The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation recently announced its 2024 Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant. This award of $503,545 will be distributed to 38 projects across 11 Utah counties. It will contribute to programs with a combined value of over $2.4 million and benefit over 23,000 youth.
“We believe that every child in Utah should have the opportunity to experience the outdoors in meaningful and educational ways, and the UCORE Grant is a critical step in making that vision a reality,” said Caroline Weiler, DOR’s youth engagement program manager. “By funding these programs, we’re not just providing kids with recreation opportunities—we’re fostering a lifelong connection to Utah’s incredible outdoor recreation opportunities, building stewardship values and ensuring that all youth, regardless of background, have access to outdoor experiences that support their physical, mental and emotional well-being.”
This year’s recipients of the UCORE Grant include: Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports with Adaptive Outdoors for year-round programming for children with disabilities; Zion National Park Forever Project for Zion Youth Stewards to teach youth stewardship principles; Girls Running EmpowHERed through St. Vincent de Paul Parish School to empower young girls through outdoor distance running programs; and the Utah Avalanche Center for the Know Before You Go Youth Avalanche Education program to help youth increase their avalanche awareness.
“This year’s funding cycle showcases the creativity and dedication of organizations across the state working to break down barriers to outdoor access,” Weiler continued. “From adaptive recreation programs to outdoor education initiatives, these projects will impact thousands of Utah kids and provide lasting benefits to communities statewide. We’re thrilled to support these efforts and see the positive change they bring.”
Jason Curry, the Director of DOR, shared that he believes the importance of funding recreational activities for children goes far beyond just their enjoyment.
“Outdoor recreation also produces a number of physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages,” Curry said. “When the state awards these grants, we know we’re giving a lot of kids a head start into the outdoors that they may have not ever explored without the programs aimed at outdoor recreation education. It also ensures that kids start right in terms of stewardship of their public lands. What they value and love, they will also feel the responsibility to care for as well.”
The DOR wants other Utah organizations to know that the 2025 Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant application cycle is open through March 17, offering funding opportunities for various outdoor recreation infrastructure projects. Their Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Grant spring application cycle is also open through March 31.
For more information on grant opportunities and the complete list of 2025 UCORE Grant recipients, visit recreation.utah.gov/grants.
Author: Emily Walters
Photo courtesy of Greg Rosenke
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
outdoors@suunews.net
