Show Up for Colorado's Youth

Help 20 students find their place in the outdoors.

students connect with nature & grow with service

Help the next generation discover confidence, community, and a connection to Colorado's outdoors.

Every journey starts somewhere. Each fall, 20 high school students join Cairn.

Over 9 months, they...

gain experience in field work

learn new skills

Make new friends

connect with mentors

gain confidence

explore career paths

build leadership skills

discover they can make a difference

Why Your Donation Matters

Students pay just $250.*

The real cost is nearly $2,500.

We intentionally keep tuition low so finances never determine whether someone can participate.

That's where you come in...

EVERY DONATION MAKES AN IMPACT

 *Scholarships are available, as well.

Your gift impacts more than one school year.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES


Sawyer F. was a 2025-26 Cairn participant and was recently awarded the Grossman Scholarship to support his studies of Natural Resource Management at Colorado State University.

Career Paths


"The knowledge that I gained in the Cairn Program has impacted both my career and educational path and my personal life."



- Grace J., Former Cairn Participant

LIFELONG IMPACT


 “Cairn laid the groundwork for me to get where I am today.”


- Mac B., Former Cairn Participant

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS


"My Cairn mentor was a great mentor and support, and we are still connected professionally. I now live in the mountains and do this kind of volunteer work frequently."


- Lindsey P.M., Former Cairn Participant

One donation to set off a domino effect of positive change.

May 7, 2026
Colorado's Front Range Students Complete Their Final Project in Outdoor Stewardship Through VOC's Cairn Program
February 5, 2026
Hands-On Career Exploration for Cairn Students and Colorado Youth
By Alex Schupp May 1, 2025
Cairn Students Complete Their Final Project

BOOST YOUR IMPACT

  • Tell Your Family & Friends About VOC

    Invite friends to donate using VOC’s Messaging Toolkit. 28% of donors rely on recommendations from family and friends for new causes to donate to!

  • Amplify Your Impact: Choose Your Donation Day

    Participate in one of VOC’s weekly challenges and giveaways to spread your donation dollars even further. See giveaways below.

  • Double Your Gift: Set Up a Recurring Donation

    Your impact can go even further this Colorado Gives Day! When you start a monthly gift, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first donation up to $100! With $250K in matching funds available statewide, now is the best time to give monthly. Set up your recurring donation today at coloradogives.org/organization/voc

MESSAGING TOOLKIT

We've made it easy for you to share about VOC with your community. Email, social media, and image templates are available for you to use.

need another reason to give?

Donate $50+ between July 1 - July 31, 2026 for a chance to win** a roundtrip flight on United Airlines***.

Sweepstakes Rules:

**Eligibility is not contingent on a donation. Please contact development@voc.org to be entered without a donation before the stated donation eligibility window.


***Redeemable for one (1) roundtrip economy flight anywhere in the United States “lower 48”, Alaska, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.