Volume 5 | Issue 5
YOUTH SPOTLIGHT | Christopher Marsh
Be the Best You: A Christopher Marsh Perspective

Mountain Youth staff get the great privilege of interviewing inspiring young people in the community each month and Christopher Marsh, a 9th grader at Eagle Valley High School, is no exception. He has such an incredible outlook on life and has found strategies that keep him healthy, calm, connected, and balanced. In our time together, he shared about his love of the outdoors and how nature is a source of rejuvenation and calm for him. Christopher is a passionate young person focused on making healthy decisions and encouraging others to be the best version of themselves; himself included. When asked what words of wisdom he would share with his peers, he stated: “Find something like a quote, or someone that you look up to, stick with it, hold it close to you, work towards being like that, and try to be your best self.” The quote he sticks with and tries to live by comes from Mohammad Ali: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”
 
Christopher has served on Valley’s Voice for the past three years and recently joined the Youth Executive Board. He was introduced to the program by a friend and finds enjoyment by serving. His favorite part is being heard and having a voice in conversations about what the group chooses to do. Christopher and his fellow Valley’s Voice members plan youth-led activities and events for other youth so that they are fun activities to participate in. He feels that when adults plan things, they’re too formal, which doesn’t encourage youth to attend. His favorite activity this year has been the ski day scavenger hunt. Being on the Youth Executive Board, Christopher has been able to focus on different types of project and activities. He is a part of the Fentanyl Awareness and Substance Prevention Passion Project, helping to increase knowledge about the dangers of drugs and how to not overdose. An accomplishment of the project is spreading awareness about Narcan and making sure people know what to do and how to use it, if someone overdoses. Through the project team’s efforts and community efforts, many more people now carry Narcan as well as many law enforcement officers. 
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a Youth Spotlight Here
DIFFERENCE MAKER | Amelia Kovacs
Amelia wants youth in the community to know that sustainability is in every corner of their life and that small actions can add up and make a greater change.

Amelia Kovacs is a fun-loving, enthusiastic, and caring difference maker in Eagle County. With a degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology, as well as a minor in Sustainability and a certificate in Sustainable Food Systems from Arizona State University (ASU), Amelia knew she wanted to positively impact the world through sustainability moving forward. Amelia had worked in the fast food industry in her youth and recognized the inefficiencies and lack of waste diversion as an issue. That was when she decided that she wanted to positively impact our planet by getting into work that focused on sustainability. In college, Amelia worked diligently to create the first residential compost program in her dorm and at the university, drafted a climate action plan alongside a city councilwoman, and represented ASU at the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain. After graduating, Amelia joined Walking Mountains in Avon, CO in the summer of 2021 as a Sustainability Intern.

Following her internship, Amelia landed a full-time position as the Sustainability Programs Coordinator, where she focuses on waste diversion. She currently leads the Materials Management Task Force at Walking Mountains, managing the county’s diversion report, supervising the Sustainability Internship program, and overseeing 115+ days of zero waste events per year. In 2022, Amelia and the collective zero waste team helped divert 51,540 pounds from the landfill through recycling and composting with an average diversion rate of 81%. You have probably impacted this diversion rate when you have attended local events all across the Valley that have the green pop-up Walking Mountains tents and staff helping direct you on which bin your trash should go in. Thank you for your efforts!
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a Difference Maker Here
MOUNTAIN YOUTH 2022 ANNUAL REPORT -
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
We are proud to share what Mountain Youth accomplished in 2022, through our freshly produced Annual Report! Mountain Youth's impact is only possible with the continued support of our amazing community partners, Eagle County families, and supporters.

This report provides a snapshot of what each of our programs achieved in 2022, as well as an overview of our broader impact and our vision for 2023. We are grateful to continue providing free bilingual resources, education, and pro-social events for the youth and families throughout Eagle County.

Click HERE to read what Mountain Youth accomplished in 2022!
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Mountain Youth held our inaugural Forging Futures fundraising event on April 18 at Citrea in Beaver Creek. Our goals of Connection, Education, and Fundraising were a success! We had the opportunity to hear from two youth presenters, Elsa Morales and Christi San Diego on the importance of youth leadership in non-profit organizations, and from our keynote speaker, Dr. Emily Kline, on how to have constructive and positive conversations with youth, or others in your life.  

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible. Vail Resorts EpicPromise, Beaver Creek Resort, Citrea, Alpine Bank, Eagle County School District, First Bank, the Vail Daily, and All Points North partner with Mountain Youth to increase education and health opportunities for local youth and families.

To learn more about Mountain Youth’s work and to support our continued impact, visit MountainYouth.org.

Mountain Youth together with SpeakUp ReachOut is hosting a Move Chat Connect event with yoga, food, and supportive conversations, at Nottingham Park on June 15 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Bring your family and friends, and join your community to move, connect, and grow together. Food, childcare, and interpretation will be available at the event.
If you have any questions or ideas on topics or speakers you would like to hear from, please contact Stevi Bratschie, Community Education Manager at sbratschie@mountainyouth.org. We look forward to seeing you!
APRENDIENDO JUNTOS
PARTE 2 DE LA CLASE DE BULLYING con Alma de Lara. Les invito acomparñarnos para seguir aprendiendo sobre un tema tan importante que está afectando a nuestros niños y jóvenes hoy en día. Martes 9 de Mayo en la escuela Eagle Valley Middle School de 5:30pm a 7:30pm. Recuerde que ofreceremos comida y cuidado de niños gratis. Regístrate con Diana al (970)401-3717. Encuentre más información aquí.
VALLEY'S VOICE
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Cameron Dole, Youth Engagement Coordinator, at cdole@mountainyouth.org
COMMUNITIES THAT CARE
The Eagle River Valley Communities That Care coalition has an upcoming Community Board meeting on May 11th. This is a two-part event (location to be determined.) The first part, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm will continue the discussion about the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and how the coalition and Mountain Youth, in partnership with OMNI Institute, can continue to build and strengthen in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The second half of the event, from 6:00pm-7:00pm will be full of action items and next steps as the coalition completes its data assessment, and begins the community resource assessment and establish operations within the coalition structure. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please RSVP your attendance to Samantha Sorensen at SSorensen@mountainyouth.org

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Sandy Schroeder, Director of Community Engagement, at sschroeder@mountainyouth.org.
YouthPower365 Seeking Volunteers for Scholars Mentor Program



YouthPower365's College and Career Readiness program are seeking community volunteers to mentor our recent or current scholarship recipients and help them navigate the transition from high school to college/post-secondary life. Mentors will be provided with training and must be willing to commit to being a mentor for 1 calendar year with check-ins happening with students at least once a month for 30 minutes and pass a background check.
Interested? Reach out to rtjossem@vvf.org
Vail/Edwards Rotary Club Looking for
3 Month Host Families
Would you be interested in hosting one of our Rotary High School students for 3 months? Our Clubs are hosting 2 female students next school year: an 18 year old from Czech Republic and a 16 year old from Colombia!
Their passions include ski racing, volleyball, biking, dance, etc.
Please contact Sally Corcoran.
Contact Information:
Sally Corcoran
(970) 376-2376
May Calendar of Events
Bright Future Foundation is hiring!
Bilingual Advocate
Under the direction of Bright Future Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer and Advocacy Supervisor, the Bilingual Advocate will support the mission of the organization by ensuring respectful, compassionate, survivor-centered responses to all persons seeking residential and non-residential services. The advocate will meet regularly with the Advocacy Supervision Team to create survivor-driven treatment plans. The advocate will work to identify psychosocial needs of survivors, provide supportive services during court/legal proceedings, and assist with the coordination of additional services. Additionally, the advocate will attend regular staff meetings, maintain a client database, institute assessment and quality assurance measures, and provide general office support duties as needed. The advocate will also provide emergency, on-call coverage for the 24-7 crisis hotline on a rotating basis.
More Information HERE, or contact sheri@mybrightfuture.org
Location: TimberHearth at Club at Cordillera
Date: 6/15/2023
Time: 9:00 am thru lunch
Duplicate bridge, social bridge, and
mah jongg
Location: Splendido at the Chateau
Date: 6/28/2023
Time: 6:00pm
Chef’s dinner at Splendido,
live auction
Contact Information:
Jen Rogus
(970) 763-7204
Calling all aspiring teen filmmakers! High Five Access Media is hosting a week-long film summer camp for creative-minded students to learn the art of filmmaking, including writing, shooting and editing. Please fill out the application here. Applicants subsequently will be invited to register. For Eagle County youth ages 14 through 2023 graduates, no experience required!
Location: Eagle, CO
Date: Session 1: June 12-17, Session 2: June 19-24
Time: 8am-5pm daily with one overnight on Friday
Chrysalis Circle empowers Middle and High School girls through deep Earth connection and exhilarating adventures in nature – kayaking, rock climbing, hiking. They discover their authentic voice and gain confidence, courage, confidence, inner strength, and resilience while also learning powerful life skills for navigating drama, bullying, relationships, and communication in their teen years and beyond. Studies show that girls’ self-esteem plummets 30% between the ages of 11 and 14 leading to depression and anxiety. Chrysalis helps girls get ahead and stay ahead of the self-esteem free-fall!
Cost: $475 – payment plans provided
More information and REGISTRATION HERE

Contact Information:
Susie Kincade
(970) 328-5472

The Summer Solstice trail run in the Dynafit Trail Running Series is made possible by the Vail Recreation District. This 5K or 10K begins and ends in beautiful Creekside Park in the heart of Beaver Creek; the Summer Solstice run sends participants through and around the resort community.
Location: Creekside Park, Beaver Creek Mountain
Date: June 17, 2023
Time: 9:00am
Contact Information: brooke@vvcf.org

The LG Tri is a sprint triathlon honoring VVCF grant recipient Laura Genelin - and returns this year new and improved! The course features a 500-yard open water swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and 5K run - all near the Siena at Brightwater neighborhood of Gypsum. We're also running the Kids Tri, so bring the whole family!
Location: Siena at Brightwater – Gypsum, CO
Date: July 8, 2023
Time: 7:00am
Contact Information: brooke@vvcf.org

In celebration of our 27th Anniversary, join us for the Vail Valley Brew ‘Au at Nottingham Park! Enjoy unlimited samples of amazing brews, seltzers, and ciders in a souvenir sampling glass, alongside live music, water lanterns, food trucks, kids activities, and interactive art.

Location: Nottingham Park, Avon, CO
Date: August 19, 2023
Time: 4:00pm
Contact Information: brooke@vvcf.org
970-328-0893

A Mommy & Me Climbing Group for moms of infants and toddlers. This social group provides moms with tips and tricks about adventuring and climbing with littles, provides solidarity, and offers a few extra pairs of watchful eyes so mom can get on the wall too! *Dads and caregivers are welcome to join, you rock!
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: May 9 & May 20
Time: 11:00 am
Does your child want to try something new this fall, or advance their climbing skills? We have 3 levels of climbing teams, designed for youth ages 7+. Reach out to Coach Larry (larry@eagleclimbing.com) for more info and to sign up for a tryout slot. 
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Dates: May 23-25
Time: 4:30-7:00 pm

Find and build community at Eagle Climbing + Fitness. Queer Climbing Night is a social and fun gathering on the last Sunday of each month from 5-7pm. This is an inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ identifying/curious individuals (and allies too!). ALL abilities welcome. 
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: Last Sunday of each month
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Haymaker Trail and Moe's BBQ in Eagle
Date: May 20, 2023
Time: 2-4pm Poker Ride. 5-8pm party & prizes at Moe's BBQ. 
Join us on Saturday, May 20th for a high-stakes poker game of luck and strategy, where riders must make strategic pit stops along Haymaker Trail to collect cards and improve their hand. With every turn of the trail, there's a chance to strike it lucky or be left with a bum hand. So get ready for a ride that's sure to keep you on the edge of your saddle! Prizes will be given to Best Hand and Most Spirited! Winners will be announced during the after party at Moe's BBQ. $20 for an individual hand, $30 to play as a team. 
*Volunteer opportunities available! 
Visit the event page HERE!

Contact Information:
Alana Robinson
Contact/el contacto:
Renata / Estefania 970-376-5587
Ubicación/ Location of Event: Dobson Arena, Vail
Fecha/ Date: 20 de Mayo / May 20th
Hora/ Time: 5pm-6pm*
$15/persona. 4 feet tall and taller. Van a jugar por 30 minutos. Esta actividad es para
personas que miden másde cuatro pies de alto. Sabías que los carritos chocones
en hielo son eventos exclusivos. Esta actividad no la podrás hacer sin EVOM así
que no te lo pierdas y registrate ya!
Cupos / Spots: 22
Socio / Partner: Betty Ford
Alpine Gardens
Ubicación/ Location of Event:
BEtty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail
Fecha/ Date: 27 de Mayo / May
27th
Hora/ Time: 10am – 12pm
FREE. Para todas las edades. Vamos a aprender más acerca de los animales y de las plantas
que viven en el ambiente alpino (de montañas altas). Botanas serán proporcionados
al final del evento
Cupos / Spots: 20
Socio / Partner: Vail Valley
Mountain Trails Alliance
Ubicación/ Location of Event: Eagle
Fecha/ Date: 24 de Mayo / May 24th
Hora/ Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
FREE. A partir de los 4 años. Comida será proporcionada después del programa. Vamos a
trabajar en el sendero por 30 minutos y vamos a aprender a montar bicicletas de
montaña por más de una hora.
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Mountain Youth works to make the community we live in a stronger, more vibrant place for youth and families through education, advocacy, and connections.
Learn more at www.mountainyouth.org.