Apply early for free CMC summer youth outdoor leadership course

The First Ascent Youth Leadership program is now accepting applications for its free, multi-day youth outdoor leadership course at Colorado Mountain College Leadville.

The five-day course is for in-district students who will enter eighth and ninth grades in Pitkin, Garfield, Summit, Lake, Chaffee, Eagle and Routt counties this fall. The course — sponsored by Alpine Bank and the J. Robert Young Foundation — runs from Sunday, June 21, through Friday, June 26.

The course is free, though enrollment is limited to 35 students. Early applications are encouraged, as admission is competitive.

Recommendations from a counselor, teacher or other adult must be submitted with each application. Thoughtful, complete application responses are strongly encouraged.

The application deadline is May 1.

First Ascent brings together students from diverse backgrounds across the CMC region. It helps them develop and learn leadership skills such as problem-solving, consensus-building, conflict resolution, communication, confidence and personal growth.

Students live at CMC’s residential hall at the campus’s Leadville for the week and build self-esteem, leadership and teamwork as they rock climb at Camp Hale, raft on the Arkansas River and hike 14,440-foot Mount Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado.

Academic subjects such as land and water conservation and orienteering are also introduced. Evening sessions bring students together to explore their post-secondary career options using their newly acquired elements of leadership.

Four participants from the prior year return as peer counselors. One former participant is chosen to help the course facilitator. Once they turn 18, past participants can return as staff counselors.

For more information and to apply, go online to First Ascent or contact CMC admissions representative Alejandro Jaquez-Caro (hablo español) at 970-989-3552.