Catamount Institute is a Colorado Springs nonprofit with a mission to connect kids to the outdoors through environmental education and adventure.
Since 1997, CI has connected tens of thousands of kids ages 2 to 18 years from across the Pikes Peak region to the outdoors through a wide variety of programs. In 2024, CI served 5,824 children and is on pace to connect 6,000 kids to the outdoors in 2025.
Did you know that the average kid spends less than 7 minutes a day playing outside and spends on average of 7 hours a day behind a screen?
Catamount Institute is on a mission to help change that and connect kids to the outdoors.
Research shows outdoor time provides mental health benefits for kids including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood and creativity, better social skills and increased self-esteem
Catamount Institute 2025 goals include:
1. Connecting 6,000 kids to the outdoors through diverse programs
2. Strengthen Catamount’s infrastructure and build a thriving team
3. Expand programs to our new 145-acre Mountain Campus in Woodland Park
4. Strengthen and diversify funding foundation
Our small but mighty team of 6 full-time Environmental Educators connected 5,824 kids (ages 2-18 yrs) to the outdoors last year through 13 diverse programs and provide scholarships to underserved kids
“My son came back engaged and gushing about what you guys did every day. The day with the dinosaur bones digging and the bird demonstration was deemed “the best day ever!” The camp deepened his respect for the outdoors – he was even more interested in leave no trace principles.” — Anonymous parent who sent their child to a Catamount Institute camp
Phone: (719) 471-0910