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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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