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March 6
Campers dig into the meaning of grit

Our campers explore the meaning of grit. “Grit is hardcore and awesome,” says 5-year-old Avid4 Adventure camper Cedra Crews. “Dirty and amazing.” Grit is one of those intangible character qualities that Avid seems to give kids when they’re not even looking. The nature of adventure sports—the determination they demand, the confidence they inspire and the … Read More

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February 7
California: Goodbye computer screen, hello outdoor adventure

California families are putting down their screens and saying hello to outdoor adventure instead. In a state that’s home to the tech capital of the country, getting kids in California off their computers is an everyday struggle for many parents. Plenty of kids come home right after school and jump on their screens until dinner. … Read More

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May 16
Stories from camp: How adventurers are made

One of the most incredible things about kids is their hardwired willingness to try new things. But as they approach their teens, that enviable disposition can sometimes be interrupted by feelings of self-consciousness or self-doubt. Avid4 Adventure awakens that innate try-new-things mentality, creating an environment that makes it comfortable and fun for kids of all … Read More

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Stories from camp: Learning to fall and get back up again

The photos on our website of kids engaging in incredible adventures might cause families to think Avid4 Adventure is only for super-athletic kids. The truth is, many of the kids that attend our camps every year start out very tentative about participating in those adventures. That was certainly the case for Madison, who, before camp, … Read More

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Stories from camp: Overcoming fear and building confidence in one day.

Last summer, Meredith signed her 5-year-old son Graham up for Avid4 Adventure’s multi-sport Explorer Camp in Highlands Ranch on a recommendation from a friend. She kept expectations for her first-time camper realistic: “to have fun doing some new activities, make some friends and enjoy the Colorado summer.” What she didn’t expect was for him to … Read More

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March 21
Building Outdoor Skills Through Repetition

Like many families with young kids, we don’t have a lot of free time. So naturally, making an effort to get the kids outdoors is something we have to prioritize and schedule! Not only do we have fun getting outside together, but we’ve discovered that practice and repetition are necessary for our kids to master … Read More

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March 7
Outdoor sports develop the grit and determination kids need for success

Take it outdoors! According to Paul Tough, author of “How Children Succeed, Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character,” the qualities kids will need for success won’t be taught in a classroom because these skills aren’t related to grades or IQ.  Instead, Tough identified a very different set of skills that he believes are … Read More

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March 3
How the outdoors transformed my life and my leadership

By Sophie Kelly, an Avid4 Adventure former Leader In Training: Last summer I spent 15 days hiking outdoors in the hot desert of New Mexico along the Continental Divide Trail as a member of the Student Conservation Association. With seven other crew members, I carried wooden posts along with a host of unbelievably heavy tools … Read More

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February 10
Adventure Camp as a Way to Raise Enthusiastic and Empowered Kids

How do you empower kids? As a parent, I am always looking for ways to raise enthusiastic and empowered kids. I read parenting books and brainstorm with friends about different techniques to instill confidence in my children and help them gain the courage and strength to successfully surmount whatever curve balls are hurled at them … Read More

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June 30
It’s time to disconnect to connect

Can you hear me now? On a recent family vacation, we took an eco tour to experience how dolphins behave in salt marshes – you know, how they hunted and interacted with each other.  The zodiac boat held 10 people, and while it was sturdy, I wouldn’t have been surprised if we were bounced in … Read More

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