As part of its ongoing Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) hosted a three-day outdoor leadership campout June 26-28 for 50 refugee youth from across the Wasatch Front. Held at the scenic Tifie Ranch near East Canyon Reservoir, the immersive experience introduced teens, many of whom had never camped before, to the joy, skills and confidence that come with spending time in Utah’s great outdoors.
Youth ages 14-17, representing diverse backgrounds and speaking more than eight different languages, including Dari, Arabic, Swahili, Ukrainian and Spanish, participated in this year’s camp. The event was made possible through strong partnerships with organizations including Catholic Community Services, International Rescue Committee, Utah Refugee Connection, Utah International Charter School and Athletics United.
“This camp went beyond just teaching outdoor and life skills; it was about connecting these young leaders with the natural world to really unlock their potential,” said Tara McKee, deputy director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. “In today’s increasingly digital world, getting out into nature isn’t just nice, it’s essential. The campout gave these teens a powerful experience outdoors, fostering a vital sense of belonging, adventure, and empowerment that will contribute significantly to their well-being and resilience.”
Throughout the three days, campers participated in outdoor leadership training facilitated by Summit Journeys. Activities included team-building on a ropes course, a sunrise hike, kayaking, canoeing and sailing at East Canyon State Park. Evening programs included fire safety demonstrations from the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, how to set up and take down camp, and classic camping traditions like making s’mores.
“Experiences like the Every Kid Outdoors Leadership Campout give refugee youth a chance to build confidence, leadership, and connection with each other – opportunities that are often inaccessible to them,” said Jess Hudson, International Rescue Committee’s college and career readiness coordinator. “Collaborating with partners who share our commitment to equity and belonging is essential to empowering the next generation of leaders.”
The DOR’s education team and Division of Law Enforcement rangers provided safety instruction on recreating responsibly in Utah’s natural spaces. Gear support was provided by numerous generous partners:
- Outdoor Vitals donated daypacks and pillows
- Pingora duffel bags were given to each camper
- Teton donated camp blankets
- Wasatch Mountain Institute’s Gear Library supplied sleeping bags and pads
- Creamies sponsored treats for all participants
- Transportation was coordinated by Nicholas Street from the Utah Department of Public Safety, with support from a federal grant
All meals and tent lodging were coordinated by Summit Journeys, allowing campers to focus on connecting with one another, nature and the leadership lessons woven throughout the experience.
The campout is part of DOR’s broader effort to foster a lifelong connection between youth and the outdoors through the Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge, which includes themed experiences throughout the year. Recognizing the growing challenges youth face in an increasingly screen-dominated world, these experiences are more critical than ever. By reducing barriers to entry and creating welcoming, safe outdoor spaces, the division is helping a new generation explore, lead, and thrive, providing a vital antidote to modern anxieties and fostering the inherent human need for nature that is essential for well-being.
For more information about the Every Kid Outdoors program and future Adventure Challenge events, visit recreation.utah.gov/eko.