Interested in a challenge? One that requires outdoor skills in backpacking, camping, compass/map reading, outdoor cookery, safety and working with other people? A challenge demanding physical conditioning to take on mountain hikes of 4-5 miles a day? The 2026 4-H Outdoor Adventure Program can offer you those challenges. Crews made up of 4-H youth and adult volunteers from across the state will have the opportunity to experience this unique and challenging program.

The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Program is an outdoor leadership program designed for teens with adult guidance. The purpose is to develop character and integrity in young people through teaching teamwork, leadership and outdoor skills; and allows them to share their knowledge and skills with others. It provides participants the opportunity to see themselves from an entirely new perspective. Experiencing the challenge of the out-of-doors, participants grow personally, developing an understanding of themselves and their limitations. By being a member of a crew, they learn to understand and appreciate the needs of others and their team. Involvement in the program instills a new respect for the natural environment, and helps participants encompasses many 4-H project area and develops in young people an appreciation for and respect of the outdoors, animal life and other areas of nature.

Required two and one-half days shakedown training will be held April 24-26, 2026 for participants. The trip will take place July 6-12, 2026 going to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Ash Fall Fossil Beds, Nebraska.

Youth must be 14 years of age before January 1, 2026.

• Outdoor Adventures: Information and Application Packet 2026
• Outdoor Adventures: Essential Equipment List 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can participate?
  14 years old or older on January 1, 2026.
• What are the dates?

  April 24-26, 2026 - Shakedown Training - Robbers Cave State Park.

  July 6-12, 2026 - Trip to South Dakota and Nebraska.

• What is the cost?
  $650.00 per participant. Fees include Shakedown Training, transportation for participants, meals at shakedown and on the June trip, lodging, whitewater rafting and insurance. (Participants will be responsible for one meal during transport).
• Do the participants need any spending money?
  Small amount of money will be needed for souvenirs and snacks they want to purchase.
• When is registration due?
  Register on ZSuites. Registrations are on a first-come, first served basis. There is a $150.00 registration fee. The deadline for registration is April 9, 2026.
• What is the cancellation policy?
  Registration fee is nonrefundable unless the trip is canceled due to lack of participation
• What trips have been taken in the past?
  • 2012 – Pecos Wilderness in Northern New Mexico. Near Santa Fe, NM.
  • 2013 – Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico. Near Taos, NM.
  • 2014 – Buffalo River in Arkansas.
  • 2015 – Chicago Basin and Big Molas Lake, Colorado. Between Durango and Silverton.
  • 2016 – Pecos Wilderness in Northern New Mexico. Near Santa Fe, NM.
  • 2017 – No trip was taken.
  • 2018 – San Juan Mountains, CO. Round trip from Little Molas Lake to Beaver Dam Ponds in the Weminuche Wilderness Area on the Colorado Trail.
  • 2019 – Boundary Waters, MN.
  • 2022 – Weminuche Wilderness, North of Pagosa Springs, CO.
  • 2023 – Petrified Forest and the Grand Canyon, AZ.
  • 2025 – Southwest Colorado (Durango area) and white water rafted.
• What must be purchased for the trip?
  Outdoor Adventures: Essential Equipment List is attached above on the 4-H Outdoor Adventures webpage. The equipment list describes what is required and what is optional.
• What forms must be completed to participate in Outdoor Adventure?
  Everyone must complete the registration form. Membership must be completed in Z Suites and up to date. This includes a current health form.
• What is Leave No Trace?
  Leave No Trace is a set of principles that promotes reduction of human affects on the wilderness. General saying is “only leave foot prints, and only take pictures.”