Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker | | |
Youth Spotlight: Melissa Sanchez-Devora
By Monica Torres, Prevention and Community Outreach Specialist
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Our community is full of young people with talent, dedication, and a deep desire to make positive contributions. One shining example is Melissa Sanchez-Devora, a twelfth-grade student at Eagle Valley High School, who, in addition to preparing for her academic future, dedicates her time and energy to supporting other youth through the Tu Guía program.
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Difference Maker: Jennifer Shreeve
By Michele Zoller, Operations Manager
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As school winds down for another year, I wanted to take a moment to highlight someone who goes above and beyond for the students at Eagle Valley Highschool (EVHS). School secretaries are the front line of a school; working demanding mental and emotional hours while dealing with students, parents, administrators and teachers and generally getting little to no recognition.
| | We’re incredibly proud to share that Mountain Youth was announced as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year at the 22nd annual Success Awards host by the Vail Valley Partnership. Receiving this award is an honor that reinforces our dedication to our mission to continuously and collaboratively improve the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible. We'd like to thank our dedicated staff, volunteers and the youth and families that we work with in the community, without all of them this achievement wouldn't have been possible. | |  | Estamos increíblemente orgullosos de compartir que Mountain Youth fue anunciada como la organización sin fines de lucro del año 2025 en la 22ª edición anual de los Premios Éxito de la Asociación Vail Valley. Recibir este premio es un honor que refuerza nuestra dedicación a nuestra misión de mejorar continuamente y colaborativamente las vidas de los jóvenes de la manera más poderosa posible. Nos gustaría agradecer a nuestro dedicado personal, voluntarios y a los jóvenes y familias con los que trabajamos en la comunidad, sin todos ellos este logro no habría sido posible. | | | |
BIG NEWS! Mountain Youth has partnered with Vail Health to launch a Driver's Education Scholarship for teens in Eagle County. We know the costs can be daunting for driver's education courses and we want to help our youth learn the rules of the road, build confidence behind the wheel, and pass their test. Reach out to the Safe Driving Adviser, Kyle Pletcher, kpletcher@mountainyouth.org with questions.
| | | ¡GRANDES NOTICIAS! Mountain Youth se ha asociado con Vail Health para lanzar una beca de educación para conductores para adolescentes en el condado de Eagle. Sabemos que los costos pueden ser desalentadores para los cursos de educación para conductores y queremos ayudar a nuestros jóvenes a aprender las reglas de la carretera, construir confianza al volante y pasar su examen. Comunícate con el Asesor de Conducción Segura, Kyle Pletcher, kpletcher@mountainyouth.org si tienes preguntas. | | | |
Got 5 minutes? Please take our E-Bike Safety Survey to help us understand how people use their E-Bikes and what safety precautions are taken. We want to learn from the community so we can support safe E-Bike practices!
| | | ¿Tienes 5 minutos? Por favor, realice nuestra Encuesta de Seguridad de Bicicletas Electrónicas para ayudarnos a entender cómo las personas usan sus Bicicletas Electrónicas y qué precauciones de seguridad se toman. ¡Queremos aprender de la comunidad para que podamos apoyar las prácticas seguras de E-Bike! | | | |
Mountain Safe is the collaboration between law enforcement, justice agencies, and community service organizations in Eagle County. Together, we aim to “reduce crime, improve outcomes for victims, shield children from exposure to violence, mitigate at-risk behavior, and tackle substance abuse trends that are fueling violent behavior. This collaboration will ensure that care for victims and at-risk offenders is coordinated, tracked and evaluated so that justice-involved persons know they are important to the providers of services and that resources are available to meet their needs.
Eagle County Colorado is ranked in the 26th percentile among US counties for violent crime, meaning that over three-fourths of counties in the United States are considered to be safer when it comes to risk of violent crimes (https://crimegrade.org/violent-crime-eagle-county-co/). In partnership with Mountain Safe Response and Rural Violent Crime Initiative for Law Enforcement funding, we want to gather information about the impact of violent crime in Eagle County and how as a rural community we can do better. The survey information collected will help to further develop Mountain Safe and our County into a safer place. Please use the links below to access the anonymous survey.
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Mountain Safe es la colaboración entre las fuerzas del orden público, las agencias de justicia y las organizaciones de servicio comunitario en el Condado de Eagle. Juntos, nuestro objetivo es “reducir la delincuencia, mejorar los resultados para las víctimas, proteger a los niños de la exposición a la violencia, mitigar el comportamiento de riesgo y abordar las tendencias de abuso de sustancias que están alimentando el comportamiento violento. Esta colaboración garantizará la coordinación, el seguimiento y la evaluación de la atención a las víctimas y a los delincuentes en situación de riesgo, de manera que las personas involucradas en la justicia sepan que son importantes para los proveedores de servicios y que se disponen de recursos para satisfacer sus necesidades.
Eagle County Colorado está clasificado en el percentil 26 entre los condados de los Estados Unidos por delitos violentos, lo que significa que más de tres cuartas partes de los condados en los Estados Unidos se consideran más seguros cuando se trata de riesgo de crímenes violentos (https://crimegrade.org/violent-crime-eagle-county-co/). En asociación con Mountain Safe Response y Rural Violent Crime Initiative para el financiamiento de la aplicación de la ley, queremos recopilar información sobre el impacto de los delitos violentos en el condado de Eagle y cómo podemos hacerlo mejor como comunidad rural. La información de la encuesta recopilada ayudará a desarrollar aún más Mountain Safe y nuestro condado para convertirlos en un lugar más seguro. Utilice los enlaces a continuación para acceder a la encuesta anónima.
| | | 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 | | | |
As we jump into June, the coalition says goodbye to one of our dedicated staff members- Samantha Sorensen. Samantha has been supporting the coalition's projects for the last two years and we are so grateful to have been able to learn from her and work alongside such a talented woman. We wish her success & growth as she moves into her new position!
In May CTC has been working hard to gather information from our community's parents, youth and law enforcement around youth drug and alcohol use and youth house parties. Our goal is to hear about people's perceptions and local experiences so the coalition can support families and youth in leading healthy lives.
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A medida que nos adentramos en junio, la coalición se despide de uno de los miembros de nuestro personal dedicado: Samantha Sorensen. Samantha ha estado apoyando los proyectos de la coalición durante los últimos dos años y estamos muy agradecidos de haber podido aprender de ella y trabajar junto a una mujer tan talentosa. ¡Le deseamos éxito y crecimiento a medida que se muda a su nuevo puesto!
En mayo, CTC ha estado trabajando arduamente para recopilar información de los padres, jóvenes y agentes de la ley de nuestra comunidad sobre el uso de drogas y alcohol entre los jóvenes y las fiestas en casas para jóvenes. Nuestro objetivo es escuchar las percepciones de las personas y las experiencias locales para que la coalición pueda apoyar a las familias y a los jóvenes para que lleven una vida saludable.
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We are always welcoming new members and eager to share about our work. Are you interested in joining or learning more? Reach out to Hannah Conoley, hconoley@mountainyouth.org
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Siempre damos la bienvenida a nuevos miembros y estamos ansiosos por compartir nuestro trabajo. ¿Estás interesado en unirte o aprender más? Comuníquese con Hannah Conoley, hconoley@mountainyouth.org
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Community Education
Educación social
| | The biggest celebration of the year for Eagle County youth is back—and it’s bigger than ever! Planned by youth, for youth, this end-of-school bash features over 30 community partners offering games, activities, and resources designed just for middle and high school students. Enjoy free food, food trucks, giveaways, and the chance to dunk your favorite teachers, coaches, and even local legends in the fan-favorite dunk tank. Grab your friends and kick off summer in style—you won’t want to miss this epic celebration! | | | |
La celebración más grande del año para los jóvenes del Condado de Eagle está de regreso, ¡y es más grande que nunca! Planeada por jóvenes, para jóvenes, esta fiesta de fin de clases cuenta con más de 30 socios comunitarios que ofrecen juegos, actividades y recursos diseñados solo para estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria. Disfruta de comida gratis, camiones de comida, regalos y la oportunidad de sumergir a tus maestros, entrenadores e incluso leyendas locales favoritas en el tanque de clavados favorito de los fanáticos. Reúne a tus amigos y comienza el verano con estilo: ¡no querrás perderte esta celebración épica!
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Join Mountain Youth and Exploremos for fun and free yoga events at Nottingham Park! Bring your family, friends, yoga mats, and active wear to move, connect, and grow together. Three local yoga instructors, Elena Milmo, Alana Neptune and Rachel Glowacki, will lead people of all ages and experience levels. Kids under the age of nine will even be able to enjoy their own child specific yoga class! Don't miss out on this opportunity for relaxation and connection!
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¡Únete a Mountain Youth y Exploremos para disfrutar de eventos de yoga gratis en Nottingham Park! Traiga a su familia, amigos, colchonetas de yoga y ropa activa para moverse, conectarse y crecer juntos. Tres instructores locales de yoga, Elena Milmo, Alana Neptune y Rachel Glowacki, dirigirán a personas de todas las edades y niveles de experiencia. ¡Los niños menores de nueve años incluso podrán disfrutar de su propia clase de yoga específica para niños! ¡No te pierdas esta oportunidad de relajación y conexión!
| | | Join us for a free young adult cooking class at Little Bird Commissary, planned by our Young Adult Ambassadors! You’ll learn practical, budget-friendly recipes and kitchen skills while preparing a delicious three-course meal alongside other 18–25 year olds. We’ll wrap up the evening by sharing the meal together and building community around the table. Spots are limited—don’t miss out! | | | ¡Únase a nosotros para una clase gratuita de cocina para jóvenes adultos en Little Bird Commissary, planificada por nuestros Embajadores de Jóvenes Adultos! Aprenderá recetas prácticas y económicas y habilidades culinarias mientras prepara una deliciosa comida de tres platos junto con otros jóvenes de 18 a 25 años. Terminaremos la noche compartiendo la comida juntos y construyendo una comunidad alrededor de la mesa. Las plazas son limitadas, ¡no te lo pierdas! | | | |
Una noche de "Haciendo de la Crianza un Placer" un programa diseñado para apoyar a las familias en su labor de crianza. En un ambiente respetuoso, las familias aprenden a manejar el estrés de manera saludable, descubren estrategias positivas de disciplina y celebran el hecho de que no estamos solos en este camino.
| | | 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. | | |
Calendar of Community Events
Calendario de Eventos Comunitarios
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Camp 911
Location: Edwards Field House
Date: June 11 @ 8:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Edwards Field House
Date: June 11 @ 8:00am - 4:00pm
Camp 911 is back and your child will not want to miss this incredible day spent with local emergency responders from Eagle County. Your child will learn a variety of rescue and safety procedures through first-hand experience from fire service, mountain rescue, ambulance, law enforcement and more.
Join our local heroes for this one-day camp that is hosted once a year in Edwards and Gypsum.
Contact info: Katie Coakley - kcoakley@ecparamedics.com
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Dynafit Summer Solstice Trail Run
Location: Beaver Creek Mountain
Date: June 21, 2025 @ 9:00am
Coinciding with the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice trail run is arguably the most enjoyable race in the Vail Trail Running Series. Enjoy a 5K, 10K, and kids' fun run that begins and ends on the lawn in front of the Beaver Creek Chophouse adjacent to the Centennial lift in the heart of Beaver Creek. The race sends runners through and around the resort community.
LG TRI
Location: Siena Valley Club – Gypsum, CO
Date: July 12, 2025 @ 7:00am
Time: 7:00 am
The LG Tri is a sprint triathlon honoring VVCF grant recipient Laura Genelin. This race is for first-timers and seasoned pros alike. Adults can participate individually or on teams of 2 or 3. The adult course features a 500-yard open-water swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run—all near the Siena Valley Club neighborhood of Gypsum. We're also running the Kids Triathlon on a unique course built for kids, so bring the whole family!
Contact info:brooke@vvcf.org
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Eagle County Fair & Rodeo
Location: Eagle River Center, Eagle
Date:
July 21 @ 12:00 - 6:30pm
July 22 @ 7:00 - 8:30am
Open Class exhibits at the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo
- Enter Non-perishable Exhibits at the Eagle River Center on Monday, July 21 from noon to 6:30PM.
- Canned products like jams, jellies, pickles.
- Clothing, crocheting, knitting, quilts, needlework, fiber arts, hobbies and crafts, recycled arts, holiday entries
- Photography and art
- Enter Perishable Exhibits at the Eagle River Center on Tuesday, July 22 from 7:00 - 8:30am.
- Flowers, flower arrangements, potted plants, vegetables, fruits, herbs
- Baked goods, candies, pies
Contact info: Glenda Wentworth - glenda.wentworth@eaglecounty.us
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Summer Day Camps
Location: Mountain Valley Horse Rescue in McCoy
Date:
Registration opens March 12th
Camp runs from June 10 - Aug 7
MVHR offers children 6 years old and up the opportunity to spend summer days with horses, with a variety of curricula. Day camps will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, throughout the summer. Kids learn all about horses, what it means to care for them and work with them on the ground. This camp is the perfect introduction to horses and a fun day spent outside at the ranch. (not a riding camp)
Summer Day Camp Scholarships are open now.
Contact info: programs@mvhr.net
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Celebrate the Beat Eagle County Pop Hop
Location: Berry Creek Middle School
Date: July 28 - August 1, Monday - Thursday @ 9:30am - 12:30pm, Friday 12:30 - 8:00pm
A free arts education dance program in partnership with the Vail Dance Festival, Celebrate the Beat Eagle County. Pop Hop is a one-week program focused on teamwork, creativity, and the joy of accomplishment through dance. This program culminates in a performance at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater during Vail Dance Festival’s International Evenings of Dance.
Contact info: kris@ctbeat.org
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Queer Climbing Night
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: Last Sunday of each month, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
Contact info: info@eagleclimbing.com
970-328-0893
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Earth Keeper Explorers for Rising 2nd – 5th Grade Boys
Location: Eagle, CO
Date: July 21 - 25, 2025 @ 9:00am - 3:00pm
This empowering camp helps boys discover their personal connection to nature by exploring the elements of earth, air, water, fire, and inner spirit/self. They’ll investigate ecosystems and explore the idea of personal ecosystems and our connection to all of life through outdoor play, creek exploration, hiking, tracking, games, nature crafts, building a fire, and abundant free time to enjoy nature’s gifts. Guided by men, this camp is held in Eagle with trails, tipis, and places to roam where the imagination flourishes.
Earth Keeper Way, for Rising 6th – 11th Grade Boys
Location: Eagle, CO
Date: July 28 - August 2, 2025 @ 8:00am - 5:00pm
Earth Keeper Way supports boys’ passage to manhood through challenging adventures in nature – kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and learning wilderness survival skills. With emphasis on the whole person in balance, this program guides young men on a journey to discover and connect with their authentic and resilient self while learning powerful inner life skills for navigating relationships and communication. Boys learn from male guides to build their courage and confidence in nature, and learn to balance strength, intuition, and connection to the complex web of life.
Contact info: Susie Kincade - susie@womenempower.us
970-328-5472
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Job Opportunities
Las oportunidades de empleo
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Lower Elementary Studio Guide
Location: Vail Valley Unbound
An Elementary Studio Guide acts as if each young hero truly is a genius who will change the world and begins to transfer responsibility to learners as soon as possible. Guides offer learners fair choices and consequences, with no nudges, nagging, commands disguised as questions or other passive-aggressive tactics adults often use to coerce children into the “right choice.”
Spark Studio Guide
Location: Vail Valley Unbound
Start Date: August 2025
We are seeking a full-time Socratic Montessori Guide who is passionate about guiding children on their independent journey of lifelong learning and who possesses a deep love and commitment to Maria Montessori's methodology and materials. Montessori certification is not required, but it is preferred (AMI or AMS).
Guides are expected to prepare the learning environment, lead discussions, inspire our heroes to explore, be curious, and take ownership of their learning, and monitor student progress on our self-paced Montessori curriculum.
To apply: email cover letter and resume to cassie@vailvalleyunbound.org
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New Pool Attendant Position & Lifeguard Pathway
Location: Gypsum Recreation Center, Gypsum Creek Pool, and Eagle Pool and Ice Rink
Start Date: Summer 2025
We're excited to introduce our new Build-a-Guard program! This unique opportunity allows you to start as a Pool Attendant (a paid position now open) while receiving training to become a certified lifeguard within two months.
Why Join?
- Get hired now as a Pool Attendant
- Gain hands-on experience with waterslide operations & pool maintenance
- Receive lifeguard-specific swim lessons
- Train as a slide dispatcher
- Take your lifeguard certification course for free—all while getting paid!
If you’re 14 years of age or older and ready to kickstart a rewarding summer job with a clear pathway to lifeguarding, apply today!
To apply: https://mountainrec.org/program/aquatics-job-training/
| | 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:
May 22, 2025 for Eat Chat Connect: Nicotine and the Adolescent Brain
Contact Nick at nkrishnan@mountainyouth.org with questions!
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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.
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