Our Education Programs
RMFI aims to integrate an educational component into every stewardship event. This varies with each project but ranges from a brief geology talk in the Garden of the Gods to a complex hands-on hydrology lesson on Pikes Peak. In addition to our inherently educational volunteer stewardship days, RMFI offers the below programs for those looking to dig a little deeper.
Pikes Peak Regional Crew Leader Training
The annual Pikes Peak Regional Crew Leader Training is an intensive weekend-long training for stewardship volunteers who are interested in becoming certified and active Stewardship Crew Leaders. While in the training, participants learn how to lead safe, successful trail projects and develop basic trail construction and restoration skills. The training is hosted in partnership by Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Trails and Open Space Coalition, and the City of Colorado Springs, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. 2023 Crew Leader Training will take place on May 6th and 7th, 2023 with backup inclement weather dates on May 13 and 14.
Crew Leader TrainingEarth Corps Field Studies Program
Earth Corps is RMFI's signature education program. Started in 2002, this award-winning undergraduate field studies course provides environmentally conscious college students the opportunity to live, work, learn, and recreate in the incredible mountains of Colorado for an extended period of time. While there, students earn 4 college credits, receive technical training, gain skills in outdoor leadership and make memories that will last a lifetime.
The 2023 program will run July 17th - August 3rd
A need-based scholarship will be available thanks to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)!
Applications for 2023 are open and the application fee is waived before March 15, 2023!
Learn More and Apply
B.O.L.T. | Building Outdoor Leaders Today
The Catamount Institute and RMFI are proud to announce the development of a new outdoor leadership program, B.O.L.T., for high school students in the Pikes Peak Region, specifically for students from Southeast Colorado Springs!
This program will consist of at least 6 after-school sessions and 4 Saturday sessions focused on leadership development, career exploration, and outdoor education. Some examples of session topics include First Aid, Leave No Trace, forest bathing, ecological restoration, recreational activities, and more!
B.O.L.T. ProgramTechnical Training Courses
RMFI provides a handful of advanced technical training courses throughout the year covering a wide array of trail and restoration techniques relevant to the field work done by RMFI and related partner organizations. Keep an eye out for upcoming technical training courses on our calendar. These are typically the workdays listed with the color yellow to indicate limited enrollment for Crew Leaders, partner organizations, and stewardship volunteers with several workdays under their belt.
Find Training Opportunities