Fall Programs Update
Mountaineers in the Potomac River in late October.
City Kids participants and staff kicked off the fall programs season with two fun gatherings, one for volunteers and one for participants and families! We have weekly programs for all cohorts, and monthly events for participants across different cohorts to come together. We’re very excited to announce a new weekly after-school program for JETs, YourWord, which offers an afternoon social space and writing or homework workshop with City Kids staff. Read on to get a sense of what each cohort is up to!
MOUNTAINEERS (AGES 12-13)
Back from their first summer at Broken Arrow Ranch, this year’s Mountaineer cohort are continuing to build their outdoor prowess. Last week they lucked out with unseasonably warm and sunny weather for a canoe paddle along the Potomac. They spotted turtles, native water birds, and fish. In early November, they’ll go on their first backpacking trip as City Kids at Annapolis Rock, with our partner organization Inward Bound. With a focus on mindfulness, they will learn how to pack a backpack, use a camping stove, and discuss the outdoor living skill of “Leave No Trace.” Later in the season, Mountaineers will go rock climbing at Movement gym, where they will spend more time building climbing skills and getting to know each other.
ELITE (AGES 13-14)
The Elite cohort have a strong start to their fall season with Rock Club (together with the Leadership cohort). They’re ready to take on new heights, get exercise, and bond with fellow City Kids. This is our second year running Rock Club, an after-school program at DC Bouldering Project, during which youth can practice climbing skills at local climbing gyms.
Elite participants will go camping and backpacking in Shenandoah State Park this month, building on their skills from the past year of rewarding lifts and inclines. We can’t wait to see pictures of the view from Overall Run Falls! Before winter break, they’ll also go horseback-riding in Maryland with a partner organization, Cloverleaf Equine Center.
LEADERSHIP (AGES 14-15)
Leadership campers will be regularly climbing at Rock Club with the Elite Cohort. Last weekend, in the beautiful warm weather, Leadership participants hiked, camped, and practiced canoe-paddling skills in Brunswick, MD along the Potomac River. Each trip is an opportunity to connect with nature, themselves, and each other. They will also go horseback riding, enjoying the open sky and spending time with animals!
JET: (AGES 15-18)
In early October, some JETs braved the high ropes course at Sandy Spring Adventure Park, ending the day with a peaceful overnight at a grassy campground. Just a week later, JETs biked the Mt. Vernon Trail, chasing each other over bridges, along pathways, and through the trees. YourWord (new after school program) is already off to a great start, with three under our belts and more to come. These high school cohorts have an exciting season ahead!Hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, etc. are off to a great start. In the coming year, all City Kids participants will continue to have fun, challenge themselves, explore outdoor activities, leadership roles, communication styles, and professional skills. Stay tuned on our Instagram to see more updates!
