YES Nature to Neighborhoods Youth Programs

YES Nature to Neighborhoods Youth Programs offers Explorers for ages 8-10 with after-school workshops, weekend outings, learning center visits, and one overnight camping trip. It also offers Rangers for ages 11-13 with biweekly workshops and activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping, plus Adventure Crew for ages 11-13 that meets every other Saturday. Youth Engagement Team (YET) serves ages 14-15, and Coastal Conservation Corps (C3) serves ages 16-18 with bi-weekly workshops.

Programs

• Explorers — Ages 8-10 · After-school workshops and weekend outings · Hands-on learning in the natural environment; includes outdoor experiences like learning center visits and one overnight camping trip. Can also participate in YES’s Summer, Family, and Winter camps.
• Rangers — Ages 11-13 · Biweekly workshops · Builds social-emotional and outdoor skills; includes adventures like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping.
• Adventure Crew — Ages 11-13 · Every other Saturday
• Youth Engagement Team (YET) — Ages 14-15
• Coastal Conservation Corps (C3) — Ages 16-18 · Bi-weekly workshops

At a glance

• Ages: 8–18 years old
• General schedule: Youth cohorts run from roughly October - May each year.

About the provider

YES’s mission is to nurture leaders who champion the wellbeing of the community. The youth cohorts run from roughly October to May each year.

Who qualifies for YES Youth Programs: ages 8-18; live in Richmond or surrounding areas; qualify for CalFresh, CalWORKs, or have a combined household income below 80% AMI in Contra Costa County.

What families say

“When you’re outdoors, it’s usually quiet. When you’re in the nature, at ease, you feel like you’ve let off a big burden.” — YES participant

Last updated September 18, 2026.