Across the whole nation the secret is out, Colorado is where everyone wants to be! Aside from just Denver, though, Colorado Springs is gaining more and more recognition as one of the nation’s top cities to live in. In 2017 WalletHub had the Springs topping Denver, New York City, Las Vegas, and many other urban areas as one of the top five best big cities to live in. In addition to that U.S. News & World ranked the Springs one of the top 10 best US places in 2018.
Pikes Peak, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods, and the US Olympic Training Center are just some of the many attractions pulling in thousands of new residents every year. Plus that’s not even mentioning the extremely affordable housing market or the easy drive to Denver whenever you feel the need to switch up your scenery. With all this rapid growth, however, parents and youth organizers alike know it will become increasingly difficult to keep a growing population of kids active and productive. After a couple months of great feedback from our guide to Denver, the team at ConsumersAdvocate.org knew that the Springs was the next logical step.
That being said, here are this week’s top varying areas of interest for youth-oriented associations and activities in Colorado Springs. They'll inspire new passions, help with healthy living options, and maybe even replace technology time with fresh conversations on the car ride home.
Lifestyle and Culture
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands in Southern Colorado. Through their pillars of stewardship, education, and research, RMFI actively engages community volunteers and youth conservation crews on diverse projects that help conserve and protect the treasured public natural landscapes throughout the Pikes Peak region. A great deal of their work is accomplished with the help of some 2,800 volunteers annually, which is why RMFI runs hundreds of volunteer project work days every year to heal and restore public lands. Their Community Volunteer Stewardship Program provides a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all skill levels to get involved, including youth, adults, and small and large groups. RMFI relies on the assistance of thousands of volunteers each and every field season in order to ensure we all have access to vibrant and healthy natural systems that are respected and cared for by the public. For information on their programs, project sites, or if you want to check out their calendar, just visit their homepage or call them at (719) 471-7736.
Go West Camps offers more than your simple run-of-the-mill summer camp. For 3-week sessions every summer, kids go mountain biking, explore trails, learn to paddle board and rock climb, and develop an appreciation and understanding of nature through hands-on wildlife and pond exploration programs. Alongside the camps’ experienced staff, children discover the wonders and adventure of exploring their own backyard, taking the skills they learn back with them to their neighborhood at summer’s end. Kids ages 5-14 are offered the opportunity to take advantage of the summer sunshine, nourish their bodies through physical activity and fresh food, and challenge their minds through activities that encourage exploration and innovation. Go West Camps’ sole mission is to create a community that supports the development of skills, helping kids to be successful as they grow. Whether your child is an outdoor novice, or your teenager is an avid cyclist, Go West Camps offers programming and experiences that are a perfect fit for any kid looking to explore the great outdoors. Registration is filling up and camps have already started, but to find all the proper information just visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 357-8872.
Inside/Out Youth Services is the sole lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning (LGBTIQ) youth organization in Colorado Springs. But they are truly so much more than that, as for nearly 30 years they were the only non-profit organization in El Paso County to provide a safe, accepting space for young adults between 13-22 years of age. Inside/Out does this by creating safe spaces and support systems, as well as teaching life skills to all the youths in their community, thereby working to make it both safer and more accepting of gender and sexual orientation diversity. All of their groups and services are provided free of charge with the hope that any aid they provide will further the happiness and health of LGBTIQ kids in the Colorado Springs area. A very unique aspect of Inside/Out is their Youth Leadership Program, which has been tasked with ensuring that ALL new youth are made to feel welcome and comfortable in the space. These young leaders give tours of the center, help introduce your child to others, and are always there to provide your child support with the guidelines of conduct at Inside/Out. There are a number of different ways to support this great local organization, including donations, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship via Ally Up, and even scholarships! For more information please visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 328-1056.
At Fostering Hope Foundation, they live and work by a simple adage, "Love. No strings attached." FHF aims to affirm and support foster parents is their task of caring for neglected and abused children. They firmly believe that every child’s life and future can be restored through the power of family. Fostering Hope uses volunteers from the faith community to substitute as an “extended family” that assists and supports foster parents, all while creating and building a strong support network for the both the family and the child. Whether it’s transportation, laundry, meals, parties, or even giving foster parents a night off, these extended families present themselves as a resource filling any void that may difficult for the foster parents to handle on their own. Simply put, their mission is to affirm and support foster care parents any way possible. From its start in 2006 as the Fostering Hope program, which then transitioned into an independent 501(C)3 in 2008 thanks to the Colarelli Family Foundation, the Foundation now seeks to develop the program nationally, from its starting location of Colorado Springs, and new offices in Milwaukee. If you would like more information on FHF and how you can volunteer, join the conversation, and even become a foster parent, please visit their homepage or call them at (719) 634-8588.
Catamount Institute is a non-profit organization based in Colorado Springs, CO, whose mission is to develop ecological stewards through education and adventure. For over 20 years, Catamount has taught children that they all possess the powerful ability to protect and nurture the natural world. Catamount fulfills their mission through innovative research, the inclusion of current events, and lessons consistent with Colorado Department of Education Science Standards; encouraging people to think proactively about their relationship with the environment. Every child that is a part of the program experiences the wonders of the outdoors firsthand, developing life skills that serve society as well as themselves. Each year, Catamount serves over seven thousand youths and adults at schools, parks, camps, and business locations all over the Pikes Peak region. For more information on camps, donating, trips, volunteering, or any of their other programs, please visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 471-0910.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain in the United States. Yes they are located ON the Cheyenne Mountain making them the ONLY mountain zoo in America! In addition to that they were recently voted as the 4th best AZA-accredited zoo in North America. The mission they have set forth for themselves is to be a leader in conservation, captive breeding, and animal care, all while connecting people with wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action. Every kid, of any age, will have an experience for a lifetime with every visit. The zoo is expansive covering 140 acres, 40 of which are in use, plus the zoo houses more than 750 animals, representing nearly 150 different species, with more than 30 endangered species. The Zoo offers numerous activities and experiences specifically for kids, whether it’s the Budgie Buddies exhibit, birthday parties, My Big Backyard, or the ZooMobile, there is something for every kid and for the kid in all of us. They also offer their incredibly popular Loft experience, where your child is offered the chance to live the life of a wildlife researcher, a zoo keeper, and a vet. To find out more about attractions, supporting the zoo, specific exhibits, and general inquiries simply visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 633-9925.
Education and Learning
Expanding Minds Unlimited or EMU offers a unique educational experience that cannot be found anywhere else, because they are both the Colorado Springs Children’s Museum and the Natural History Museum! Merging both categories into one facility allows EMU to provide the youth of Colorado Springs a much wider array of educational services, resources, and opportunities. At EMU, their mission is to educate children through fun, interactive, and engaging programs that enhance children's overall learning experience. They also offer Educational Adventure Programs for preschool through elementary, and specialized programs to meet the needs of teens and adults, including those with disabilities and seniors. EMU is also expanding their facilities, and starting June 1st will open their doors to their very own coffee bar and gift shop. If you would like more information on birthday parties, scheduled events, or field trips, please visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 799-6652.
The Space Foundation Discovery Center is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that advocates for all sectors of the global space industry through space awareness activities, educational programs, major industry events, and serving as a museum to the Pikes Peak region. It is an interactive, education-focused destination that advances science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in the exciting context of space exploration, development, and utilization. For nearly 35 years, Space Foundation has established and carried out their vision is to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community. On a state, national and international level, the Discovery Center is a leader in the preservation, interpretation, and display of space-related artifacts and exhibits. Their top notch facilities include the El Pomar Space Gallery, the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center, and the Northrop Gumman Science Center, all of which provide a wide array of activities for children of all ages. For more information on events, educational opportunities, or how to get involved just visit their website or give them a call at (719) 576-8000.
Pikes Peak Children’s Museum is an institution born from both necessity and love. In 2005, a group of dedicated women came together around one simple idea: they had all grown up with access to children’s museums and had first-hand experience with how transformational, fun, and educational they can be for kids and their families. Yet their home of Colorado Springs was one of only six of the top 50 U.S. metro areas that did not have a children’s museum. They pooled their experience in nonprofit, law, project management, tourism, and hospitality operations, and set out to create meaningful change for children. Today, PPCM is committed to bringing an awe-inspiring, hands-on, educational, and fun experience to children throughout Colorado Springs. Although they do not have a permanent venue and are actively searching for a new location (decision to come in 2019), PPCM provides an affordable enrichment experience via the community, accessible to all young children, regardless of family resources, with a focus on the rich history and unique character of the region. PPCM works to engage children's innate desire to explore, nurture their natural sense of wonder, and spark creativity with every interaction. For information on their various programming, fundraisers, or volunteer opportunities just visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 357-7726.
Children's Literacy Center is centered around the quote from Mary Ellen Chase, “There is no substitute for books in the life of a child.” Whether it’s their Literacy Circle, free one-on-one tutoring for children reading below grade level, or their fun-filled Literacy Week later this year; everything the Center does is driven by this amazing idea. Their mission is to build a life of success through a foundation of literacy…one child at a time. For 25 years, this nonprofit organization has been developing the solid reading foundation essential in children’s success now and in the future. CLC works with the community, schools, and individual families, providing a cost-effective literacy program that shrinks the gap between success and failure, at a 95% success rate! They also depend heavily on their dedicated tutors, who give each child the confidence they need to succeed. The ability to read and learn guarantees economic security and social stability in our neighborhoods and communities, thus improving the world we all live in. For more information, please visit their homepage or call them at (719) 471-8672.
The Alliance For Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together agencies and individuals so they can work collaboratively on developing and fostering a seamless system of care for young children and their families in El Paso County. AFK oversees a wide variety of programs, participates in community partnerships, and provides professional training and coaching designed to improve the quality of early education and child care in the region. For over 20 years, the Council has sought to positively impact the local early childhood system by addressing its work in an array of areas including family support, health, and learning. The Alliance was created to ensure that all children in El Paso County have equal access to high quality child care. Along the way over 50 key stakeholders have come together to achieve this goal, including parents, early care and education providers, school districts, higher education institutions, health organizations and community agencies. If you would like to join AFK or simply want to access to more detailed information simply visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 634-8045.
Health
PRIDE Soccer Club is a nonprofit soccer club focused on raising the level of soccer in Colorado Springs by giving youth players a quality experience in a safe, positive, and challenging environment. It is the number one resource for recreational, intermediate, Junior Academy, and competitive level soccer in Colorado Springs. Their mission is to instill a sense of opportunity, confidence, and teamwork by offering fundamentals through advanced training to further the development of each player. Pride started nearly 25 years ago with 45 teams and 430 children participating, but they have grown and expanded into one of the biggest soccer clubs in the entire state with approximately 4,500 players making up 400 teams! Throughout all of it, they have stayed true to their motto, “Do what’s right for kids.” Parents hoping to register their kids for the Fall Recreational League for boys and girls 3 ½-14 years of age with games beginning September 8th and running through October 27th, should act soon before the July 27th deadline. For more information on registration, camps/clinics, tryouts, or tournaments simply visit their homepage, or give them a call at (719) 597-6700.
Compassion International is a Christian humanitarian aid child sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world. It functions in 25 countries, including Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Haiti, and Kenya, providing aid to more than 1,700,000 children. Compassion was founded over 65 years ago as The Everett Swanson Evangelistic Organization, with the simple purpose of helping children who had become orphans due to war in South Korea. Although they do not directly impact the lives of youth in Colorado Springs they have helped improve the lives of literally millions of children, and that is a story worth telling. Compassion does not operate solely out of the United States, having formed partnerships with Canada and Switzerland, strengthening the organization’s overall presence and outreach capabilities. One of the most important parts of its mission is that the work doesn’t simply consist of sending checks all over the world. Although money is a valuable tool which is sorely needed by the children they assist, in addition to sponsorship, Compassion has developed survival and leadership development programming. If you would like to learn more information or take your family on an experiential tour of their facility, simply visit their homepage or give them a call at (800) 336-7676.
Kids on Bikes (source)
Kids on Bikes is based on a simple idea: to bring joy and freedom to kids and families in their community; one bike, one ride, and one mile at a time. Their mission is to inspire and empower all kids to lead healthy, active, and happy lives through bicycling. This is done a number of different ways, including community events, bicycle camps, and the Pedal Station Community Bike Center. They even offer an “earn-a-bike” program in which children from lower income neighborhoods, in grades 3 through 5, learn the value of setting goals, character development, bike safety and skills, and finally healthy living. The program finishes with a sponsored new bike at the end of 10 weeks. The very best part about Kids on Bikes is that everything they do is always centered around the notion of creating community through the simple act of riding a bike. Humanist urbanists have long postulated that communities and cities in which large parts of the population use the spaces between buildings, whether in public transport, walking, or cycling results in healthier and happier citizens. If you would like to become a sponsor, view the calendar of community events, make a donation, or get more information on Pedal Station please visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 355-3573.
Flipshack Gymnastic Fitness goes way beyond gymnastics. It's about supercharging your kids ability to move, elevating their confidence, and developing an attitude that never stops growing. Nothing compares to gymnastics training when it comes to developing extraordinary coordination, balance, and confidence. Plus, it is a great way to develop strength and motor skills that benefit youth in any physical discipline. At Flipshack they truly enjoy building smart bodies and strong spirits that can achieve great things. Whether your intention is to become a gymnast, cross train for other sports, or to simply have fun, they promise to deliver a vibrant education designed to help you grow. Flipshack’s entire mission is to have fun building smart bodies and strong spirits that can do great things. They offer a variety of services from camps, open gyms, parties, competitions, and classes for both youth and adults. For more information please visit their website or give them a call at (719) 578-1006.
Hands-on Arts & Music
Color Me Mine | Colorado Springs is a part of a nationally franchised do-it-yourself studio dedicated to pottery and painting. Their large selection of events include birthday parties, group functions, weekly promotions, and special events for both kids and adults. Since all the materials are given to customers they can concentrate fully on their creativity! Color Me Mine is committed to helping children learn about the arts through personal, hands-on experience. To better achieve this, the company has provided a forum for kids to express their creativity, relax, have some fun, and learn in a creative, pressure-free environment. Color Me Mine is also a proud supporter of the communities they’re a part of, mainly through silent auction donations. For more information please visit their homepage or give them a call at (719) 265-1737.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, built in 1936, grew out of and expanded on the mission of the esteemed Broadmoor Art Academy, soon becoming one of the only multi-disciplinary arts institutions in the nation. Although their rich and extensive history makes them one-of-a-kind, it’s the FAC’s commitment to youth that truly sets them apart from any other art organization in Colorado Springs. Their theatre, art school, and museum offer a wide array of family friendly activities. The FAC produces multiple family stage productions each year that include a special Day Camp add-on for kids ages 6-13.There are also a wide variety of theatre and art classes that are offered year-round for all ages and abilities, a tactile gallery, museum scavenger hunt, and the ever-popular Passport to the Arts Program. This program is an initiative exclusively for fourth grade students and their families, born out of an effort to maximize learning opportunities and incite a lifelong love and appreciation for the arts. For more information on this awesome program and all of the other happenings FAC has to offer, make sure to visit their homepage, or give them a call at (719) 634-5581.
Colorado Ballet Society is committed to instilling excellence and artistry in all who pass through their doors. Through their dance performances, programs, and curriculum, CBS seeks to expand the appreciation of artistic expression, while building a community to share in the joy of their accomplishments. In recognition of the Society’s excellence, in April it was awarded the Gazette Gold award for Best in the Springs for Dance Studio for Kids. Owned and operated by Patricia Hoffman, Colorado Ballet Society recently celebrated over 20 years in business, and is expanding its Briargate location with a 6th studio space. They are also very excited to announce that CBS has collaborated with Peak Gymnastics and Fitness to open a second location in Falcon, with ballet, tap, hip hop, contemporary/jazz, and Broadway dance classes beginning the week of June 18th. Registration for both Briargate and Falcon classes is now open. If you schedule a free trial class and register for classes with CBS the same day, you will receive $10 off the Registration Fee, $10 off to Ballerina Boutique and a free t-shirt! To take advantage of this awesome deal or for general information please visit their website or give them a call at (719) 272-7078.