Here in Colorado, the outdoors is part of who we are. But not every family has the same chance to enjoy it. Things like transportation, the cost of gear, or simply not knowing where to start can make it hard to get outside. And with so much of life happening on screens, kids are spending less time exploring nature. That’s where Generation Wild comes in.
Since 2015, Generation Wild has been building local coalitions, called Generation Wild communities, to help kids and families connect with the outdoors in fun, meaningful ways. From summer camps and after-school adventures to overnight trips and hands-on job experiences for teens, the program makes nature accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience level.
In the San Luis Valley, SLV GO! is proud to bring partners together as the convening organization for our Generation Wild community. By working with schools, local governments, and youth organizations, we’re creating more opportunities for kids and families to get outside, discover new passions, and build lifelong connections to the natural world.
history
San Luis Valley Generation Wild is a coalition of like-minded partners who work across the San Luis Valley. The original SLV Inspire coalition, which utilized Tier One funding beginning in 2016, has been merged with the Alamosa Rio Inspire, a Tier Two funding coalition whose funding began in 2017. Together, these partners represent the six counties of the San Luis Valley, providing youth and community environmental education opportunities and outdoor programming. They include non-profit and municipal organizations. These organizations remain dedicated to collaboration and continuing partnerships for outdoor and environmental engagement and seek additional funders into the next several years who will support their efforts as a coalition.
Vision, Mission & Principles
The SLV Generation Wild’s vision is that the San Luis Valley is a vibrant, healthy, and active outdoor community cared for by all. Our mission is working together to create opportunities and connections to the outdoors for all people in the San Luis Valley. The mission and vision are guided by the following principles:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We provide community members with the tools and the resources to connect with the outdoors, especially those who would otherwise have limited access. We make intentional efforts to include the variety of voices and perspectives present in the San Luis Valley, ensuring shared planning and decision making.
Collaboration
We strive to connect people, expand interactions, and leverage our community resources. We believe in collective success by working together to make sure we all succeed.
Cultural Stewardship
We are committed to celebrating, sharing, and building awareness of the rich culture, traditions and heritage of the San Luis Valley through collective outdoor initiatives.
Natural Resource Stewardship
We are committed to promoting a sustainable outdoor recreation culture that minimizes the impacts on ecological functions and promotes the conservation of the rich natural resources in the San Luis Valley for future generations.
Locally Focused
We support the San Luis Valley economy by investing in community initiatives, programs, and businesses to keep financial resources revolving locally. We support programs and activities that effectively and responsibly use community resources.
our partners
SLV Generation Wild is made up of eleven local partner organizations who share a common vision of connecting San Luis Valley communities to the outdoors. In bringing together each of their unique approaches and dedicated teams, SLV Gen Wild partners are proud to be able to further their reach, deepen their impact, and see that vision come to life on a scale much larger than would be achievable alone.
Adams State University Adventure Program
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Adams State Adventure Program hosts a comprehensive outdoor leadership development program for college students. Participants have access to an indoor rock-climbing wall, challenge course, outdoor equipment rental center, and the outdoor leadership program.
Alamosa Bicycle Coalition
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The Alamosa Bicycle Coalition helps kids and families get rolling safely in the San Luis Valley. Through Bicycle Rodeos and Alley Races, they teach youth essential bike safety and skills while making riding fun and accessible. As a partner in the SLV Generation Wild community, they’re helping more children explore their neighborhoods and the outdoors on two wheels.
Alamosa Parks and Recreation
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Since 2018, Alamosa Parks and Recreation has been helping families get outside with fun, accessible programs. Their summer Weekends on the Rio series features activities like stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, outdoor yoga, and concerts in the park, making the most of the city’s trails, riverfront, fishing pond, disc golf course, and archery range.
Alpine Achievers Initiative
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Alpine Achievers Initiative (AAI) opens doors to the outdoors with their Backyard to Backcountry (B2B) program. From hiking and backpacking to climbing and skiing, AAI gives youth, especially those facing economic or other barriers, the chance to explore the San Luis Valley’s natural playground. Through age-appropriate skill-building and leadership opportunities, students gain confidence in outdoor settings while enjoying positive, healthy activities and meaningful connections with peers and mentors.
Boys & Girls Club of the SLV
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The Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley takes outdoor fun to the next level with their Outdoor Adventure program. Members enjoy hands-on trips that combine excitement with learning – exploring nature, spotting wildlife, practicing survival skills, and discovering the importance of conservation and stewardship. As part of the SLV Generation Wild community, they give kids the chance to connect with the outdoors while building skills and confidence that last a lifetime.
Creede Parks and Recreation
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Creede Parks and Recreation operates year round out of the Virginia Christensen Multi Use Facility located at 408 La Garita Avenue. The facility has a full basketball court, a large weight room/cardio area, as well as a small studio room used for spin, yoga and various other activities. Offering workout classes, community events, and youth programs and camps to participants of all ages.
Rio Grande Farm Park
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The Rio Grande Farm Park connects youth and families to agriculture, nature, and conservation. Through programs like Rising Stewards, kids gain hands-on experience in farming, environmental stewardship, and the outdoors, while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Camps, field trips, volunteer days, and trail and river access give youth fun, meaningful ways to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world as part of the SLV Generation Wild community.
Rio Grande Watershed Conservation and Education Initiative
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The Rio Grande Watershed Conservation and Education Initiative (RGWCEI) inspires kids to explore and care for the San Luis Valley’s natural and working landscapes. Through programs like youth conservation camp, field trips, Water Fest on the Rio, and the SLV school pumpkin patch, students get hands-on experiences in stewardship and outdoor learning. Partnering with local farmers, educators, and resource professionals, RGWCEI helps youth connect with nature, their community, and the outdoors as part of the SLV Generation Wild community.
San Luis Valley Great Outdoors
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San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!) empowers the local Hispanic community through Embajadores, outdoor ambassadors who lead adventures like birding, hiking, and mountain biking while promoting healthy lifestyles. By training bilingual and trilingual leaders families can trust, SLV GO! helps expand access to outdoor recreation and builds the next generation of environmental educators and outdoor leaders in the San Luis Valley.
San Luis Valley Rattlers
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San Luis Valley Rattlers gets young riders exploring the San Luis Valley on mountain bikes and our growing trail networks. Focused on mountain biking as a lifelong pursuit, the organization provides high school students with opportunities to build skills, stay active, and improve health and wellness while enjoying the outdoors.
Southwest Conservation Corps
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Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) gives youth, young adults, and veterans hands-on opportunities to grow through service and education. Their projects promote personal growth, teamwork, and a strong ethic of natural resource stewardship, helping participants build skills while caring for the San Luis Valley’s lands and communities.