After Building New Outdoor Skills, Teens Put Youth Leadership into Action by Planning and Leading a Backyard Overnight to Inspire the Next Generation of Campers
Recently, our Casa de la Esperanza teens spent two days putting their newly developed camping skills to the test. They paddled across a windy lake, cooked meals from scratch, slept under the stars, learned to navigate the dark on a night hike, and even became experts at setting up tents and deissuing gear after the trip. But that adventure was never the final destination—putting youth leadership in action with even younger students was the plan.
From the very beginning, a big goal was for these teens to take what they learned and share it with younger members of their community. Last weekend, they had the chance to do exactly that during a backyard overnight designed and led largely by the teens themselves.
Leading up to the overnight, the group spent time thinking about their own camping experience. What helped them feel prepared? What skills mattered most? What would they want to know if it were their first time spending a night away from home? Using those reflections, they planned activities to help prepare the younger campers for their own outdoor adventure.
The teens kicked things off with a trash pickup competition to introduce Leave No Trace principles and the importance of caring for the places we spend time in. They then put the younger campers to the test with tent setup. Just as the teens had done during their own trip, the littles had to work together to figure things out, with only three questions allowed for adults. The results were impressive. What started with a few confused looks quickly turned into teamwork, problem-solving, and plenty of celebrations as tents slowly took shape. Watching campers realize they were capable of figuring things out on their own was one of the highlights of the day.
The group also worked together to create tent agreements. While rules like “no shoes in the tent” and “no food in the tent” made the list, campers also added their own ideas about being kind to one another, sharing responsibilities, and creating positive spaces.
To prepare for the overnight itself, the teens led a game of “OK, No Way!” to practice trail etiquette and outdoor expectations, followed by a relay race focused on packing the right gear for an overnight adventure. It was clear that they had been paying attention during their own camping trip. Many of the lessons and tips they shared came directly from experiences they had just lived through themselves.
Once all the learning was done and the preparations were complete, it was time to enjoy being outside together. The backyard overnight was filled with games designed to bring the group together. Sharks and Minnows, Mar y Tierra, Jays and Juncos, and parachute games had campers running, laughing, and making new friends. The teens did a fantastic job adapting activities and helping the younger participants feel excited to be outdoors.
Dinner featured camping’s greatest hits: hot dogs followed by plenty of s’mores. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group headed out for a nighttime adventure inspired by Smaug’s Jewels. Campers tested their stealth skills by trying to steal the dragon’s jewels without being heard, while also discovering how their eyes adjust to darkness and how differently the world looks after sunset. For many campers, it was a chance to experience something that has become increasingly rare: being outside after dark!
The next morning brought a birthday celebration, breakfast on the playground, and one final round of Drip, Drip, Drop before everyone packed up camp.
Looking back, what stands out most isn’t any single game or activity. It’s the growth we saw in the teens who had spent the previous week learning these same skills themselves. In just a short time, they transitioned from participants to leaders. And in doing so, crafted an experience that welcomed the younger generations into the outdoor world, connecting them to the fun and joy that being outside can bring!
We want to thank our funders that helped make this program possible, including Boulder County Housing Authority, Colorado Health Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Nature Kids Longmont, Ronald and Carol Moore Family Foundation, and Thorne Nature Experience!
If you are inspired by this youth leadership program and want to help make it possible again next summer, consider making a donation to Cottonwood Institute today!
