Getting Outside, No Matter What: Exploring Accessibility at Colorado Youth Outdoors and Outdoor Buddies

While doing my bike training, I often take Kechter Road over I-25 into Windsor to ride the country roads. Every time, I pass the Colorado Youth Outdoors (CYO) campus—seeing ponds, trails, and open space—and I always wonder: what goes on there? Recently, I finally got my butt out there to find out. Thanks to a guided tour with Courtney Strouse, Program Director at CYO, and Larry Sanford, President of Outdoor Buddies, I learned just how much this place is doing to make the outdoors more accessible and welcoming for all.

Tucked into the eastern edge of Fort Collins, the 240-acre CYO campus is built to bring people together through outdoor recreation. But what really sets it apart is the intentional effort to make sure people of all abilities can participate. Their partnership with Outdoor Buddies, a nonprofit that connects individuals with disabilities and veterans to outdoor opportunities, is a standout example of inclusive programming in action.

Collaboration That Works

This partnership works because both organizations are rooted in the belief that the outdoors belongs to everyone. Larry and Courtney don’t just talk about access—they make it happen. Whether it’s coordinating volunteers, sharing equipment, or teaming up on sponsorships to improve the fishing pond, their collaboration is full of “we can figure that out” energy.

Outdoor Buddies uses the CYO site to host its adaptive skeet shooting, archery, and fishing programs. At the same time, CYO gains access to Outdoor Buddies’ knowledge and adaptive gear so any youth, regardless of ability, can participate in all CYO programming. Watching them interact on our ride-along, it was obvious they’re committed to each other’s missions and building something sustainable—together.

Image credit from Outdoor Buddies

Adaptive Equipment That Opens Doors

Let’s talk about the gear—because it’s amazing. Outdoor Buddies brings in a wide range of adaptive devices that allow people with mobility limitations to fully participate. One of their most unique tools is the Go-Getter, an ATV-style ride that helps participants get across rough terrain safely. It’s used everywhere from fishing docks to pronghorn hunts in Colorado and Wyoming.

They also offer ActionTrack chairs, which are track-driven, all-terrain mobility devices. These let people using wheelchairs navigate dirt, grass, and even trails covered in mulch. They’ve even built an immersive fly-fishing bridge this year that lets you “walk on water”—I’m not kidding, it’s impressive (see photo).

For shooting sports, they provide adaptive gun rests, sip-and-puff trigger systems, and other supports that allow safe use from seated positions. Archery includes modified bows and hands-free aiming systems. Fishing setups include electric reels and grip supports—there’s a solution for just about everything.

Check It Out Yourself!

I finally got to see it all in action at Outdoor Buddies’ Family Day at Swift Ponds, which just took place this past Saturday, June 7. As usual, I biked over there with a friend for training. Family days typically occur in the Spring and Fall at the CYO campus and are full of adaptive fishing, BB-gun and trap shooting, archery, and even a catch-clean-cook experience (yes, people were grilling rainbow trout they caught right there).

Everything is designed for access—wheelchair-accessible fishing docks, five trap houses, and a whole fleet of mobility devices such as track chairs and the Go-Getter. Whether you came to learn a new skill or just be outside with your family, there was something for you.

Trained volunteers are there to help with setup, modifications, and encouragement. The vibe is simple: show up as you are, and we’ll make it work. As Larry puts it, “I will get anyone outside no matter what. We will make it happen.” And honestly, what can’t be solved with duct tape, zip ties, and a bungee cord?

Get Moving

If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether the outdoors is really for you—or for someone you care about—this partnership shows that with the right people, the right equipment, and a little creativity, there are no barriers that can’t be worked around. Whether you’re catching your first fish, rolling a track chair up to the archery line, or just enjoying the quiet of the pond trail, Colorado Youth Outdoors and Outdoor Buddies are proving that everyone deserves a place outside. If you are interested in joining a program please contact Outdoor Buddies HERE. If you are looking to donate you can donate to Colorado Youth Outdoors or Outdoor Buddies to continue this great work. Look out for me on the road waving to you on the pond!