hike

climbing

buckets

rope course

gym

photo: First Ascent program students negotiating a ropes course. Photo by Matthew Lit.

See Google Photo Album for more photos.

English

First Ascent Youth Leadership Program

July 7-12, 2024

Learn to be a leader!

Spend a fun week at CMC Leadville making new friends while learning practical leadership skills through outdoor activities. Experience five days on a college campus and return home with new confidence in your abilities as a leader. The best news? It's free!

Get outside while learning new skills!

During the program, you'll get to:

  • Team-build and gain leadership skills
  • Rock climb
  • Raft on the Arkansas River
  • Hike up Mount Elbert

This free program is available to current 8th and 9th grade students from our CMC in-district schools in these in-district counties: Pitkin, Garfield, Summit, Lake, Eagle, Chaffee and Routt.

Each year, four participants from the prior year come back to act as peer counselors, taking the learning a step further. One former participant is chosen each year to assist the facilitator. Once they turn 18, past participants can come back as staff counselors. Acting as mentors for a new group students brings the lessons full circle.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the First Ascent Program or application process, please reach out to one of the contacts below:

Alejandro Jaquez-Caro
Hablo español
ajaquez-caro@coloradomtn.edu
970-947-8329

Carolyn Larsen
ctlarsen@coloradomtn.edu

Español

Ready to Apply?

Learn how to apply for the First Ascent program at CMC!