Colorado​
  • Work alongside grassroots activists and environmental partnerships that are having positive impacts on their community​
  • Engage in meaningful conversations and actions to find your place in the climate movement​
  • Understand the complex interplay of public, private, and nonprofit contribution to conservation and climate change mitigation
Centennial Award

Get financial assistance for this project!

Apply Now

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.

A Day in the Life

Days 1–10

  • Day 1: Arrive in Denver & head to briefing location
  • Day 2-4: Briefing and team building activities
  • Day 5-8: Travel to the Western Slope: volunteer, build trails, hike, and explore!
  • Day 9-10: Volunteer with organic farm and support conservation, work with citizen science projects

 

  • Day to Day:
  • Wake up and have breakfast in small groups
  • Mornings: 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 11–End of Project

  • Day 11-12: Rafting trip!
  • Day 12-18: Travel to second location: support forest regeneration projects with a local nonprofit, visit Mesa Verde National Park or Ute Mountain Tribal Park
  • Day 19-20: Travel back to Denver, visit Museum of Nature and Science, learn about climate justice 
  • Day 21: Debrief & fly home

 

  • Day to Day:
  • Mornings: 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 activities
  • After dinner: group activities, free time, relax!

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.

Ready to apply?

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 30 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 is an experience that changed my perspective of the world, in a great way. It is such a fun and fulfilling way to spend your summer.

—Zoe, Colorado Volunteer, 2021

Program Requirements
Resources
Apply Now

Field Notes

Colorado Updates: Sustainable Farming

Colorado, U.S.


Read More
Western Colorado: A Rafting Guide’s Experience

Colorado, U.S.


Read More
Colorado: Flowers and Fires

Colorado, U.S.


Read More

amigos_americas_colorado

26

amigos_americas_colorado

View

Sep 2

Open
Want to join AMIGOS this fall? Apply by September 6 for the Social Impact Accelerator! Head to @amigos_americas to learn more.

Want to join AMIGOS this fall? Apply by September 6 for the Social Impact Accelerator! Head to @amigos_americas to learn more. ...

amigos_americas_colorado

View

Sep 1

Open
New AMIGOS programs for summer 2022 just announced today! Head to @amigos_americas to find out more 🙌

New AMIGOS programs for summer 2022 just announced today! Head to @amigos_americas to find out more 🙌 ...

amigos_americas_colorado

View

Aug 18

Open
Hey Colorado volunteers! We miss you already 💚 Don’t forget to follow our main account @amigos_americas to stay up to date with AMIGOS, and tag them if you share photos from your summer experience!

Hey Colorado volunteers! We miss you already 💚

Don’t forget to follow our main account @amigos_americas to stay up to date with AMIGOS, and tag them if you share photos from your summer experience! ...

Still deciding?

See more projects like this one!

3 Weeks
Ages 15–19

Costa Rica: Cartago y Caribe


A: June 8–28; B: July 6–26 (Sessions Closed) Community-Driven Conservation (Intro to Spanish)
3 Weeks
Ages 15–19

Ecuador: La Sierra


A: June 16–July 6; B: July 14–August 3 (Sessions Closed) Indigenous Rights & Food Security (Spanish Required)
SEE ALL PROGRAMS
Latest posts by lyoung (see all)