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 Activities for Kids and Families

Old Stories, New Voices Intercultural Youth Program at Ft. Garland

In the spring of 1997 a special and wonderful camp was created for under-served youth in the state of Colorado. A unique partnership between the Colorado Historical Society and the National Park Service and other local agencies was formed to offer a free week-long camp at historic Fort Garland in south-central Colorado. The name of this camp is the Old Stories, New Voices Intercultural Youth Program.

You can access a blog from the camp at: http://oldstoriesnewvoices.blogspot.com/

The setting of Ft. Garland, a historic site located in the San Luis Valley, is vital to the success of Old Stories. Camp participants live on the grounds of this former military fort once commanded by Kit Carson and learn first-hand about the history of the frontier west, the rich culturally mixed past of the valley, and the importance of historical preservation. The camp also improves the personal confidence of every child who participates. Physical challenges, team building exercises, and daily responsibilities are included in each day’s schedule, along with strong anti-gang, anti-drug, stay-in-school messages.

“This program gives boys and girls a deeper understanding of how people of past generations and diverse cultures lived in the American West.”  
--First Lady Laura Bush

Awards:
Presidential Coming Up Taller National Award
National Endowment for the Humanities $240,000 grant to replicate program in Texas, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania
Award of Merit from American Assoc. for State and Local History
Denver Kids, Inc. 2004 Service Award
National Park Foundation 2000 Education Award

For more information, call Camp Administrator Bobbe Hultin at 303-866-4641.

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