Youth education program receives grant

The CMC’s Youth Education Program, (YEP) received a $10,000 challenge grant on December 12, 2002. In order to qualify for the funding, matching donations of $10,000 must be raised from individual contributors and/or other grantors by the end of 2003.

The CMC is seeking additional funding to ensure the continued success and growth of the Youth Education Program. Last year, 6,700 students and their chaperones experienced the mountains or learned about important mountain-related topics through YEP.

For example, students from Baker Middle School learned how math and science topics relate to Avalanche safety through hands-on activities at the American Mountaineering Center. Then, they traveled to Jones Pass with CMC instructors for a field day of snow science. These Hispanic middle school students had never before spent a full day in the snowy mountains. Excitement and interest were evident as they snowshoed, discovered wildlife tracks, examined snow crystals and searched for a mock avalanche victim. Baker Middle School teacher Rich Bueller said, “My students do not succeed in a traditional classroom. These classes were engaging and meaningful to them. We could never provide this quality of education without the CMC.”

Similarly, Arvada Middle School students participated in monthly field trips during 2002, learning about geology, orienteering, avalanche science, and more. Art Club members created works of art during several field trips to open space parks through activities designed to heighten observation such as photography and drawing in the out-of-doors. Some of their paintings were featured during the CMC’s “Where the Mountains Meet the Sky” student art show last September.

In addition to on-going school field trips, next summer YEP will provide field experiences to youth who otherwise would not be able to enjoy the mountains. Financial support is needed to help get youth outside and interested in the environmentÑthe future of our state depends on them.

Donations to YEP received before the end of 2003 will be matched by funds from the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado. In effect, this will double each contribution. To make a gift that enables youth to learn about and experience the mountains, please contact the CMC Development Office at (303) 996-2762 or send an e-mail to Christine Haddon at  haddoc@cmc.org. P