[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: FW: Lt. Gov. O'Brien Announces Grants for Colorado Kids Outdoors Program

[kohls at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Gray, Crystal

Council members:  I know some of you might have received this press release already but I thought this new grant program was interesting and there might be an opportunity for Boulder to submit a grand to Colorado Kids Outdoors in 2011.  Also, I would like the city to consider joining "LET'S MOVE  Cities and Towns" (the First Lady's childhood program).  I picked up some information on this program at the National League of Cities meeting in Denver and will bring it to council tonight.
Crystal
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From: Obrien, ltgovernor [ltgovernor.obrien at state.co.us]
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 9:19 AM
Subject: Lt. Gov. O'Brien Announces Grants for Colorado Kids Outdoors Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Dec. 17, 2010

CONTACT
Todd Hartman, DNR, 303-866-3311 x-8665, todd.hartman at state.co.us<mailto:todd.hartman at state.co.us>
Kim Burgess, DNR, 303-866-3311 x-8660, kim.burgess at state.co.us<mailto:kim.burgess at state.co.us>

LT. GOV. O’BRIEN ANNOUNCES GRANTS
FOR COLORADO KIDS OUTDOORS PROGRAM

Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien today announced four inaugural grants awarded as part of the Colorado Kids Outdoors (CKO) program. The grants, totaling $129,600, will be distributed to four organizations that enhance the connection between Colorado’s youth and our state’s natural environment, provide training and experience for youth in the natural resource disciplines, and engage kids in meaningful and healthy outdoor activities.
 The Colorado Kids Outdoors Grant Program was established by the legislature in 2010 and directs funds donated from a variety of sources into programs that will give more young people greater exposure to natural settings, and provide them with opportunities for learning and career-building.
 Grant recipients are the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory in Brighton, The Greenway Foundation based in Greenwood Village, Trails 2000 in Durango and Yampatika in Steamboat Springs. All four recipients were selected from a pool of applications by the Colorado Kids Outdoors Advisory Council and judged on a variety of criteria.
 “I’m delighted to announce these grants winners. These investments will help give more Colorado kids greater access to the places and experiences that make Colorado remarkable,” said Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’ Brien, who in 2009 launched the Colorado Kids Outdoors Initiative. “Too many of our youth lack opportunities to spend time in the natural areas of our state. These programs will give them a sense of appreciation for Colorado’s beauty, as well promote healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles, expose young people to possible career opportunities and improve their sense of personal responsibility and community.”

Grant recipients and totals follow:

•         Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory ($48,000): RMBO will direct its funds toward several programs, including hiring college and high school students to assist with summer bird camps and other activities, helping young teens participate in “On the Wing,” a camp to increase understanding and interest in natural resource issues and careers, and introducing at least 40 summer campers, age 4 to 12, to Colorado's outdoors through day camps.

•         The Greenway Foundation ($43,000): The Greenway Foundation, in collaboration with Groundwork Denver, will employ diverse youth in a variety of outdoor restoration work, in parks, open spaces and along the South Plate River. The young people will come together for leadership training, environmental education and conservation work in Rocky Mountain National Park.

•         Trails 2000 ($25,000): Trails 2000 will direct its funds to its Trail Kids program, to employ youth, provide supplies and bring more kids into the outdoors to build and maintain trails in the Durango area. Program goals include engaging low-income pre-teens in supervised trail-building service and learning.

•         Yampatika ($13,600): Yampatika, an environmental education organization, will provide stipends to youth participating as interns in Yampatika’s summer camp program and to an intern who will provide outdoor education at the local Boys and Girls Club. The internships will create learning opportunities for youth interested in pursuing a career in environmental or outdoor education.

Applications for the next round of Colorado Kids Outdoors grants are expected to be solicited in the fall of 2011. For more information, contact Kim Burgess at the Department of Natural Resources, at kim.burgess at state.co.us<mailto:kim.burgess at state.co.us>

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Office of Lieutenant Governor O’Brien
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