Heaving logs, digging ditches, building fences and helping the elderly are just a handful of tasks completed by over 9,000 youth through Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. The 501(c3) organization was founded by the City of Steamboat in 1993, and gained charity status in 1999, as a response to a growing need to provide youth employment and educational opportunities. A vast number of participants accredit this organization for the life skills they acquired through the experiential education at RMYC.

The program serves youth between the ages of 11 to 25 years old, with certifications available to older participants in noxious weed control and chainsaw operations, among a host of other options. RMYC also stages a five-day, three-night science camp for all sixth grade students in Routt County.

The emphasis of instilling a mindset of environmental and community awareness, work ethic and civic duty spoke volumes to the Colorado Group Realty Charity Foundation board, who donated $8,000 to RMYC, through the purchase of a retired gondola car in a fundraising campaign last year.

“Our local youth programs, for those under 18, serve around 500 kids a year and we rely heavily on private donations,” said Gretchen Van De Carr, CEO for RMYC. “They complete community and conservation projects while learning skills they will use for the rest of their lives.”