Youth Spotlight & Difference Maker | | |
Youth Spotlight: Gressia Aguirre Garcia
By Mikayla Curtis, Director of Strategic Impact
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If you haven’t had the pleasure yet of meeting Gressia Aguirre Garcia, a senior at Battle Mountain High School, then you’ll quickly become as impressed with her as I have in the short time I have known her. She not only exemplifies the youthful spirit of taking action when inspiration strikes, or when one believes strongly that something should be done, she is also gifted with humility, thoughtfulness, and compassion.
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Difference Maker: Sean Juarez
By Cam Dole, Senior Manager of Youth Engagement
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Every community has a few people who make it stronger, kinder, and more resilient—people who show up when we’re hurting and help us find our way back. In Edwards, Colorado, one of those people is Sean Juarez, a physical therapist at Vail Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, whose energy, kindness, and commitment to healing have left an indelible mark on this valley and beyond.
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Thank you for supporting Forging Futures! It's an honor to have the opportunity to use these generous gifts to fulfill our mission to continuously and collaboratively improve the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible.
Please Save the Date for our inaugural Forging Connections event, October 23, 2025 at the Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse, brought to you by the Town of Vail.
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¡Gracias por apoyar Forging Futures! Es un honor tener la oportunidad de usar estos generosos dones para cumplir nuestra misión de mejorar continuamente y colaborativamente las vidas de los jóvenes de la manera más poderosa posible.
Reserve la fecha para nuestro evento inaugural Forging Connections, el 23 de octubre de 2025 en Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse, presentado por la ciudad de Vail.
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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. | | | 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 | | | We are looking for focus group participants! Come share your perspective and support your community. | | | |
¡Estamos buscando participantes de grupos focales! Ven a compartir tu perspectiva y apoya a tu comunidad.
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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
| | 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. | | | |
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!
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¡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!
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Free Ceramic Painting & Dinner
for Young Adults
Friday, May 2nd 2025
Friday, May 16th 2025
Dewey Dabbles
5:30-7:30pm
FREE
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Yoga Y Cena Gratis para Jóvenes Adultos
Viernes, 2 de mayo de 2025
Viernes, 16 de mayo de 2025
Dewey Dabbles
5:30-7:30pm
GRATIS
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Calling all Young Adults of the Vail Valley! Free ceramic painting with Dewey Dabbles with dinner and community! Space is LIMITED! Please RSVP Below!
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¡Llamando a todos los Jóvenes Adultos del Valle de Vail! ¡Pintura de cerámica gratis con Dewey Dabbles con cena y comunidad! ¡El espacio es LIMITADO! ¡Por favor, confirme su asistencia a continuación!
| | 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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Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN) Confirmer Training
Location: Edwards (the actual location will be shared with participants once they’ve registered)
Date: May 7 @ 5:30 - 8:00pm
Confirmers are volunteers who go directly to the site of a possible ICE presence and raid sites to collect accurate information to share with our community. We will provide all the tools, resources, and process for confirmers including role playing to make sure that folks understand their role. During this training we will answer your questions and needs in order to support this role. No need to fully commit! This is a safe space to learn and ask questions!
Contact info: Monica Rodriguez Rafael - monica.r@coloradoimmigrant.org
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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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Screenagers Elementary Edition Film Showing
Location: Riverwalk Movie Theater
Date: May 15, 2025 Dinner @ 5:30pm, Showing @ 6:30pm
Eagle County School District is excited to partner with the Riverwalk Movie Theater to present a special showing of "Screenagers Elementary Edition"! Before the film, the district will be providing dinner. This engaging film, presented in English with Spanish subtitles, supports the District's ongoing commitment to student well-being, building on the success of the 2024/2025 policy regarding smart watches and cell phones in schools. Partnering with parents remains a top priority for Eagle County School District as we navigate the digital landscape together.
Contact info: Candace Eves - candace.eves@eagleschools.net
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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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Player Placement & Team Formation: U11 - U14
Location: Freedom Park, Edwards
Date:
U13 - U14 Girls & Boys, May 21, 2025 @ 5:00 - 6:30pm
U11 - U12 Girls & Boys, May 23, 2025 @ 5:00 - 6:30
Teams are formed based on chronological age (birth year). Tryouts are a part of the selection process for team placement. When forming teams, We consider a player's skill, athleticism, work rate, attitude, technical ability, and tactical understanding.
We also strongly consider the player's previous season(s) with VVSC. Feedback from the previous coach weighs heavily in regards to which team a player will be placed.
Contact info: programs@mvhr.net
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High Player Placement & Team Formation: High School Girls
Location: Freedom Park, Edwards
Date: May 19, 2025 @ 5:00 - 6:30pm
High school girls teams (playing club soccer in the fall) and high school boys teams (playing club soccer in the spring) are formed by developmental quality, not necessarily chronological age. If a freshman has the maturity, technical quality, and tactical ability to play with a U19 team they may be placed at that level.
Contact info: Kerri Thelen - director@vailsoccer.com
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Soul Dirt - Spoke & Stoke Teen Rides
Location: Eagle Bike Park
Date: May 5-6, 2025 @ 5:30 - 7:30pm
Hey Eagle County teens! Join us for a FREE Spoke & Stoke Teen MTB ride Tuesday, May 6th at 5:30pm! Measured in smiles not miles! Meet at the Haymaker Trailhead/Eagle Bike Park in Eagle. Bike available to borrow upon request.
Soul Dirt - Ciclismo de montaña con Exploremos
Location: Eagle Bike Park
Date: May 28, 2025 @ 5:30 - 7:30pm
¡Acompáñanos para un paseo en bicicleta de montaña con Soul Dirt y Exploremos el 28 de mayo 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! Evento GRATIS.
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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Teen Fitness Orientations
Location: Avon Recreation Center
Date: First class starts March 29 and runs every Saturday and Sunday until June 1st.
Time: Saturdays: 4:00 PM- 5:15 PM, Sundays 6:00 PM- 7:15 PM
This specialized class for teenagers ages 13-17 will allow for your child to gain access to the Avon Recreation Center’s weight room, cardio room, and TRX area.
This class will focus on weight room safety and injury prevention. Children will be taught safe and effective lifting techniques through education of proper lifting form, proper utilization of the weightlifting machines we offer, and fundamental lifting techniques to help your child approach free-weight strength training as well as fitness program development.
Upon completion of the class, your child will have access to the entirety of the Avon Recreation Center’s upstairs area, allowing them to progress further in their sport, minimize injury, and increase overall health and longevity.
Contact info: Instructor : Xaver Johnson ; Fitness Supervisor: Mike Atencio (matencio@avon.org)
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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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Mountain Youth is grateful to partner with Eagle County School District (ECSD) since our inception in 2001. Examples of our partnership in action includes:
-ECSD hosting a series of parent and community education workshops and trainings each year
-Mountain Youth providing life skills and social-emotional learning to ~1,000 elementary through high schools annually
-Partnering on two safety fairs each spring, each engaging 500+ students
-ECSD supporting Forging Futures as a Champion-level sponsor
| | 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!
| | Stay Up To Date On Our Work By Following Our Social Media | | |
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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