Survey Response: Outdoor Education

From Micah, Denver County, Sept 11, 2008

Overall, how supportive are you of the Plan's recommendations?
Extremely Supportive

1. Are there any outstanding issues that you don’t think the plan addressed?
As a Representative of the Wonderful Outdoor World Colorado operating out of the Chief Hosa Campground, I would like to recognize Denver Mountain Parks for their support. Over the past four years we have served over 2,000 urban youth with the opportunity to first time camping experiences and to learn environmental responsibility. Our program targets children from low income areas of Denver to ensure that every child; no matter race, color, creed or socio-economic standing is given an opportunity to experience the wonders of the outdoors. Without the support and space donated by Mountain Parks this program could not serve as many youth as it is able.

We at WOW believe in the plans support of making available and accessible the beauty the parks have to offer. As an organization we look to partner with Mountain Parks in making this happen. As our organization continues to grow we will look for new opportunities to educate youth on the fragile state of the Colorado and global environment. Our youth have acted as ambassadors of Leave No Trace Principals, transforming the Chief Hosa Campground and bringing wildlife back to the area.

2. Are there any recommendations that you would like to add?
We would like to suggest Denver Mountain Parks use this plan to strengthen partnership between itself, Denver Parks and Recreation and Wonderful Outdoor World Colorado as an outlet to serve even more youth (especially at-risk) in the Denver-metro. Over four years and two thousand youth served we have learned how important the advocacy of our youth truly is. They are the stewards of environmental and social change and every one of them capable of success. We are obligated to creating opportunities in the wilderness and beyond so this might be possible. Thank You!

3. Are there any statements or recommendations with which you strongly disagree? No response.

4. Which recommendations do you consider most important in the short term? No response.

5. Which recommendations do you consider most important in the long term? No response.

Other comments: No response.