Join the West Slope Outdoor Youth Video Competition!
Check out the resources below, and then follow these steps to share your message and compete for prizes!
Helpful links at the buttons below:
Keep Scrolling to learn about the Do Colorado Right Principles!
The Prizes:
GRAND PRIZE: A FREE raft trip with Colorado Canyon Association ($2500 value!!)
1st Prize in every Category: $100 Gift Card + Recognition. Up to 8 chances to win!
2nd Prize in every category: $50 gift card + recognition. Up to 8 chances to win!
The first 5 entries in Spanish and the first 5 entries in English will win a $25 gift card just for participating!
Vote for and share your favorite entries! The video entry with the most upvotes will receive the “People’s Choice” prize
What are the ‘Do Colorado Right’ Leave No Trace Principles?
Looking for inspiration? Check out some of these videos (but we can’t wait to see yours!)
Meet Your Judges
Gabriel Otero, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioner
Gabriel Otero is the Director for Equitable Funding Policy for The Wilderness Society. He currently serves on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission in one of the sportsperson seats, on the Great Outdoors Colorado board and is a member of The Nature Conservancy's 13ers.
Born and raised in western Colorado, Gabriel is a fourth-generation Coloradan, avid sportsman, and conservationist. His deep connection and appreciation for nature and wildlife were instilled in him from an early age. Now a father, he is tremendously devoted to children and their future.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends in nature.
Maya Saenz is the Bilingual Communications Specialist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, serving as the agency's main Spanish-speaking spokesperson. With over 12 years of experience as a local and national journalist, she is an expert in digital storytelling and media production.
As a Colorado native, Maya is dedicated to fostering an inclusive Colorado by sharing the importance of responsible outdoor recreation and opportunities with diverse audiences.
Dani Reyes-Acosta, known for her work in outdoor filmmaking and cultural storytelling, has inspired audiences through her award-winning narratives of reciprocity and belonging. Best known for the OUTLIER series (COMMON in 2025, TRUST in 2022), DISPATCHES (2024), and WELL WORN LIFE (2022), Reyes-Acosta brings to life stories that challenge convention and highlight voices at the crux of our collective future.
Honored with the Adán Medrano Film Award in 2024, “Most Inspiring Film” at No Man’s Land Film Festival in 2025, and recognized by Protect Our Winters and The North Face for her leadership in climate and community advocacy, she crafts stories with her company, Afuera Productions, to shift us beyond a human-centered world—calling us back to the unbound, interwoven roots of who we are.
Scott is a Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor and the current Western Colorado State Advocate for Leave No Trace, currently living in Glenwood Springs. Scott has extensive experience in the outdoor industry including leadership roles with the Appalachian Mountain Club, SOS Outreach. Since 2020, Scott has directed the Garfield County Outdoors Program.
A U.S. Army veteran, Scott is a Wilderness First Responder with certifications in avalanche and swiftwater rescue, and is a wilderness medicine instructor who continues to guide and teach in the backcountry.
Greg is a commercial director, cinematographer, editor, and documentary filmmaker based in Montrose. He directs and edits everything from environmental advocacy shorts to technical product spots. Clients include Patagonia, National Geographic, Northwest River Supply (NRS), the National Wildlife Federation, and many more.
Greg is a river guide, environmentalist, and space nerd.
Scott Partan, Leave No Trace Western Colorado State Advocate
Greg Cairns, Cairns Film
Tarryn Stack, Bureau of Land Management
Tarryn is an Education Specialist on the Bureau of Land Management's National Headquarters team, based in Grand Junction. She serves as the agency's Leave No Trace National Coordinator, is a LNT Level II Instructor, and is passionate about encouraging responsible recreation on public lands.
Rachael Gonzales, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Based in Grand Junction, Rachael is the Northwest Region Public Information Officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Although her official title is Public Information Officer, Rachael sees her role as a professional storyteller for the agency and to highlight the important work CPW does to protect Colorado's natural resources.
When she’s not at work, Rachael enjoys exploring the outdoors. As a lifelong resident of Colorado, she appreciates the beauty and opportunities the state offers for outdoor activities throughout the year and the importance in ensuring they are there for future generations. Although, winter is her favorite season to explore!
Barb Bowman, Colorado Tourism Office
Barbara retired from Visit Grand Junction after 28 years and currently works with the Colorado Tourism Office on the Care for Colorado program, promoting statewide stewardship to help protect Colorado’s precious outdoor resources.
Born in Denver, Barb graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.S. in Recreation. She lived abroad for 8 years and traveled extensively before returning to the Western Slope.
Dani Reyes-Acosta, Afuera Films
Chandler resides in Grand Junction and serves as the Executive Director of the Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition, championing a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive outdoor recreation industry in Mesa County. He worked over 20 years in the cycling industry and is a founding member of The Ride Collective. Locally, he produced the road cycling events Tour of the Moon and Tour de Vineyards. Chandler also served as Director of Ride The Rockies (2007–2016) and Pedal The Plains (2012–2016).