RMCC is starting a new service project to help get some kids — who may have never boated before — onto a lake this summer — in canoes, kayaks and SUPs.
In 2024 a few of us volunteered to help a group called NewTreks with canoeing/kayaking with kids from Denver public schools and an Arvada transitional housing program called BeyondHome at Chatfield and Sloan’s Lake.
It was GREAT fun!
NewTreks, a contracted non-profit entity, had the boats and two staff members. BeyondHome had 2-3 “chaperones” (dealing with any kid issues) and we were just volunteers that knew about boats and boating.
New Treks is no longer operating, but BeyondHome would love our help in getting some of their summer program kids on the water. And, coincidentally, ACA is advertising for grant application for Club Fostered Community grants to “create a welcoming environment for new paddlers to get involved and to create lifelong connections to their waterways and the larger paddling community.”
Regardless if we are successful in securing a grant ($2000 max), we are partnering with BeyondHome this summer to launch this project. The general particulars are:
- Four boating events for BeyondHome’s summer program:
- Likely dates are June 1 and 17, July 20, and August 12;
- 10 kids max, ages 5 – 13, plus 2 – 3 adults from BeyondHome;
- Canoes, kayaks, IKs, and SUPs — some of each would be fun!
- Volunteers from RMCC to lead the fun on the water.
- Likely venue is Bear Creek Lake Park in Jefferson County where we can rent boats.
- RMCC volunteers would bring our own boats and, if possible, bring an extra boat (or two?!) to reduce our need to rent.
ANY INTEREST? Please contact me ASAP so that we can get an idea of level of interest and availability of volunteers, kids’ PFDs, and loaner boats (with or without a paddler attached!)
If you want to bring your kid(s) to an event, we might be able to make that happen.
Questions or ideas: gvmutz@gmail.com; 303-499-1092 (home phone)
Kathryn