Floating on the Colorado River through the spectacular McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, and spending a starry night camping outside, is something all kids should get a chance to do.
More will get that opportunity as a program through the Colorado Canyons Association continues to expand, and the effort got a boost Friday from the Redlands Rotary Club.
Redlands Rotary presented a combined $10,000 donation from the club and the local Rotary district that will go to support CCA's Catalpa project, a science and adventure camp on the banks of the river within the McInnis NCA.
CCA — a licensed river outfitter that takes hundreds of kids on Gunnison and Colorado river trips each year — leases the Catalpa camp within the NCA, and has put up some wall tents there for campers, one a kitchen and the other a classroom, according to CCA Development Director Killian Rush.
Rush called the trips the CCA leads "experiential education" and also a chance to foster "adventure-based leadership development."
"Kids get to connect to themselves, and to their public lands, in really authentic and exciting ways," she explained.
On the trips, kids get to learn how to read water, and can even grab the oars if they want. They also hike up side canyons and talk about geology and resources that can be found in the NCAs, and on overnight trips get a chance to spend a dazzling night outside. For many kids, it's their first time experiencing a night beneath the stars.
"CCA is really focused on providing resources to kids and families who don't necessarily get the opportunity to get outside, and (give them) the chance to really engage in the outdoors," Rush said.
Her group facilitates the trips through District 51, but they also coordinate with organizations like Mesa County Partners, the Riverside Educational Center, the Eureka! McConnell Science Museum, and local scout troops.
The goal is "to get kids of all different ages and backgrounds outside," Rush said.
She said CCA was "really grateful" for the recent Rotary donation, and said it would go directly to support the Catalpa project.
Debbie Kovalik, Redlands Rotary program chair, said the club donation rang personal for many of their members.
"Many of us in Redlands are big rafters, so it really does make sense, and resonates with us — to support youth getting out in the great outdoors," she said.
Anyone interested in the student trips, or in donating time or money to the CCA, can get in touch with the group by emailing at info@canyonsassociation.org.
