November Writing Contest
The Denver Chronicle
Denver, Colorado
Community News
March 8th, 2007
Pike National Forest
Thousands of schoolchildren from Denver and the surrounding areas will be devastated to learn today that the Pike Forest Outdoor Activities Center will not be opening its doors to the public this summer, due to a lack of adult volunteers willing to staff the facility.
For nearly a decade the center has been a haven for children between the ages of 11-15 to spend a week learning outdoor crafts, ranging from woodwork to white water rafting.
“For the last two years we’ve been having to turn down forty, maybe fifty people who wanted to help teach and train the kids,” explained Park Ranger Garry McSheffrey. “It’s a great way to spend a few months in the wilderness, helping children from all over the state to learn about and respect the outdoors.”
So why the sudden decline of volunteers? When I asked Ranger McSheffrey what he believed, he found it difficult to understand. “…maybe this bug doing the rounds,” was the vague answer he produced.
Local residents of the nearby town of Castle Rock were divided in their opinions. I met 39 year old mother of two Shirley Douglas who was frustrated at the closure. “My boys have been out there every summer for the last three years. Now what are they supposed to do? I’d go out there to help myself, if it wasn’t for my job.”
Other residents are more sympathetic. “To be honest I’d rather keep my son at home till this flu thing passes, or the government makes up a vaccine,” said David Brodie, 43. “If my boy gets sick out there, he’s going to be 300 miles from the nearest doctor.”
Despite this setback, Ranger McSheffrey remains upbeat. “Sure, it’s a blow for us this year, but mark my words, next summer we’re going to be overrun with the little tykes!”
And I for one, hope he’s right.
Denver, Colorado
Community News
March 8th, 2007
Pike National Forest
Thousands of schoolchildren from Denver and the surrounding areas will be devastated to learn today that the Pike Forest Outdoor Activities Center will not be opening its doors to the public this summer, due to a lack of adult volunteers willing to staff the facility.
For nearly a decade the center has been a haven for children between the ages of 11-15 to spend a week learning outdoor crafts, ranging from woodwork to white water rafting.
“For the last two years we’ve been having to turn down forty, maybe fifty people who wanted to help teach and train the kids,” explained Park Ranger Garry McSheffrey. “It’s a great way to spend a few months in the wilderness, helping children from all over the state to learn about and respect the outdoors.”
So why the sudden decline of volunteers? When I asked Ranger McSheffrey what he believed, he found it difficult to understand. “…maybe this bug doing the rounds,” was the vague answer he produced.
Local residents of the nearby town of Castle Rock were divided in their opinions. I met 39 year old mother of two Shirley Douglas who was frustrated at the closure. “My boys have been out there every summer for the last three years. Now what are they supposed to do? I’d go out there to help myself, if it wasn’t for my job.”
Other residents are more sympathetic. “To be honest I’d rather keep my son at home till this flu thing passes, or the government makes up a vaccine,” said David Brodie, 43. “If my boy gets sick out there, he’s going to be 300 miles from the nearest doctor.”
Despite this setback, Ranger McSheffrey remains upbeat. “Sure, it’s a blow for us this year, but mark my words, next summer we’re going to be overrun with the little tykes!”
And I for one, hope he’s right.
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