Outdoor Unidos - FAQ

Outdoor Unidos - Frequently Asked Questions 

General Program Information 

What is Outdoor Unidos? 

Outdoor Unidos is the exciting new program jointly implemented by ViVe Wellness (VIVE) and the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) as part of the larger initiative. This initiative is made possible through The Denver Foundation's Belonging Colorado Community Implementation Grant, with evaluation support from CHI (Colorado Health Institute). 

How does Outdoor Unidos relate to Belonging Colorado? 

Outdoor Unidos is our dynamic implementation of the Belonging Colorado grant initiative! While Belonging Colorado is the overarching grant program funded by The Denver Foundation, Outdoor Unidos is our unique approach to creating connections through shared outdoor experiences. 

What does "Unidos" mean? 

"Unidos" means "united" in Spanish. The name captures the heart of our mission - bringing people together through the power of nature and shared adventures. 

What is the overall goal of the program? 

We're creating something truly special! This program tackles cultural misunderstandings, breaks down barriers to outdoor recreation, and opens doors for underrepresented groups. We're passionate about giving newcomers opportunities to try new outdoor activities while building meaningful relationships across cultures. What's more, CMC members and established community members get the chance to learn from different cultural perspectives, enriching their own outdoor experiences by gaining valuable insights from a new community.     

What is ViVe Wellness? 

ViVe Wellness is a community-based organization that fosters social justice and health equity through culturally relevant wellness programs. They primarily serve Latino migrants and other marginalized communities in Denver and surrounding areas. 

In the Outdoor Unidos program, ViVe brings expertise in culturally responsive programming and strong community connections, complementing CMC's outdoor knowledge. Their understanding of systemic barriers to outdoor recreation helps make this partnership particularly effective at creating inclusive experiences for diverse participants. 

Program Details 

Who can participate? 

The program is open to people of all backgrounds and experience levels! We’ll be running three programs for different age groups: 

• Kids (ages 7-12) 

• Teens (ages 13-19) 

• Adults (20+) 

How long will the program run? 

The program will run for two years (2025-2026) supporting two cohorts of participants, each enjoying a full 6 months of activities. This year cohort will participate in activities from June through November, and potentially longer for 2026! We're aiming to keep this program going indefinitely! 

How many people will participate? 

We’ll be welcoming approximately 72 individuals for each cohort, participants from cohort 1 will be considered and encouraged to contribute as a lead or instructor for cohort 2! 

How are participants selected?  

Participants will be mostly recruited through VIVE and CMC's established members – After we are hoping to open it within Denver and surrounding communities. 

Is there a cost to participate? 

No, the program is offered at no cost to participants. Thanks to our generous grant funding, there is no cost to participants! We're even providing transportation assistance to remove barriers to participation. 

Will language be a barrier?  

No, all instructors will be bilingual, and interpretation services will be available. Materials will be provided in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility. 

What happens at the end of each cohort? 

Each cohort will conclude with a celebratory event where participants can share their experiences. Participants from Cohort 1 will have the opportunity to become instructors and leaders for Cohort 2. 

CMC Member Involvement 

What role does CMC play in this program? 

CMC provides leadership, outdoor expertise, and resources to support the program. As an organization with deep roots in Colorado’s outdoor community, we are helping to ensure that participants receive high-quality training and access to safe, well-organized recreational activities.   

And of course, CMC members are encouraged to join in, gaining the opportunity to experience different cultures, engage in new activities, and explore a diverse curriculum! 

 How does this program benefit CMC members? 

CMC members will have the opportunity to: 

• Learn from different cultural perspectives, while being where we love, outdoors! 

• Help break down barriers to outdoor recreation for underrepresented groups. 

• Build meaningful connections with new community members. 

• If you have been wanting to practice your Spanish, this is also a great opportunity! 

• Thanks to ViVe’s partnership, CMC members will have access to new outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and anything related to water sports! 

How can I get involved as a CMC member? 

Join the Outdoors Unidos Program as a participant! Or if you're an instructor, trip leader, or volunteer, we encourage you to share your expertise and be a part of the program. We welcome your involvement and look forward to having you with us! 

Do I need to be a CMC member to participate? 

You don't need membership to join us. The grant covers ALL Outdoor Unidos participants' memberships! And if you're already a CMC member, we'll reward your participation with a FREE one-year membership renewal when you join our program. 

Why is this program free for participants when other CMC programs are not? 

This is not a discount from the CMC organization, this is a special opportunity made possible entirely by our grant funding! The grant covers all participants' memberships, which is why we can offer this amazing program at no cost. 

Will I need special training to volunteer or participant? 

To participate, no special training is required.  

 To be a leader we encourage any current CMC Trip Leader to consider applying. Preference will be given to those with a passion for working with different communities, cultural competency and bi-lingual (Spanish) speakers. They will receive training in cultural relevance, and specific skills from the Bridging Differences Playbook that the program is implementing. 

 How does this program benefit ViVe members? 

• Receive a CMC membership with access to all trips and educational programs. 

• Participate in professionally guided outdoor activities at no cost. 

• Explore outdoor spaces and recreational activities that may have previously felt out of reach. 

• Build connections within the broader Colorado outdoor community. 

• Expand personal and professional networks beyond traditional community settings. 

Participation & Activities 

What kinds of activities and classes will be offered? 

Participants will engage in a variety of seasonal outdoor activities including: 

Water Sports 

Kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting 

Outdoor Education along with hiking  

Basics of Wilderness First Aid, water safety, conservation, leave no trace, navigation and so much more to come! 

Climbing 

Basics, Indoors, Outdoors 

How often will the activities take place? 

Biweekly classes will be offered during the 2 cohorts, with sessions for every age after 4:30pm. Transportation and snacks will be provided! Participants will also have additional opportunities for longer excursions such as camping trips and regular social gatherings. 

How long are the activities? 

Most classes will last approximately 2-3 hours, with some overnight camping trips and weekend social events that allow for immersive experiences. 

What is the activities' location? 

It all depends on what we are doing that day! You will have all the information you need prior to the date.  

Will there be any certification? 

Yes! We will be certifying teens in basic outdoor skills, providing them with the foundation to feel confident and secure in nature. These will have opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore potential paths or interest in the outdoors. 

Additional Information 

Whom can I contact for more information? 

You can reach out to the CMC or ViVe Membership Department! 

ViVe Wellness (720) 440-1235 

CMC (303)-279-3080 

How can I stay updated on program activities? 

When you join our Outdoor Unidos community, you'll receive regular email updates about upcoming activities and events. For the latest news, follow us on social media platforms where we post frequent updates. ViVe's Facebook page will also be up to date with all activities.