Youth Program Overview

Youth Program Overview

The Ohio River Trail Council’s (ORTC) Youth Program supports a wide variety of outdoor experiences for all ages through our events and outdoor adventure club outings. Core activities include canoeing, cycling, fishing, hiking, kayaking, running, nature walks, and rock climbing.

Through our partnerships with community groups, schools, and more, the ORTC ensures that kids enjoy meaningful outdoor experiences with adults who know them and their unique needs. With the support of our staff and volunteer assistants, we can provide hands-on outdoor experiences. We are always grateful for those individuals who are able to commit to helping our young adventurers learn new skills, discover nature and better themselves.

By experiencing the wonder of nature and developing skills in outdoor recreation, young people gain a life-long appreciation and understanding of the importance of natural resources. They also learn valuable life skills in communicating thoughts and feelings, and fulfilling responsibilities to others in their group and community. In addition, they have the opportunity to develop and gain leadership skills, self-confidence and self-respect, trust, critical thinking skills, teamwork experience, and decision-making skills, and a sense of responsibility for self, others, the community, and the environment.

An additional goal is the development of the Kids & Trails (K&T) Outdoor Classroom. The program’s purpose is two-fold.  First is to provide youngsters with an outdoor classroom to include recreation and exercise.  Secondly, the K&T Project can introduce environmental, health and historical education to children.  Water trails and greenways are a great way to help kids be fit, learn and have fun!