Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities offer promise as able-bodied employees who can contribute significantly to the agricultural and natural resources labor pools. However, few professional development opportunities exist for young adults with these challenges. Faculty, staff, and graduate students at two large land-grant universities collaborated to develop the Forestry Force program, a week-long camp targeting young adults with special needs. Implemented across two summers, Forestry Force was developed to strengthen the social (teamwork and oral communication) and technical (tree and wildlife identification) skills of campers and camp counselors, who were all individuals with disabilities. The program’s goal was to prepare all participants for nature-based employment. The objectives of this presentation are to (1) document the development of social and technical skills among participating camp counselors and (2) highlight the lessons learned for others interested in developing a similar program. Qualitative data were collected from camp counselors through semi-structured interviews and a focus group, while reflective journaling was used to gather data from camp directors during the summer of 2023 and 2024. Camp directors shared that the camp required flexibility, patience, and opportunities for personal growth, while noting the importance of focusing on individual learner abilities. Counselors reported developing skills in teamwork and workplace safety. Specifically, counselors (and campers) identified safely working with live, captive animals (turtles, salamanders, and non-venomous snakes) as a highlight which helped them gain self-confidence. Academic programs in agriculture and natural resources have the resources to develop mutually beneficial outdoor education programs for individuals with disabilities as a way to significantly strengthen their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.