YOUTH SPOTLIGHT | SAM GRIMMER | |
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A new school year brings a chance to refocus priorities.
As many high schoolers can attest, the transition from middle school to high school can be a difficult one. New location, new peers, heavier schoolwork loads, and for some adding a job requires a level of intention and time management. Going to Zealous Schools for all of middle school, he was a big fish in a little pond. And for many freshmen, overwhelm is one term they can identify with. Sam wants other students to know that checking in with your values and goals throughout the year is essential to being your best. Freshman year went by faster than he thought, and he found himself taking the summer to set some goals for the school year.
In middle school, his hobbies and sports were strategy card games, cross-country running, and nordic skiing. There was less time for some of these hobbies once high school started. “I didn’t want to get rid of the hobbies, so I made them a weekend break time, something to tune out and recharge from school,” Sam explains. Sports are outlets for enjoyment, personal challenge, and connecting with friends for Sam. He understands that your best requires the reminder that your biggest competition is with yourself.
As a GenZer, seeing social media influencers posting their lives as something to aspire to, Sam knows it’s easy to get stuck in the trap of comparison. Sam wants his peers to know that working on the balance of enjoying your youth while being intentional by setting attainable goals is one way you can make the most of this time. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”, and Sam acknowledges this is one challenge his generation knows well. It’s not something that will be easily moved past, but taking the time to identify and write out your weekly, monthly, or yearly goals can show you just how valuable your time is. It’s a little easier to see where you’re going when you set your directions.
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Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a Youth Spotlight Here
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DIFFERENCE MAKER | ETTA McCARTHY | |
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Paths Cross for a Reason...
Every once in a while, we cross paths with people who make us say, “Whoa, that is a remarkable individual”. Not because they climbed Everest or they have 3 doctorate degrees, but because they exude the hope that our communities so desperately need. Sometimes these people are motivated by “doing good” or believing in earthly kindness. Others are motivated by faith. This is Etta McCarthy.
I met Etta at Eagle Valley Middle School while we were both volunteering for the Youth Power 365 Summer Camp lunch service. We were treated to chicken tenders and pasta salad after serving about 45 young people. Etta ate her lunch with a few kids in the cafeteria. I noticed how interested she was in these young people. Her comforting voice and selfless conversation intrigued me and so we chatted.
Her story begins in Wal-Mart. But before telling that story, you need to know that Etta started working with young people as a member of her church and leader of a youth group called the J-Team. The J-Team had been asked by the Salvation Army to provide food for a family. Etta left her phone number with this family seeing that they could possibly use more support, especially the 6 year-old daughter who we will call Tina. At Wal-Mart, 6 months later, Etta ran into this family and reaffirmed her willingness to help the family out.
Before Etta knew it, and after establishing a fun, healthy relationship with Tina, Tina’s mom needed a serious surgery. Tina ended up moving in with Etta for 4 months and served essentially as a guardian. This meant going to school meetings, volunteering at school, and providing everything that Tina needed. After the initial 4 months, Etta then cared for Tina 6 days out of 7. Who does this? How can an individual find time and energy to raise another child after having her own? Remarkable. Just remarkable.
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Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a Difference Maker Here
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Get ready, get set, fuel yourself! Mountain Youth together with Vail Vally Mountain Trails Association (VVMTA) , Seagull’s Cycle, and Vail Valley Ride are excited to partner on an adventure-biking scavenger hunt through the town of Eagle on August 27 from 2 pm-4 pm. Youth (12+) and adult participants will find clues for locations with specific experts who will talk about how to be healthy when ‘fueling the body’. Participants will learn new bike skills, healthy ways to eat, drink, and move to live a healthy, energizing life. Bring your friends and family to this outdoor adventure ride with food from Pickup’s Pizza to follow. Mountain bikes and interpretation will be available. Register now through VVMTA, HERE!
Want to learn how to fix a flat tire, a broken chain, and adjust your brakes? Join Kyle Foster, owner of Seagull’s Cycle, for a technical clinic from 1 pm-2 pm before you adventure out on the scavenger hunt. Sign-up on the registration link above!
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¡Prepárese, prepárese, energizate! Mountain Youth junto con VVMTA, Seagull’s Cycle y Vail Valley Ride están emocionados de asociarse en una aventura en bicicleta de búsqueda del tesoro a través de la ciudad de Eagle el 27 de agosto de 2 pm a 4 pm. Los jóvenes (12 ) y los participantes adultos encontrarán pistas para los lugares con expertos específicos que hablarán sobre cómo estar saludable cuando “alimentan el cuerpo”. Los participantes aprenderán nuevas habilidades en bicicleta, formas saludables de comer, beber y moverse para vivir una vida saludable y energizante.Traiga a sus amigos y familiares a este paseo de aventura al aire libre con comida de Pickup's Pizza para seguir. Bicicletas de montaña e interpretación estarán disponibles. Regístrese ahora a través de VVMTA, ¡AQUÍ!
¿Quieres aprender a reparar un neumático desinflado, una cadena rota y ajustar los frenos? Únete a Kyle Foster, propietario de Seagull’s Cycle, para una clínica técnica de 1 pm a 2 pm antes de aventurarte en la búsqueda del tesoro. ¡Regístrese en el enlace de registro de arriba!
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If you have any questions or ideas on topics or speakers you would like to hear from, please contact Stevi Bratschie, Community Education Manager at sbratschie@mountainyouth.org. We look forward to seeing you!
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Augosto Aprendiendo Juntos - Fomentando Familias de Eagle County
Olga Wilkins y Ricky Luevanos facilitarán una conversación sobre como fomentar a Familias de nuestro Condado. A través de Dinámicas, una charla Instructiva, sus propias experiencias como madre y padre de Familia y finalizaremos con preguntas y respuestas. Registrate con Diana Loera al 970-401-3717.
Agosto 31 del 2023
Eagle Valley Middle School
5:30pm a 7:30pm
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So far, Summer 2023 has been full of sun, fun, training and coalition progress! At our June celebration, we honored coalition members who had been making significant contributions to the work and the community. Those celebrated were: Scott Schlosser, Jo Pennock, Michelle Chavez and Elsa Morales! We also went over our current Prevention Adventure, sharing our action plan and shifting strategies to better align with our goals and meet the needs of our population! Stay tuned for our new and updated Strategies!
Save the date for our August coalition meeting on August 31 from 6:00-7:00pm, location to be determined. We look forward to having you join us, and learn more about the great prevention adventure happening in YOUR community! Interested in learning more or getting involved with Communities That Care? Please contact Samantha Sorensen, Ssorensen@mountainyouth.org.
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If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Cameron Dole, Youth Engagement Coordinator, at cdole@mountainyouth.org
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Join the Mountain Youth Team! | |
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The primary role of a Community Liaison is to build connections between diverse community members and Mountain Youth to enhance and strengthen community voice in driving positive youth prevention efforts throughout Eagle County. This position will have the skills necessary to facilitate a wide range of conversations, while supporting agency and systems-level changes. Mountain Youth is invested in creating sustainable community changes that reduce youth access to and use of substances, promote positive health behaviors, address community norms and risk factors, enhance protective factors, elevate diverse community voices, and create equitable systems of support for youth and families.
La función principal de un enlace comunitario es crear conexiones entre diversos miembros de la comunidad y Mountain Youth para mejorar y fortalecer los esfuerzos impulsados por la comunidad en todo el condado de Eagle. Este puesto tendrá las habilidades necesarias para facilitar una amplia gama de conversaciones, mientras apoya los cambios a nivel de agencia y sistema. Mountain Youth está comprometido con la creación de cambios comunitarios sostenibles que reduzcan el acceso y el uso de sustancias por parte de los jóvenes, promuevan comportamientos de salud positivos, aborden las normas comunitarias y los factores de riesgo, mejoren los factores de protección, eleven las diversas voces de la comunidad y creen sistemas equitativos de apoyo para los jóvenes y las familias.
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Under the supervision of the Director of Community Engagement, this position supports the mission of the organization by advising on various Mountain Youth and community initiatives from the perspective of a young person, as well as performing administrative office duties and other responsibilities as needed. This Youth Advisor will be involved in four different, yet related Community Engagement projects and working with each project manager to support cohesion and collaboration between each.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 25, who have lived in the County 5+ years, and who are bilingual Spanish/ English youth are highly encouraged to apply. Knowledge, experience or a commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion of all people in our society is required.
This position requires strong organizational and communication skills and an ability to multi-task. Basic computer skills including email, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Docs are required. Skills in social media platforms and graphic design are highly recommended. The Youth Advisor Role will be primarily based out of the Mountain Youth offices (Eagle and Edwards) with an opportunity for flexible scheduling. The position will perform duties outside of normal working hours. Travel to meetings throughout the county and occasionally out of county may be required. It is important that the candidate is able to conduct themselves in the most courteous and professional manner.
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Mountain Youth is ready for Eagle Block Party! | |
Mountain Youth is proud to team up with Optimum Events for another year of promoting safe behaviors at Eagle Block Party. You can find us at a booth with information on safe rides home, including shuttles to and from event camping. We will also have drug education including Narcan and fentanyl test strips available to encourage community watching out for one another. Please stop by to say hello, or contact us to volunteer at mcurtis@mountainyouth.org | |
Mountain Youth and Vail Valley Foundation Offer FREE ECO Tickets!!! | |
MOUNTAIN YOUTH IS PROUD TO OFFER FREE ECO BUS RIDES TO AND FROM ALL HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERTS!!!
Thanks to our partnership with Vail Valley Foundation, free ECO bus transit is available to and from all 2023 Hot Summer Nights concerts. All you need to do is follow the link below to print the tickets. Present one ticket for each ride. Visit eaglecounty.us to see the bus schedule.
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Mountain Youth is honored to be the featured
non-profit at August 9th VVP After Hours Mixer!
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Join us for some in-person networking. Both VVP members and non-members need to RSVP to attend the After Hours Mixer. Please be sure to RSVP for you and all guests that may attend with you. When you RSVP you will automatically be entered into the raffle drawing for the evening as part of our efforts to be Actively Green.
At no charge, a VVP nonprofit member can be featured at an After Hours Mixer. The featured nonprofit is able to speak to attendees about their organization, mission and upcoming events, or volunteer needs. Non-VVP members who attend the Mixer will be asked to make a $10 cash donation to the featured nonprofit at the door.
Date/Time: August 9, 5:30-7:30 PM
Location/Mixer Host: Chase Bank, Avon
Featured Non-Profit: Mountain Youth
Food provided by: Ein Prosit
Beverage Sponsors: Slalom Fox Cocktails and Vail Brewing Company
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August Calendar of Events | |
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Empty Bowls
Lunch a la Soupe Kitchen – Take home a handcrafted pottery bowl as a reminder of hunger in the community and in the world.
Location: Battle Mountain High School
Date: Friday, August 11, 2023
Time:12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Contact info: tsu.wolin-brown@usw.salvationarmy.org
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Waterfront Lifeguard Course
The purpose of this course is to teach candidates age 15 and up, how to recognize, respond to and care for victims of aquatics and first aid emergencies. This course is instructor-led with a combination of classroom lecture and in water training. Certification is valid for 2 years and includes American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding Skills, CPR/AED, and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer certifications. To successfully complete the course, candidates must attend all course sessions, demonstrated competency and maturity in all required skills, pass two final in-water scenarios and score at least 80% correct answers on two written exams.
Location: Avon Rec Center
Date: Aug 7th-Aug 11th
Time: 9:00Am-5:00PM
Contact info: Ali Murray (970) 748-4057
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2v2 Pickleball Tournament
This one-day tournament will be a double elimination style bracket format, with seeding randomly generated prior to the tournament. Matches will be played with rally scoring to 21 straight up, best of three. This is a non-sanctioned event with ratings not considered. The Dura Fast 40 will be the game ball. Ages 14 and up.
Location: Avon Courts (Next to Avon Elementary School)
Date: August 19th
Time: 2:00Pm-6:00Pm
Contact info:
Josh Auten, jauten@avon.org
3v3 Outdoor Basketball Tournament
One Day Tournament September 9th, at 10:00am. Registration closes on September 7th at 9:00am.Must be 16 years of age or older. Round Robin for seeding followed by a single elimination playoff bracket. Each Round Robin game is played to 7. Playoff games are played to 11.
Location: Nottingham Park Basketball Courts
Date: Saturday, September 9th
Time: 10:00AM-4:00PM
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Youth Team Tryouts
Does your child want to try something new this fall, or advance their climbing skills? We have 3 levels of climbing teams, designed for youth ages 7+. Reach out to Coach Larry (larry@eagleclimbing.com) for more info and to sign up for a tryout slot.
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: August 22-24
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Global Climbing Day
We’re teaming up with The North Face and hundreds of climbing gyms around the world to celebrate climbing and the amazing community it creates. We’ll have discounted day passes as well as membership and punch card specials in honor of Global Climbing Day.
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: August 19
Time: 10:00am – 8:00pm
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Queer Climbing Night
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.
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: Last Sunday of each month
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Summer Camp
Parents and kids LOVE our day camps, so get signed up ASAP! Climbing Camps at Eagle Climbing + Fitness are a fun filled adventure for kids ages 5-12, which includes climbing, slacklining, yoga, Ninja style obstacle courses, academic time, games, fun and lots of learning new skills!
Location: Eagle Climbing + Fitness
Date: Monday – Friday through August 18th
Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
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Annual Sports Gear Swap!
Looking to unload some of that gear that is collecting dust? Looking to pick up some gently-used gear? Mountain Recreation will host its second annual Sports Gear Swap. Donation slips will be available upon request at drop off.
Location: Eagle Pool & Ice Rink
Date/Time: Friday, August 18: 4pm-7 pm &
Saturday, August 19: 8am-12pm
Contact Info: Lizzy Owens
(970) 682-6850
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Growing Gardeners
Location: Avon Community Garden at the Salvation Army
Date: Wednesdays & Fridays through August 4th
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 A.M.
Gardening program for 3 to 7 year-olds to learn about gardening and nature. Snacks and crafts too!
RSVP to Sarah at
(970) 748-0704 ext. 104
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Vail Valley Brew’au
In celebration of our 27th Anniversary, join us for the Vail Valley Brew ‘Au at Nottingham Park! Enjoy unlimited samples of amazing brews, seltzers, and ciders in a souvenir sampling glass, alongside live music, water lanterns, food trucks, kids activities, and interactive art.
Location: Nottingham Park, Avon, CO
Date: August 19, 2023
Time: 4:00pm
Contact Information: brooke@vvcf.org
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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.
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