Students are selected by recommendation from several Washington, D.C. youth organizations. The program is a reward for children who have been enthusiastic, dedicated, and respectful members of their sponsoring youth organization. City Kids collaborates with six Washington, D.C. youth groups - Martha's Table, Horton's Kids, The Fishing School, DC Preparatory Academy, The SEED School, and KIPP DC: KEY Academy. Our partners assist the students and their families with the preparation for camp. Additionally, our partners' staff volunteers for spring trips and provide airport transportation. These organizations are a very important part of our program's success. We are grateful for their involvement and help.
  Program fees are determined by the financial situation of the family. Depending upon the household income, students may qualify for full sponsorship or be expected to pay a small portion of the cost. Generally, all of our students have qualified for free program services. Transportation to Wyoming or other trips is included. City Kids supplies all of the camping equipment, food, and trip expenses. Visit How You Can Help for more information on funding.

  The following are some of the personal attributes that have helped previous students adapt to City Kids:

• Regular school attendance.
  
• Frequent participation in an after-school program or sport activity.
  
• A general willingness to try new activities, to develop relationships, and to consider new ideas.
  
• Age appropriate ability to focus, stay on task, especially during physically or emotionally challenging activities or events.
  
• Honest, caring, and respectful.
  
• General good health.

When a child is nominated by one of our partners, he or she must complete an application, ask their schoolteacher to complete a reference form, and attend an interview with our director. Most of our students are invited to return the following summer.

The City Kids Wilderness Project admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students in the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, and other school-administered programs.

City Kids Honor Code

  All students are expected to contribute to our community by demonstrating respectful behavior. Therefore, each student must agree to the following guidelines:

• I will show respect for myself.
  
• I participate in activities when I feel confident in my safety.
  
• I understand that all activities are Challenge by Choice.
  
• I use acceptable language.
  
• I am accountable for my actions.
  
• I will show respect for others.
  
• I speak kindly to and about others.
  
• I respect the special boundaries of others.
  
• I help others in need.
  
• I will show respect for property and nature.
  
• I understand that all plants and animals found in the outdoors live in the outdoors and must, therefore, stay in the outdoors.
  
• I agree that all equipment must be used safely, returned to its storage place, and only used with permission.
  
• I appreciate the ranch and will help to maintain the property and buildings.