Colorado Youth Program: Great Outdoors with Scholarships

[JuneBug]

Colorado Youth Program Summer Camps

“…connect kids with nature and their communities”

“…insight stewardship and conservation”

“…change lives”

As you click on the link to Colorado Youth Program you are greeted with a video filled with laughter, helping hands and jubilant kids learning how to care for things outside of themselves: their community, the great outdoors and each other. This short clip draws a person in--to discover more about this unique program.

The following features of Colorado Youth Program impressed me and differentiate it from other camps:

• CYP gives young people the opportunity to live, breath, love and care for the outdoors.
Sure we live in Colorado and the beauty of wilderness is all around us but there are plenty of kids who never get to experience it without the honking of horns, sounds of sirens and trashy streets.The fact that approximately 70% of the campers receive some financial aid proves Colorado Youth Program’s commitment to making their camp accessible to kids from all walks of life. Check out info on Camp tuition and scholarships.

• CYP has incredibly well-trained, loyal staff that prioritizes safety, fun, knowledge and responsibility.
All staffers are certified in first aid and CPR. Many also have advanced safety training, including Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard and EMT. The return rate of staff is tremendous

• CYP has an amazing camper/staff ratio at each campsite.
Mountain Summer Camp features 2 campsites, ½ mile apart. Each site has 12 campers and four staff, providing plenty of individual attention, encouragement and safety for all involved. This facilitates a “family” atmosphere where campers needs are addressed and teens learn to work together.

I had some time to chat with Program Director, Mary Schmidt, who brought me a few more fabulous facts I’d love to share:
• Campers are mostly from Colorado’s front range but this year the camp already has campers signed up from Switzerland, Spain and Brazil.
• To say this camp is FUN would be an understatement! Some of the favorite activities include: white water rafting, evening camp fires, fishing along Lake Tumblesom, sleeping "outside" and watching the local wildlife.
• There is no requirement for campers to have previous experience with the outdoors. The staff loves introducing kids to the camping experience, “that's the reason we're here," says Mary. "We want to introduce kids to a camping experience that will influence the rest of their lives.”

Check out the website for more details and schedules for CYP’s Summer Camps:
Mountain Summer Camp (ages 11-16) mixes outdoor adventure, rich tradition, environmental volunteerism and fun!
Teen Adventure Camp (ages 15-17) invites older youth into a deeper experience with nature through backpacking and river expedition. It employs team building, safety and “leave no trace” practices mixed with plenty of fun, fun, fun.

In addition to these fabulous offerings, be aware that CYP offers a school-year service learning and outdoor recreation program called Adventure Club.