Volume 7 | Issue 3

Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker

Youth Spotlight: Edgar Landeros


By Nick Krishnan: Marketing and Events Manager



For some people, positivity comes naturally; rain or shine, they’ll show up with a smile. Edgar Landeros is a young man who exemplifies these traits. A sophomore at Vail Christian High School, Edgar was born and raised in the Eagle River Valley, along with his two siblings. Rosario, Edgar’s mom, owns a housekeeping business and his dad, Jorge, owns a construction company. Having grown up surrounded by examples of hard work and dedication, Edgar has adopted those qualities and directed them towards his desire to serve the community.






Difference Maker: Elise Berheim



By Michelle Hartel: Executive Director

Did you know that having a trusted adult can be the strongest protective factor in the life of a child? A trusted adult is someone who is respected and non-judgmental- a “go-to” resource for a young person seeking support and guidance. These individuals don’t typically realize the magnitude of their influence, yet they often become a lifeline when youth struggle with mental health issues, peer pressure, and the challenges of navigating daily life. A whopping 84% of local middle schoolers have identified a trusted adult in their life, according to the most recent 2026 Eagle County Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (ECSD). Elise Berheim, middle school science teacher at Eagle County Charter Academy, is that person for my daughter and countless other young people.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Send their name and contact info to Nick at nkrishnan@mountainyouth.org

Forging Futures

Mountain Youth is excited to invite the Eagle River Valley community to its Forging Futures fundraising event on Tuesday, April 7th held in the intimate setting of Citrea in Beaver Creek.


Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a mouthwatering meal while sipping on craft mocktails served by Citrea’s warm and hospitable staff. The evening will come alive with powerful narratives of community connection, compassion and community-driven impact. We welcome stories from Youth Power’s Family Engagement Manager, Norma Gurrola, Eagle Valley High School seniors and Mountain Youth youth advisor Jordan Cox and Kaylee Bosse, a passionate young adult ambassador for community change, with former TV8 host Mark Sassi emceeing the event.


Mountain Youth fulfills its mission to continuously and collaboratively improve the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible through programs such as Guiding Good Choices, Valley’s Voice and Tu Guía. Attendees will have the chance to support these vital programs through an opportunity drawing—while also entering to win exceptional, experience-driven and wellness prizes from local partners.


This event is brought to you by Alpine Bank, Vail Resorts Epic Promise, The Colorado Health Foundation, 1st & Main Investment Advisors, Community Banks of Colorado and Holy Cross Energy.

Community Surveys

Encuestas comunitarias

Mountain Youth is incredibly grateful to everyone that completed Parent/Caregiver and Young Adult Surveys. We’re excited to announce that Brush Creek Elementary School and Mountain Pride are the winners of our Parent/Caregiver Survey incentive awards! Our Young Adult Survey would not have been possible without generous donations from Color Coffee, Eagle Climbing Gym and Yoga Off Broadway. Thanks for showing your support!



Mountain Youth está increíblemente agradecido a todos los que completaron las encuestas de padres/cuidadores y jóvenes adultos. ¡Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que la Escuela Primaria Brush Creek y Mountain Pride son los ganadores de nuestros premios de incentivo de la Encuesta de Padres/Cuidadores Nuestra encuesta para jóvenes adultos no habría sido posible sin las generosas donaciones de Color Coffee, Eagle Climbing Gym y Yoga Off Broadway. ¡Gracias por mostrar tu apoyo!

Announcements

Anuncios

Mountain Youth, in partnership with Vail Health, is offering scholarships to help Eagle County youth pay for their driver's education course! If you're eager to get your license don't let costs hold you back--apply today and take the next step toward freedom and opportunity!



Mountain Youth, en asociación con Vail Health, está ofreciendo becas para ayudar a los jóvenes del Condado de Eagle a pagar por su curso de educación de conductores! Si usted está entusiasmado por obtener su licencia no deje que los costos lo detengan - aplicar hoy y dar el siguiente paso hacia la libertad y la oportunidad!

Valley's Voice


To join Valley's Voice contact Cam at cdole@mountainyouth.org

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Cam Dole, Senior Manager of Youth Engagement at cdole@mountainyouth.org

Si tiene alguna pregunta o quiere obtener más información, comuníquese con Cam Dole, Gerente Senior de Participación Juvenil en cdole@mountainyouth.org

Community Education

Educación social

¿Buscando una manera de mantenerte activo esta primavera? ¡Únase a nosotros para cuatro clases de spinning gratuitas en Mountain Recreaction! Todas las habilidades son bienvenidas. El espacio es limitado, así que asegúrese de registrarse hoy.

 

¡No te lo pierdas!

Bookworms unite! Trivia on your favorite books, with dinner and social connection! For young adults (18-30ish). Check MOYA instagram for clues on what books!

¡Ratones de biblioteca, uníos! Curiosidades sobre tus libros favoritos, ¡con cena y conexión social! Para adultos jóvenes (entre 18 y 30 años). ¡Echa un vistazo a MOYA en Instagram para pistas sobre qué libros!

Elevate your fitness and meet new friends at our AcroYoga class for young adults in Minturn! Whether you're a pro or a total beginner, join us for a session of balance, snacks, and great community.

¡Mejora tu forma física y conoce nuevos amigos en nuestra clase de AcroYoga para jóvenes adultos en Minturn! Tanto si eres un profesional como si eres un principiante total, únete a nosotros para una sesión de equilibrio, aperitivos y una gran comunidad.

Calling all Middle Schoolers, join us for our Egg-speriment Lab April 16, 2026 5-7pm. Come hang out  for a fun-filled evening of egg-themed team building challenges, from an exciting egg hunt to creative games where you'll work together to keep your egg safe all night long. Enjoy light snacks, connect with friends and celebrate the spring season with us!

Llamando a todos los estudiantes de secundaria, acompáñanos en nuestro Laboratorio Egg-experiment el 16 de abril de 2026, de 17:00 a 19:00. Venga a pasar el rato para una noche llena de diversión de desafíos de creación de equipos con temática de huevos, desde una emocionante búsqueda de huevos hasta juegos creativos donde trabajarán juntos para mantener su huevo a salvo toda la noche. ¡Disfrute de bocadillos ligeros, conéctese con amigos y celebre la temporada de primavera con nosotros!

Get your hands dirty and connect with nature at our young adult gardening workshop in Eagle! Learn the basics of growing your own food and stay for a delicious lunch with fellow nature lovers.

¡Ensúciate las manos y conecta con la naturaleza en nuestro taller de jardinería para jóvenes adultos en Eagle! Aprende lo básico para cultivar tus propios alimentos y quédate a un delicioso almuerzo entre amantes de la naturaleza. 

Aprende a preparar postres tradicionales mexicanos, desarolla nuevas habilidades y comparte momentos dulces en comunidad.

In 2015 electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have overtaken conventional cigarette smoking as the principal way that adolescents consume nicotine. And in 2016 the world was introduced to Juul and the wave of similar “podmod” products that followed. In just the past couple years, Zyn and other nicotine pouches are rapidly gaining popularity. These products are causing a sea change in the tobacco use landscape and leading many to wonder what, if any, harm nicotine itself poses, especially in the minds of those most vulnerable to adopting these new technologies: our young people. In this presentation Jim Pavlik, Sr. Program & Policy Analyst at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus’ Behavioral Health & Wellness Program, will discuss the significant risk of addiction nicotine poses and the role that nicotine addiction plays in developing future addictions and other mental health conditions.

En 2015, los sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina (ENDS) han superado al tabaquismo convencional como la principal forma en que los adolescentes consumen nicotina. Y en 2016 el mundo fue introducido a Juul y la ola de productos similares “podmod” que siguió. En solo los últimos años, Zyn y otras bolsas de nicotina están ganando popularidad rápidamente.  Estos productos están causando un cambio radical en el panorama del consumo de tabaco y llevando a muchos a preguntarse qué daño, si es que alguno, representa la nicotina en sí, especialmente en las mentes de los más vulnerables a la adopción de estas nuevas tecnologías: Nuestros jóvenes. En esta presentación, Jim Pavlik, Analista de Programas y Políticas en el Programa de Salud Conductual y Bienestar de la Universidad de Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, discutirá el riesgo significativo de adicción que representa la nicotina y el papel que juega la adicción a la nicotina en el desarrollo de futuras adicciones y otras condiciones de salud mental.



Family Skill Building

Desarrollo de habilidades familiares

This monthly meeting is an opportunity for graduates of Mountain Youth's family skills building and parenting classes to connect with other parents and caregivers, and have a guided conversation on topics such as healthy communication, boundaries, discipline, and more!


We hope to see you there!



Esta reunión mensual es una oportunidad para que los graduados de los cursos de desarrollo de habilidades familiares y crianza de Mountain Youth se conecten con otros padres y cuidadores, y tengan una conversación guiada sobre temas como comunicación saludable, límites, disciplina y más.


¡Esperamos verte allí!

Join us for the We Hear U program—a supportive, engaging class designed to help families strengthen their skills in setting boundaries, improving communication, and using natural consequences effectively. With summer just around the corner, it's the perfect time to gain tools and confidence for a smoother, more connected season with your kids.

Únase a nosotros para el programa We Heart U, una clase de apoyo y atractiva diseñada para ayudar a las familias a fortalecer sus habilidades para establecer límites, mejorar la comunicación y usar las consecuencias naturales de manera efectiva. Con el verano a la vuelta de la esquina, es el momento perfecto para ganar herramientas y confianza para una temporada más suave y conectada con sus hijos.

Substance Use Intervention Programs

Programas de intervención en el consumo de sustancias

Ready to break free from nicotine? Dimensions helps you build real skills, set your own goals, and get the support you need to quit for good. The next session for high schoolers starts February 4th and runs through February 18th.


¿Listo para liberarse de la nicotina? Dimensions te ayuda a desarrollar habilidades reales, establecer tus propias metas y obtener el apoyo que necesitas para dejar de fumar para siempre. La próxima sesión para estudiantes de secundaria comienza el 4 de febrero y se extiende hasta el 18 de febrero.

Calendar of Community Events

Calendario de Eventos Comunitarios

Walk in Their Shoes

Location: Freedom Park, Edwards

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm


We will have a Walk in Their Shoes event. Wear shoes that you wouldn't typically wear and join us in walking around Freedom Park!

Coffee with an Advocate

Location: The Bookworm, Edwards

Time: 2:00 - 5:00pm


Join advocates from Bright Future Foundation and the Sheriff's office in having coffee and chatting about Sexual Assault Awareness Month and community resources.


Contact info: lydia@mybrightfuture.org

It's Not Shark Week, It's Work Week 2026

Location: Gypsum Recreation Center: Tuesday, April 7

Edwards Field House: Thursday, April 9

Time: 2:00 - 5:30pm


The Colorado Workforce Center along with the Eagle County Collaborative for Career Pathways (Vail Valley Partnership, YouthPower, and Eagle County School District), and Mountain Recreation are excited to bring you a unique job fair.

This event will be targeting high school and seasonal workers as we prepare for the summer season. Employers are encouraged to register and seek applicants for both seasonal and permanent jobs. Attendees will include job seekers from the school district aged 14+ as well as the general public.


Contact info: Erik Williams - erik@vailvalleypartnership.com

MVHR Equine Explorers Spring Break Camp

Location: MVHR Ranch, McCoy, with transportation from Wolcott

Date: Monday, April 20 - Thursday, April 23


MVHR is excited to be offering kids ages 8 and up the opportunity to spend Spring Break with horses with our new Equine Explorers Camp! Spend Spring Break at the ranch with the all new Equine Explorers Horse Camp. ECSD Spring Break Equine Explorer Camp: Monday April 20, Tuesday April 21, Wednesday April 22 AND Thursday April 23 - this is a 4 day camp with daily transportation from Wolcott.


Equine Explorer Camp is an educational four day camp offering even more hands-on horse time. Campers will learn about safety and confidence around the horses through learning groundwork, leading, grooming. We cover horse body language, anatomy, nutrition, basic horse terminology and tools. During the camp kids will learn through hands-on activities and worksheets which will be provided to them in their “equine explorers journal”. Each session will build on one another with extensive horse time and a different educational component on a variety of horse topics. This camp is available for ages 8 and up (ability to read & write). This is a multi day camp, and it is most fun if you are able to make it every day of the camp!

MVHR Summer Day Camp Registration

Location: MVHR Ranch, McCoy, with transportation from Wolcott

Date: June 6 - August 6


Registration for all Summer Day Camps is OPEN! More information is available by clicking the links below prior to registration opening.

Summer Day Camp with Transportation from Wolcott- Eagle County: June 9-10-11, June 16-17-18, June 22-23-24-25, July 28-29-30 and August 4-5-6.



Contact info: programs@mvhr.net

Pride in the Park

Location: Avon, CO

Date: Saturday, June 13, 12:00 - 6:00pm


Save the Date - Pride in the Park is a day-long celebration that draws visitors from throughout the mountains of Colorado. Saturday's celebration has a jam-packed schedule of activities designed to keep everyone interested and engaged. Numerous local organizations, businesses, and vendors participate in the celebration. The Drag Show and Parade around Nottingham Lake are the festival's focal points.


Contact info: orlando@mountainpride.org

Summer Solstice Trail Run

Location: Beaver Creek Resort, Avon, CO

Date: June 20, 2026

Kid's Fun Run at 9:00am, 10K at 9:15am, 5K at 9:30am


Coinciding with the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice trail run is arguably the most enjoyable Vail Trail Running Series race. Beginning and ending in the lawn in front of the Beaver Creek Chophouse, adjacent to the Centennial lift in the heart of Beaver Creek, Colorado, the Summer Solstice sends runners through and around the resort community. Participants follow a 10K or 5K course through and around the resort community.


Contact info: Terri Reichert - terri@vvcf.org

LG TRI

Location: Sienna Valley Club, Gypsum, CO

Date: July 11, 2026

Race begins at 7:00am, Kids event begins at 9:30am


The 18th Annual LG Tri is a highly anticipated sprint triathlon that honors long-time local and VVCF grant recipient Laura Genelin. The course features a 500-yard swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. Bring the whole family, as kids are welcome to participate in the Kids Tri! Join us for bib pick-up and a silent auction preview the evening before. 


Contact info: Terri Reichert - terri@vvcf.org


Eating Disorder Peer Support Group

Location: 48 E Beaver Creek Blvd, Suite 210, Avon, CO or Google Meet

Date: Wednesdays @ 5:30 - 6:30pm


A safe and open space for anyone who has been impacted by an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body dysmorphia. This space is also open to anyone who is supporting someone who has been impacted. Connect with peers who have shared lived experience. 


Contact info: Alex Kandalaft - alex@bodykindvail.org

Vail Valley RIDE Summer MTB Camps

Location: Eagle, CO

Date: Registration opens February 2, Camps start June 1


Another summer of RIDE begins soon.

Vail Valley RIDE half-day and full-day camp registration opens February 2nd.

Camps serve kids ages 5–11, with our RIDE Mentorship Program available for ages 12–14.

Half-day camps focus on mountain biking skills and confidence on the trail.

Full-day camps include two days of climbing at Eagle Climbing + Fitness and two days of art with Dewey Dabbles, alongside time on the bike.

Where kids grow confidence, connection, and courage through the joy of riding bikes.

Interested in the RIDE Mentorship Program?

Send us an email to learn more. 


Contact info: ride@vailvalleyride.com

Youth Fly Fishing Camp

Location: Edwards Field House

Date: Monday, April 20 - Thursday, April 23, 8:00am - 4:00pm


Hey young adventurers ages 9-14! Join Eagle River Outfitter guides this spring to learn how to catch fish with a fly rod right in our own backyard! Mountain Recreation fly-fishing camps, offered in partnership with Eagle River Outfitter, provide a fantastic introduction to the amazing fly-fishing opportunities we have here in the Valley.


This camp will teach basic fly-fishing skills such as casting a fly rod, reading the water, choosing the right flies, and of course fighting and landing fish!


This 4-day camp introduces participants to the sport of fly fishing in a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment.


Contact info: Dave Budniakiewicz - dave@eagleriveroutfitter.com

Outdoor Gear Library

Location: Gypsum Rec Center and Edwards Field House

Date: Wednesdays & Thursdays @ 5:30 - 7:30pm


Our Outdoor Gear Library is back and ready to help you gear up for your next adventure. This membership-based community resource offers Eagle County residents access to a diverse range of outdoor equipment, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy the outdoors. The library is open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Gypsum Rec Center and on Thursdays at the Edwards Field House.


Contact info: zrodriguez@mountainrec.org

Partner Spotlight

Celebrating 50 years in business, RA Nelson is an employee-owned, full-service General Contractor headquartered in Avon with a regional office in Carbondale. Founded in 1976 by R.A. “Chupa” Nelson, RA Nelson offers preconstruction, construction management/general contractor services, excavation and property management services. RA Nelson has a diverse portfolio of work, specializing in high-end custom homes, award-winning sustainable buildings, recreational complexes, multi-family residential projects, affordable housing neighborhoods, educational facilities, hotels, restaurants, commercial buildings, tenant finishes, and interior and exterior renovations. As a local mountain contractor, we have experience working in difficult to access areas, erecting complex structures, delivering the most refined architectural elements, and installing state-of-the-art building technology. With thirteen LEED® AP/GA on staff and eleven LEED® Certified projects, our team excels at providing creative sustainable solutions and alternative building practices and materials.


Our core values are: SAFETY – Protect ourselves and each other; INTEGRITY – Do what we say we will do, every single time; TEAMWORK – together we respect, trust and listen; ENJOYMENT – Be passionate and have fun with everything we do.



At RA Nelson, we are as dedicated to our employees as we are to our clients. From offering continuing education opportunities to supporting personal pursuits, we consider everyone at RA Nelson a part of the family. We are regarded as the premier employer in mountain construction and recruit talented and passionate individuals to complement our ever-growing number of opportunities and projects. Beyond-the-norm benefits include a dependent scholarship program, paid continuing education, company vehicle & gas card, paid community service opportunities, significant bonuses and rewards for safety and performance. Traditional benefits include health, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid holidays, parental leave and generous PTO. Learn more about working or building with RA Nelson at ranelson.com

Volunteer Opportunities

Want to join the team in helping youth and families thrive? Start today by filling out our volunteer form!

¿Quiere unirse a nuesro equipo para ayudar a los jóvenes y las familias a prosperar? ¡Empiece hoy completando nuestro formulario de registro de voluntario!

Next Opportunity:



June 4, 2026 for Youthapalooza


Contact Nick at nkrishnan@mountainyouth.org with questions!

Stay Up To Date On Our Work By Following Our Social Media

Facebook  Youtube  X  Instagram  

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.

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube