Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker | | |
Youth Spotlight: Jaiden Vizcaino
By Nick Krishnan, Marketing and Events Manager
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Being a teenager is often a time in our lives where we are looking towards the future and anticipating becoming an adult while simultaneously holding on to childhood. For many of us, growing up and becoming an adult is a slow process of balancing the free-spirited leisure of being a student with little responsibility beyond school as we begin to create a vision for who we see ourselves becoming as adults. Not everyone is afforded the luxury of growing up at their own pace, for Jaiden Vizcaino, becoming an adult was a necessity for himself and his family.
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Difference Maker: Nayeli Loera, Jessica Velasco & Jessica Pinela
By Michelle Hartel, Executive Director
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For many folks, traditional tutoring programs bring visions of dry literary practice and monotonous math exercises. Students, parents and tutors of the Tu Guía program describe their experiences very differently. A spirit of connection, creativity and fun filled the Edwards Fieldhouse during the recent school-year graduation celebration while students, siblings, parents and caregivers savored reflections and accolades from tutors. This mighty collection of high school and college students serving as tutors deserves to be honored in making significant differences in the lives of local students and families.
| | 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! | | | 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 | | | At the end of June CTC hosted a Community Partner Celebration! We brought together community partners, coalition members and board members to celebrate our collective impact, connect with each other outside of meetings and have fun! In our community, collective impact is more than just collaboration; it is a shared vision, a commitment to working across sectors, and a recognition that lasting change requires a united effort. We also awarded Youth Advocate Awards to some incredible people who are dedicated to expanding youth leadership and youth engagement opportunities in the Eagle River Valley- congratulations Kaitlyn Merriman, Austin Carcia, Walter Gilles and Lydia Eger! | | | ¡A finales de junio, CTC organizó una Celebración de Socios de la Comunidad! Reunimos a socios de la comunidad, miembros de la coalición y miembros de la junta para celebrar nuestro impacto colectivo, conectarse entre sí fuera de las reuniones y divertirse! En nuestra comunidad, el impacto colectivo es más que una simple colaboración; es una visión compartida, un compromiso de trabajar en todos los sectores y un reconocimiento de que un cambio duradero requiere un esfuerzo unido. También otorgamos los Premios de Defensor de la Juventud a algunas personas increíbles que se dedican a expandir el liderazgo juvenil y las oportunidades de participación juvenil en el Valle del Río Eagle. ¡Felicitaciones Kaitlyn Merriman, Austin Carcia, Walter Gilles y Lydia Eger! | | | |
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
| | Ever been on top of Vail Mountain in the summer? Want to ride the alpine coaster, slide the tubing hill, and more activities for free? Join Valley's Voice for a day at Adventure Ridge on Thursday July 24th! Lunch will be provided, space is limited and participants must register at Mountainyouth.org/calendar. Hope to see you there! | | | ¿Alguna vez has estado en la cima de Vail Mountain en el verano? ¿Quieres montar en la montaña alpina, deslizar la colina de tubing y más actividades gratis? ¡Únete a Valley's Voice por un día en Adventure Ridge el jueves 24 de julio! Se proporcionará almuerzo, el espacio es limitado y los participantes deben registrarse en Mountainyouth.org/calendar. ¡Espero verte allí! | | | Come take a dip in the newly updated Eagle Pool with Valley's Voice.. for free! With 2 new waterslides, water basketball hoops, a leisure pool, and more- you won't want to miss this free pool day! Lunch will be provided, and pool entry covered for middle and high school youth. | | | Venga a darse un chapuzón en la recientemente renovada piscina Eagle con Valley's Voice. ¡gratis! Con 2 nuevos toboganes acuáticos, aros de baloncesto acuático, una piscina de ocio, y más, ¡no querrá perderse este día de piscina gratis! Se proporcionará almuerzo, y la entrada a la piscina cubierta para los jóvenes de secundaria y preparatoria. | | | |
Join us on **August 4th @ BMHS from 10AM-2PM** for an action-packed day focused on crash prevention, DUI consequences, GDL education, substance use awareness and mental health resources! This is a FREE event for 8th-12th graders.
Stick around for a BBQ lunch, games and even a dunk tank—all sponsored by Vail Health! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and have fun while building a safer future. **Your choices today shape your tomorrow! **
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Únase a nosotros el **4 de agosto - BMHS de 10AM-2PM** para un día lleno de acción enfocado en la prevención de accidentes, consecuencias de DUI, educación GDL, conciencia sobre el uso de sustancias y recursos de salud mental! Este es un evento GRATUITO para estudiantes de 8º-12º grado.
Quédese para un almuerzo de barbacoa, juegos e incluso un tanque de hundimiento, todo patrocinado por Vail Health! No pierda esta oportunidad de aprender, conectarse y divertirse mientras construye un futuro más seguro. ** Sus opciones de hoy dan forma a su mañana! **
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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.
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Do you want to learn to preserve food safely at high elevations? Mountain Youth and Colorado State University Extension are partnering to introduce you to the science of home canning safely. You will be provided with valuable knowledge and useful tips on the best possible results of canning food at higher elevations.
You will not want to miss this workshop. Learn current research-based recommendations and experience a hands-on lab as part of this experience.
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¿Quieres aprender a conservar los alimentos de forma segura en elevaciones altas? Mountain Youth y Colorado State University Extension se han asociado para presentarle la ciencia de la enlatado casera de forma segura. Se le proporcionará un conocimiento valioso y consejos útiles sobre los mejores resultados posibles de enlatar alimentos en elevaciones más altas.
No querrás perderte este taller. Conozca las recomendaciones actuales basadas en investigaciones y experimente un laboratorio práctico como parte de esta experiencia.
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Aprenda qué es el vapeo de nicotina, los hechos y riesgos, y acabe con los mitos comunes. Esta sesión brindará a las familias herramientas y orientación para apoyar a los jóvenes y recursos de prevención y apoyo para dejar de fumar.
Valeria Ayala Alonso es una profesional bilingüe de salud pública con una doble función enfocada en la prevención de la nicotina y el tabaco en el Campus Médico Anschutz de la Universidad de Colorado. Trabaja como administradora del programa en un estudio piloto del programa YES-CAN! para la prevención del vapeo de nicotina en jóvenes, un programa escolar centrado en el liderazgo y el empoderamiento juvenil. También se desempeña como Asociada Sénior de Investigación Profesional para el Grupo de Epidemiología Comunitaria y Evaluación de Programas (CEPEG) en la Unidad de Investigación de Encuestas, que realiza encuestas estatales sobre actitudes y comportamientos relacionados con la nicotina y el tabaco entre los residentes de Colorado. Tiene una Maestría en Salud Pública con mención en Epidemiología por el Campus Médico Anschutz de la Universidad de Colorado. Valeria Ayala Alonso cree que las familias merecen una información más clara y herramientas prácticas para una vida más saludable y segura.
| | | 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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Movies in the Mountains
Location: Vail Public Library, 292 W Meadow Dr, Vail, CO
Date: July 27 @ 4:00 - 8:00pm - Moana 2 & School of Rock
August 24 @ 4:00 - 8:00pm - The Wild Robot & Jumanji
September 28 @ 4:00 - 8:00pm - Karate Kid Legend & Lilo & Stitch
Located in the “Back Yard” of the Vail Library, bring your blankets, snacks and friends to enjoy this movie! We’ll supply the popcorn.
Don’t worry, the screen we have will still display the movie in the light of the evening.
The “Back Yard” can be accessed through the main entrance of the library or just walk along the path to Lionshead right by the library and you’ll come to the yard there.
Contact info: Jeremy Gross - JGross@vail.gov
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Eagle Police National Night Out
Location: Brush Creek Pavilion 900 Capitol Street, Eagle, CO
Date: August 5 @ 5:00 - 8:00pm
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Free food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Live music, giveaways and more!
Contact info: SRO Dominik Scriver - dominik.scriver@eaglepolice.org
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LG TRI
Location: Siena Valley Club – Gypsum, CO
Date: July 12, 2025 @ 7:00am
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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2025 Eagle County 4-H Horse Show
Location: Eagle County Fairgrounds - Outdoor Arena
Date: July 11 - English Show @ 9:00am
July 12 - Western Show @ 9:00am
July 13 - Ranch Show @ 9:00am
Come out and watch some of Eagle County's hardest working kids. This is a free event open to the public. Our 4-H horse members will be showing off their horse skills that they have practiced all year long. Please leave your furry friends at home.
2025 Eagle County 4-H Livestock Show
Location: Eagle River Center, Eagle, Colorado
Date: July 21 - 4-H Rabbit Show @ 8:30am
July 22 - 4-H Poultry Show @ 8:30am
July 23 - 4-H Goat & Sheep Show @ 8:30am
July 24 - 4-H Swine Show @ 8:30am
July 25 - 4-H Beef Show @ 8:30am
July 26 - 4-H Junior Livestock Auction @ 11:00am
Come out and support some of Eagle County's hardest working kids. Learn about livestock, leadership and showmanship in 4-H.
Contact info: Connie Melzer - connie.melzer@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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Rake n Ride
Location: Eagle Bike Park
Date: July 7, 2025 @ 5:00 - 8:00pm
Location: Minturn Bike Park
Date: July 21, 2025 @ 5:00 - 8:00pm
Volunteer with watering, raking, and general up-keep. Then, get on your bike and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Bring your bike and we will provide tools, snacks, and beverages.
Volunteer Trail Crew
Location: Salt Creek
Date: July 12, 2025 @ 8:00am - 4:00pm
July 13, 2025 @ 8:00am - 2:00pm
You'll join around 30 volunteers in providing critical trail maintenance to 2 miles of trail. You and your fellow volunteers will work your way down the trail, redefining the route, building drainage structures, and improving stream crossings using hand tools to ensure continued recreational access in this corner of the National Forest. Join for as long as you can, even an hour or two helps!
Interested in staying overnight? Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.
Soul Dirt - Pride Ride w/ Mountain Pride
Location: Haymaker/Eagle Bike Park
Date: July 21 @ 5:30 - 8:30pm
Ride your Pride and join Soul Dirt and Mountain Pride for a mountain bike ride. All abilities welcome. Bikes available to borrow. Ride followed by food, drinks and friends!
Soul Dirt - Ciclismo de montaña con Exploremos
Location: Haymaker/Eagle Bike Park
Date: July 23 @ 5:30 - 7:30pm
¡Gracias por inscribirte para el paseo bicicleta de montaña con Soul Dirt y Exploremos el 23 de julio a las 5:30 p.m.! Nos vemos en el Eagle Bike Park.
Bicicletas disponibles para alquilar las edades son bienvenidas. ¡Se proporcionará comida y bebida!
Contact info: Shawna Wood - shawna@vvmta.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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The 25/26 Buddy Werner League Season
Location: Beaver Creek
Date: December 2025 - March 2026
The Buddy Werner League (BWL) is a program that offers 2nd-8th graders the opportunity to enhance their love of skiing through recreational alpine ski racing. Its mission is to inspire young skiers to love the sport while building character and strong skiing skills. The program focuses on having fun, building skiing skills, and teaching important life lessons, with the ultimate goal of creating a love of skiing that lasts a lifetime.
Contact info: Laura Merlihan, Program Director - bwl.vailbc@gmail.com
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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/
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Partner Spotlight
Alpine Bank
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Empowering youth, strengthening community
Lula Sandoval, banking officer at Alpine Bank, Member FDIC, brings heart and dedication to her role as a member of the Mountain Youth Board of Directors. A passionate advocate for empowering young people, Lula leverages her financial expertise and community roots to support programs that foster youth leadership, equity and resilience. Her commitment to creating positive change continues to inspire those around her. We're grateful for her guidance and partnership in building a stronger future for Eagle County's youth. Visit alpinebank.com to learn more.
| | | A direct and compelling headline | | 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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