Summer is a time for exploration, learning, and connection, and especially crucial for marginalized and vulnerable populations. The IRC in Denver’s summer initiatives - expertly planned and executed by the IRC in Denver's youth education team - provides exactly these pivotal opportunities. This year, the IRC in Denver’s summer programming was once again generously supported by the Outdoor  Equity Grant from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Foundation, enabling the initiative to reach new heights by impacting more than 150 clients.

Expanding Horizons and Building Connections

"When it comes to the IRC in Denver’s summer programs, we have made significant strides in reaching more families and adopting a multi-generational approach,"

explains Abi Coyle, the IRC in Denver's Youth Program Specialist and adds: 

"This year, we were able to extend the programs' reach beyond Denver and Aurora to also include families from Lakewood and Thornton."

The IRC in Denver's summer programming 2024 included a workshop day focused on outdoor education, followed by field trips to apply the learning in real-world settings. Staff, volunteers, and interpreters were present to facilitate the activities and ensure that language barriers did not hinder attendees' participation.

Partnerships and Activities

The summer program’s success is without doubt greatly attributed to the strong partnerships the IRC in Denver has formed with organizations such as Lincoln Hills Cares, Sand Creek Regional Greenway, and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Angler Program. It is due to these collaborations that a diverse range of activities can be offered to attendees, from fishing clinics to guided tours at Roxborough State Park. As a result, participants explored multiple parks including Sand Creek, Roxborough State Park, Cherry Creek State Park, Dinosaur Ridge, Chatfield, Lake Leo, Lincoln Hills Cares, and Eldorado Canyon State Park.

"The excursions not only provided educational experiences but also fostered a deeper connection to nature and the local environment,"

explains Abi and a summer volunteer adds:

“Eldorado Canyon State Park reminded many families of Afghanistan, and they felt right at home. They played and splashed in the river with a lot of joy!”

Children and parents alike found joy and creativity in the activities, from crafting at Chatfield State Park to fishing for the first time. One mother expressed her newfound appreciation for Colorado’s natural beauty, while children eagerly shared their experiences with their parents, who expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the IRC in Denver.

“Most Venezuelan families enjoyed Cherry Creek State Park a lot,"

elaborates Abi and explains that

"many of them lived near the beach in their home country, so their kids were so happy to be able to swim in the water.”

Looking Ahead

“For many families, it was their first time visiting the state parks or the mountains, and they really enjoyed being able to get connected with these places,”

states Abi. 

" This is why I am especially excited about the additional funding the IRC in Denver has secured to extend the program into the fall, allowing our client families to explore Colorado during the seasonal changes and a lasting connection to nature and community."

The IRC in Denver’s summer program exemplifies the importance of providing accessible, educational, and enjoyable experiences for marginalized and vulnerable populations. By connecting families to nature and each other, the program not only enriches lives but also builds stronger, more resilient communities.

Written by Hanna Simmons