Connecting Youth to Nature and Community:

New Mexico’s stunning landscapes are not only a hallmark of the state’s natural beauty but also a gateway to healing, connection, and transformation. For youth served by NMCAN, the opportunity to engage with these environments has become a lifeline of possibility and personal growth, thanks to the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF). Though NMCAN’s outdoor programming was temporarily paused due to funding limitations, its impact remains indelible for the participants, showcasing the power of intentional outdoor experiences in fostering community and personal transformation.

Since 1990, NMCAN has worked with young people impacted by foster care, juvenile justice systems, and homelessness, helping them build healthy relationships, develop leadership skills, and advocate for systems that meet their needs. Through authentic engagement, equitable opportunities, and a strengths-based approach, NMCAN fosters pathways to adulthood that break cycles of disconnection and inequality.

In 2021, NMCAN received funding from the Outdoor Equity Fund, enabling them to collaborate with Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions on a transformative outdoor program. This initiative provided youth, many of whom were experiencing outdoor activities for the first time, with access to nature through a series of hikes, educational experiences, and even an overnight camping trip. These moments not only introduced participants to the natural beauty of New Mexico but also created a platform for leadership, self-discovery, and intergenerational community-building.

For young people navigating the challenges of foster care, juvenile justice involvement, or housing instability, outdoor programs provide much more than recreation—they offer a sanctuary. The OEF-funded activities addressed critical barriers by covering costs for transportation, gear, and food, ensuring equitable access for all participants. Youth were encouraged to bring family members, including their children, transforming the outings into multigenerational opportunities to connect and heal.

The program’s activities ranged from educational hikes through the Bosque to a memorable overnight stay at Cottonwood Gulch’s base camp. These experiences were designed not only to introduce participants to New Mexico’s natural landscapes but also to integrate cultural and environmental education. One hike, facilitated by Indigenous youth leaders, included lessons on the history and significance of the Bosque, discussions on native and non-native plant species, and creative art projects using natural materials. Participants learned to see nature as a resource for inspiration, healing, and cultural connection.

“The outdoors has this incredible way of leveling the playing field,” said Yvonne, a staff member at NMCAN. “In nature, there’s no judgment—it’s just you, your skills, and the opportunity to grow.”

For many participants, the program marked their first hike, their first camping trip, or even their first meaningful time outdoors. Ezra, another NMCAN team member, observed that the program offered a respite from the daily challenges many youth face, including housing instability and substance use recovery. “It’s a chance to step away from those struggles and just be in a space where they can connect with peers and nature in a completely different way.”

The program also emphasized leadership development, with some participants taking active roles in planning and facilitating activities. Indigenous youth shared their cultural knowledge, leading sessions on land history, traditional art, and sustainable practices. These moments created a sense of pride and purpose among the youth, inspiring confidence and new perspectives on their roles within their communities.

The impact of NMCAN’s outdoor programming extended far beyond the immediate experience. Many participants expressed a desire to continue exploring the outdoors, often forming peer connections to organize their own outings. The program also inspired participants to reimagine their futures, with some considering careers in conservation, outdoor recreation, or environmental science.

While the program was too short to capture long-term career outcomes, NMCAN staff noted that exposing youth to diverse possibilities was an essential first step. For some, seeing Indigenous mentors leading outdoor activities or learning about conservation jobs sparked new aspirations. “They didn’t even know some of these careers existed,” said Ezra. “Now they’re thinking, ‘I could do that.’”

The program’s multigenerational approach also strengthened family bonds. Young parents brought their children on hikes, creating shared experiences that introduced a love for nature to the next generation. One parent, after participating in the program, shared that they now felt equipped to bring their children outdoors more frequently, passing on the skills and confidence they had gained.

NMCAN’s outdoor program flourished during its OEF funding cycle, but without sustained financial support, it was unable to continue. This loss underscores the importance of establishing recurring funding mechanisms for the Outdoor Equity Fund to ensure that transformative programs like this one remain accessible to underserved communities.

“For our youth, these experiences are more than a luxury—they’re a necessity,” said Yvonne. “Nature has a unique ability to heal, to teach, and to bring people together. Without funding, we lose not only the opportunity to provide these experiences but also the chance to invest in our youth’s long-term well-being.”

If NMCAN were to receive ongoing funding, the organization envisions expanding its programming to include activities such as rock climbing, rafting, and overnight camping trips across New Mexico. Staff also hope to integrate outdoor experiences into their broader leadership development programming, helping participants build skills like teamwork and resilience in natural settings. These expansions would further strengthen the program’s ability to foster confidence, healing, and career exploration.

In addition to advocating for more funding, NMCAN is committed to amplifying the voices of the youth they serve. By sharing their stories, NMCAN hopes to demonstrate the profound impact of outdoor programming and inspire policymakers to see the value in investing in these opportunities.

“Every hike, every campfire, every moment spent outside—these are experiences that stick with people,” said Ezra. “They’re not just memories; they’re moments that change lives.”

As NMCAN continues to advocate for its youth and the programs that serve them, the organization remains a shining example of how the Outdoor Equity Fund can transform communities by creating opportunities for connection, growth, and healing. With recurring funding, NMCAN and programs like it can ensure that every young person in New Mexico has the chance to experience the profound power of nature and, through it, discover their place in the world.