The strategies that we will use to reach the diverse communities in Northeast Denver are to work directly with local schools/teachers, and provide outreach to youth groups and church groups. ELK is located in the metro Denver area, specifically in the Montbello neighborhood. This gives us a unique perspective on the needs of the urban youth.

commitment to participate in the program as a volunteer. Students who have been involved  for one year and exhibit enthusiasm and leadership are invited to become a Youth Mentor in order to provide peer support to new and continuing students. This active participation will help these young people to realize their place in the community and the surrounding environment.

STRATEGY

The activities are designed to build on the previous one so that the students experience the most complete exposure possible to their natural environment.  On each activity there is always a trained, professional wildlife and/or aquatic biologist to ensure that we are providing quality and accurate information to our students. With the outdoors as their classroom, students will come to know and understand themselves, establish new goals, and explore natural resources in Colorado. Students create slide shows of activities and practice public speaking when presenting to youth groups and neighborhood associations. Also, they are encouraged to express their experiences through journals and photographic scrapbooks.