$5,195 | Grades 6-8

Colorado: Tails of Kindness

JUNE 15 – JUNE 28, 2025

JULY 2 – JULY 15, 2025

JULY 19 – AUGUST 1, 2025

JUNE 15 – JUNE 28, 2025 JULY 2 – JULY 15, 2025 JULY 19 – AUGUST 1, 2025

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Our favorite moments

Photos and stories that capture what makes this trip so special.

Running across the tallest sand dunes in North America.

Rafting white water rapids on the Cache la Poudre River.

Tackling a ropes course high above the canyon floor.

Rock climbing in Estes Park’s granite canyons.

Hiking to alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Lunch by the lake in Fort Collins.

Camping under the stars in the Colorado backcountry.

Stand-up paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Taking a swim break during our rafting day on the Cache la Poudre River.

Don’t read it. Feel it.

Want to hear what this trip is really like? One of our OG trip leaders—who’s led RLT trips for the past three summers—walks you through the journey from start to finish and shares what it’s like to be out there.

**An at-a-glance look at the trip**
Want the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.

Day 1: Arrive & Tour Kindness Ranch

Days 2–3: Animal Care & Service Projects

Days 4–5: Fencing, Painting & Tree Planting

Days 6–7: Farm Work & Sustainability Projects

Days 8–9: Camp & Hike

Day 10: Paddleboard at Horsetooth Reservoir

Day 11: Rock Climb in Estes Park

Day 12: Whitewater Raft the Cache la Poudre River

Day 13–14: Final Hike, Reflections & Depart from Denver

What real people say about our trips

Featured

Jay T, an RLT parent

Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.

Caitlin H, an RLT parent

Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.

Lisa G, an RLT parent

We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.

Using power tools to cut wood for fencing and repairs at Kindness Ranch.

Feeding and walking llamas while learning about ethical animal care.

Splitting and stacking firewood to help the sanctuary prepare for winter.

Getting to know one of the rescued cows.

Chopping logs and hauling brush out on the open range.

How we serve in Colorado

Hands-on work that supports animal sanctuaries and the landscapes we explore.

Walking out to meet the animals at the ranch.

All the details in one place

From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Colorado.

Trip Name
Colorado: Tails of Kindness
Who It’s For
Middle school students completing grades 6–8
2026 Sessions
Session 1: June 15 – June 28, 2026
Session 2: July 2 – July 15, 2026
Session 3: July 19 – August 1, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.
Location
Colorado & Wyoming
Trip Length
14 Days
Service Hours
15–20
Tuition
$5,195
This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.
Day 1: Arrival & Settle In at Kindness Ranch
Arrive in Denver and travel to Wyoming to meet the Kindness Ranch staff and tour the sanctuary. Set up camp, get oriented, and start to get to know the group.
Days 2–5: Animal Care & Ranch Projects
Support daily care for rescued cats, pigs, horses, and dogs. Help with cleaning, walking, and socializing the animals. Other hands-on projects may include planting trees, painting, mowing, fencing, and small-scale construction—whatever the sanctuary needs most during our visit.
Days 6–9: Rocky Mountain National Park Adventures
Head into Rocky Mountain National Park to hike, swim, and camp beneath the stars. We'll explore Pawnee Grasslands and Arthur’s Rock Trail, take in views of the Continental Divide, and spend evenings cooking over camp stoves, making s’mores, and reflecting around the fire.
Day 10: Paddleboarding & Swimming
Spend the day at Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins. Enjoy swimming, relaxing, and learning to paddleboard in a calm, scenic setting.
Days 11–12: Farm Days & Sustainability Learning
Support a local farm with seasonal tasks while learning about sustainable farming and food systems. Help with planting, harvesting, and day-to-day chores—and enjoy time with farm animals and local staff.
Day 13: Rafting the Cache la Poudre River
Wrap up the trip with a whitewater rafting adventure on Colorado’s only designated Wild and Scenic River. Guided by professional outfitters, we’ll navigate exciting rapids and celebrate the journey.
Day 14: Travel Day
Say our goodbyes and travel home from Denver (DEN).
We stay in a mix of campgrounds and group housing across Colorado and Wyoming.
Camping + Housing
4 nights in Airbnb-style group housing (Fort Collins)
9 nights tent camping at Kindness Ranch and in Rocky Mountain National Park
Sleeping Setup
Shared tents by gender identity; rustic bathrooms with showers every few days
Camp Life
The group works together to cook, clean, and keep things running—simple but meaningful daily rhythms
Meals are planned and prepared as a group throughout the trip.
How It Works
Participants rotate cooking duties, with staff support for each meal
Menu Style
Nutritious, kid-approved meals made in kitchens or on camp stoves—think tacos, pancakes, pasta, burrito bowls
Dietary Needs
We accommodate allergies, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other needs with care
Snacks
Lots of snacks, water breaks, and refuel time during outdoor activities
Flights
Families book flights to/from Denver, Colorado (DEN). Do not book until you receive flight windows.
Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.
Packing
We’ll send a full packing list before your trip. Everything fits in a duffel or backpack.
Key items include:
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Rain gear
- Layers for cool nights
- Sturdy shoes and water sandals
Luggage
One checked bag and a small carry-on backpack is recommended
Forms
Once enrolled, you’ll complete:
Health forms
Waivers
Emergency contacts
Medications
All meds must be listed on your form. Leaders manage and administer as needed.
Behavior Expectations
We’ll send a Code of Conduct. The goal is simple: everyone feels safe, included, and respected.
Insurance + Vaccines
Trip insurance isn’t required but is recommended.
No special vaccines needed—just be up to date on routine immunizations.
Device-Free from Day One
Phones and internet-connected devices are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end.
Why We Do It
Being unplugged lets teens:
Focus on relationships
Stay present
Build confidence without screens
Cameras Welcome
Digital cameras and GoPros are fine—just no smartphones or tablets
Family Communication
We share updates during the trip and are always reachable via our on-call team for emergencies

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