Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker | | |
Youth Spotlight: Diego Macias, Manuel Mena & Juan Alvarez
By Jo Pennock: Intervention and Prevention Programs Manager
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This winter, thousands of students in Eagle County and across Colorado took part in the biennial Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. If you take a look at the website of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), they say that “the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) is the state’s most comprehensive survey on the health and well-being of young people. The purpose of this survey is to better understand youth health and the factors that help young people make healthy choices.”
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Difference Maker: Officer Rio Burgess
By Mikayla Curtis: Director of Strategic Impact
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When Officer Rio Burgess, with the Avon Police Department, enters Avon Elementary School, he’s greeted with smiles, enthusiasm, and a sense of connection with the students. Officer Burgess has a great spirit for community, possibilities, and seeing youth thrive. He shares, “kids in general are awesome, they’re bright and happy and come in full of energy and excitement; they want to solve problems and make a difference.”
| | We'd love for you to join Mountain Youth for our fourth annual Forging Futures event and help us celebrate 25 years of improving the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible! This will be a relaxed evening of celebration, connection and fundraising to help sustain our work. All proceeds will go towards helping all youth in our community thrive. | |  | Nos encantaría que te unieras a Mountain Youth en nuestro cuarto evento anual Forging Futures y nos ayudaras a celebrar 25 años mejorando la vida de los jóvenes de la manera más poderosa posible. Esta será una velada relajada de celebración, conexión y recaudación de fondos para ayudar a sostener nuestro trabajo. Todos los beneficios se destinarán a ayudar a que todos los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad prosperen. | | | |
Community Surveys
Encuestas comunitarias
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Parents and caregivers of the Eagle River Valley are invited to participate in this survey administered by Mountain Youth, in conjunction with the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey for 6th-12th grade youth. We feel it is important that these two surveys occur simultaneously to foster conversation with your child(ren) about these important topics.
Filling out this survey should take about 15-20 minutes. The collected data is anonymous and the results will be analyzed by Mountain Youth and Communities That Care. Our short-term goal is to provide parent perceptions and neighborhood behaviors to our community with the long-term goal of improving overall health outcomes.
Please take this survey once, even if you have more than one child. All questions are optional, if there's a question you don't feel like answering or doesn't apply, feel free to move on to the next. Some of the questions may be difficult or triggering. We have provided a list of resources at the end of the survey and encourage you to reach out should you want to talk to anyone or access support.
It is important to note that we define "youth" as anyone 25 or younger, aligning with the state definition.
As a thank you for filling out this survey, at the end, you will be able to indicate the school or local nonprofit you would like to receive a portion of the incentive fund.
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Padres y cuidadores del Valle de Eagle están invitados a participar en esta encuesta administrada por Mountain Youth, en conjunto con la Encuesta Healthy Kids Colorado para jóvenes de 6to a 12 grado. Creemos que es importante que estas dos encuestas ocurran simultáneamente para tener la conversación con su(s) hijo(s) sobre estos temas importantes.
Para completar esta encuesta debe tomar 15-20 minutos. Los datos recogidos son anónimos y los resultados serán analizados por Mountain Youth y Communities that Care. Nuestro objetivo a corto plazo es proporcionar a los padres percepciones y comportamientos de nuestra comunidad con el objetivo a largo plazo de mejorar los resultados generales de salud.
Por favor tome esta encuesta una vez, incluso si tiene más de un hijo. Todas las preguntas son opcionales, si hay una pregunta que no tiene ganas de responder o no aplica, siéntase libre de pasar a la siguiente. Algunas de las preguntas pueden ser difíciles al contestar, pero hemos proporcionado una lista de recursos al final de la encuesta y los animamos a que se pongan en contacto si quieres hablar con alguien o acceder a soporte.
Es importante señalar que definimos "juventud" como cualquier persona de 25 años o menos, alineándose con la definición estatal.
Como agradecimiento por rellenar esta encuesta, al final podrás indicar la escuela o la organización local sin ánimo de lucro que deseas recibir una parte del fondo de incentivos.
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Mountain Youth is asking young adults between the ages of 18-30 years who live in the Eagle River Valley* part of Eagle County or consider this area their permanent residence to share their opinions about substance use, wellness, mental health, and other related topics. Mountain Youth's mission is to continuously and collaboratively improve the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible. This survey is completely anonymous and will be used to help inform community efforts to better serve young adults. It should only take up to a maximum of 15 minutes of your time. Some of the questions may be difficult or triggering. We have provided a list of resources at the end of the survey and encourage you to reach out should you want to talk to anyone or access support.
*The Eagle River Valley of Eagle County is inclusive of the Towns and unincorporated areas of Avon, Bond, Cordillera, Eagle, EagleVail, Edwards, Dotsero, Gypsum, McCoy, Minturn, Red Cliff, Sweetwater (CO River Road), Vail, and Wolcott.
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¡Gracias por participar en esta encuesta! Mountain Youth está pidiendo a las personas entre 18 y 30 años que viven en el valle Eagle River* parte del condado de Eagle o que consideran esta área su residencia permanente que compartan sus opiniones sobre el uso de sustancias, el bienestar, la salud mental y otros temas relacionados. La misión de Mountain Youth es mejorar continua y colaborativamente las vidas de los jóvenes de la manera más poderosa posible. Esta encuesta es completamente anónima y se utilizará para ayudar a informar los esfuerzos de prevención en su comunidad. Sólo le llevará un máximo de 15 minutos de su tiempo. Algunas de las preguntas pueden ser difíciles. Hemos proporcionado una lista de recursos al final de la encuesta y lo alentamos a comunicarse si desea hablar con alguien o obtener apoyo.
*El valle del Eagle River del condado de Eagle incluye las ciudades y áreas no incorporadas de Avon, Bond, Cordillera, Eagle, EagleVail, Edwards, Dotsero, Gypsum, McCoy, Minturn, Red Cliff, Sweetwater (CO River Road), Vail y Wolcott.
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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! | | | 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
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Caregivers, do you want to help your kids to feel valued and important in your family unit?
Communicate feelings effectively when hurt or angry?
Live drug and alcohol-free lives with purpose?
Make healthy choices based upon your family’s clear standards?
Resist peer pressure with confidence while maintaining friendships?
Join Mountain Youth at Gypsum Rec Center every Tuesday from March 4th to April 5th for the Guiding Good Choices Training.
*Must attend all 5 sessions to complete the course*
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Cuidadores, ¿quieren ayudar a sus hijos a sentirse valorados e importantes en su unidad familiar?
¿Comunicar sentimientos efectivamente cuando está herido o enojado?
¿Vivir una vida libre de drogas y alcohol con un propósito?
¿Tomar decisiones saludables basadas en los estándares claros de su familia?
¿Resistir la presión de sus compañeros con confianza mientras mantiene amistades?
Únase a Mountain Youth en Edwards Early Learning Center todos los miercoles entre el 19 de marzo al 16 de abril para la capacitación Guiding Good Choices.
*Debe asistir a las 5 sesiones para completar el curso*
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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!
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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!
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In a world of social media filters and conflicting health advice, helping your teen feel secure in their own skin can feel like an uphill battle. Join us for an empowering session where we shift the focus from "dieting" to "nourishing," giving you the tools to foster a positive body image and a joyful relationship with exercise. You’ll walk away with the "protective awareness" to spot early red flags of disordered eating, along with practical strategies to turn your home into a sanctuary for self-esteem and emotional resilience.
| | | En un mundo de filtros de redes sociales y consejos de salud contradictorios, ayudar a su hijo adolescente a sentirse seguro en su propia piel puede sentirse como una batalla cuesta arriba. Acompáñanos en una sesión de empoderamiento en la que cambiamos el enfoque de "hacer dieta" a "nutrir", dándole las herramientas para fomentar una imagen corporal positiva y una relación alegre con el ejercicio. Usted se marchará con la "conciencia protectora" para detectar las primeras banderas rojas de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria , junto con estrategias prácticas para convertir su hogar en un santuario para la autoestima y la resiliencia emocional. | | | For young adults (18-30ish), come bind your own notebook with friends! Space is limited, RSVP below. Dinner provided! | | | Para los jóvenes adultos (entre 18 y 30 años), ¡ven a encuadernar tu propio cuaderno con amigos! Las plazas son limitadas, confirma tu asistencia abajo. ¡Cena servida! | | | Mountain Youth se complace en ofrecer Pilates GRATIS todos los miércoles de marzo de 6:00 a 7:00 pm en Gypsum Rec Center. Las clases serán ofrecidas por nuestra instructora local, Lauren Bumgarner. ¡Únete a nosotros para noches de ejercicio y conexión! | | | Aprende a preparar postres tradicionales mexicanos, desarolla nuevas habilidades y comparte momentos dulces en comunidad. | | 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. | | |
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
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Building Bridges: Fostering Belonging & Connection
Location: Eagle Public Library
Date: March 23, 2026 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
The Building Bridges: Fostering Belonging & Connection is a 90-minute interactive training that explores how to bridge differences and foster stronger connections. Facilitated by Andrea Palm-Porter of Roaring Fork Leadership, attendees will walk away with a greater understanding of the science of belonging, learn how othering divides us and bridging practices bring us together, practice real world tools for developing common ground, and tools to strengthen belonging in their workplace, organization, and in the community.
Contact info: Maren Cerimele - maren@vailvalleypartnership.com
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Project Funway
Location: Alpine Hall, Grand Hyatt, Vail
Date: March 21, 2026 @ 5:00 - 9:00pm
EFEC’s exhilarating anything-but-fabric fundraising fashion show! Project Funway is the Education Foundation of Eagle County's signature FUNdraising fashion show that astounds and delights audiences of all ages! Imaginative, brilliant, one-of-a-kind fashion designs of "anything but fabric" parade the runway in this unique fundraising event. No single runway look is ever the same! The show celebrates and supports creativity, art, and design.
Contact info: Wendy Rimel - wendyr@efec.org
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Indoor Triathlon
Location: Gypsum Rec Center
Date: Saturday, March 28 @ 8:00am - 1:00pm
Race 15 minutes each of swimming, biking & running for distance-based points. Awards by age group & swag for all participants. Optional 4-week race support training club in March includes coaching + a $25 registration discount.
Contact info: info@mountainrec.org
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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
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Daniel Griggs, LCSW, considers himself very lucky to be able to provide crisis care within the Eagle River Valley. Griggs is a member of Vail Health’s Crisis Team, which offers a free behavioral health help hotline for those in crisis.
Griggs moved to Eagle from Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife in 2023 after almost seven years working in crisis response in Nashville. Since moving here, he has made a difference in the lives of community members by serving as a school clinician at Berry Creek Middle School and on the Crisis Line, previously Your Hope Line.
“I’ve always found meaning in the helping professions and wanted a career that offered fulfillment beyond a paycheck,” said Griggs. “While the work can be challenging, being able to support people during times of crisis is deeply rewarding and gives back in ways that go far beyond the difficulty of the job.”
Griggs credits the unique blend of a slower-paced lifestyle in the Eagle River Valley and the intensity of crisis response for his calm, mindful approach to handling crisis calls.
“While the work can be hectic at times, there is also space to slow down and be fully present with callers,” he said. “That balance allows crisis clinicians to provide thoughtful, meaningful support rather than feeling rushed to resolve a call and move on.”
Since moving here, Griggs has welcomed the change of pace of a mountain community and the welcoming environment he’s felt by the community has made it quickly feel like home. Taking advantage of the outdoor activities offered here has helped Griggs balance the emotional load and toll of crisis work.
“Crisis work can be overwhelming at times. As crisis clinicians, part of our role is to meet people where they are in order to provide meaningful support. While this approach is invaluable for callers, it can also take an emotional toll on clinicians. Working in crisis for the past decade has taught me the importance of self-care and sustainability in this field. Fortunately, living in one of the best places in the country to get outside and stay active has been a huge support in maintaining balance and resilience.
The Vail Health Crisis Team provides comfort, hope, and options for people who are enduring a tough behavioral health situation.
“I’m fortunate to work alongside colleagues who bring diverse skills and perspectives, and we learn a great deal from one another,” said Griggs. “I also value how responsive and appreciative the community is of our work. Hearing directly from callers about how much the crisis line has helped them is incredibly meaningful, and that kind of feedback isn’t always common in crisis work. I feel very lucky to do this work in this community.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis in Eagle County, call the Crisis Line 970-306-HOPE (4673) for immediate free behavioral health support. Callers will be connected with an on-call crisis clinician who will conduct an initial clinical assessment by phone. If needed, the clinician may arrange an in-person evaluation. These mobile crisis assessments can take place in homes, offices, schools, local agencies, or physician’s offices.
| | | 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:
March 5, 2026 for Mountain Youth Presents: Nourishing the Whole Teen
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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