Outdoor Experiences for Urban Kids

Dateline: Pueblo, CO
The Colorado Tour

Boys and Girls Clubs Staff Training

On Wednesday, we crossed over the Continental Divide and followed the Arkansas River down from Poncha Springs to Pueblo where we had a date with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County. First, we ran a Leave No Trace Workshop for a couple of hours with an engaged group of Boys and Girls Club staff. One of the highlights was an ethics discussion during which staffers passionately elaborated on their pet-outdoor-activity-peeves. From fishing and picnicking to hiking and trail running, these folks shared both their appreciation for special outdoor places and their disappointment with inconsiderate trashing of these same places. These are complaints that most of us can recite, all of which could be avoided if we take time to reflect on the impacts of careless or thoughtless behaviors. These staff members were committed to pass on their Leave No Trace training to the kids that they teach and mentor in the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Under the Cottonwoods at the Nature and Raptor Center

Later that same afternoon we met with two groups of Boys and Girls Club members (ages 7-16) at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo (NRCP). Even though these 25 kids have had limited experience adventuring in the outdoor wilds, they jumped right into digging catholes, figuring out how to get into a bear-proof food canister, and practicing wildlife-watching rules of thumb. The NRCP is located in a readily accessible urban-wildlands interface, part of a diverse riparian ecosystem along the Arkansas River. It's a great place for these urban kids to experience the out-of-doors,

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett

Not Just Good... They're Great!

Dateline: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca, CO
The Colorado Tour

Mind boggling... it's just down right difficult to comprehend the scale of the massive dunes of sand at this place. Measuring 750 ft. above the surrounding San Luis Valley and covering thirty square miles, the Great Sand Dunes have astonished visitors throughout history. Now, count the Colorado Tour in that number...

This national park is staffed by a crew with exceptional esprit de corps. We were warmly welcomed by the entire staff, new rangers and veterans alike for our staff "Train the Trainer" program. We also were able to help celebrate National Public Lands Day at the park and participate in a service project. How appropriate for us: picking up trash along one of the scenic drives into the park. And you never know when random trash can be so useful...

Tin roofing trash provides personal ramada

...along the Colorado Trail,
Peggy and Barrett