A fitness focus on our community

Colorado enjoys the status of being one of the most physically fit states in the nation, and our youth generally fall below national averages for risk of becoming overweight. However, emotionally our young people suffer from binge drinking, drug use, depression and thoughts of suicide at an alarming rate. As part of the larger, nationwide Activate America® program, Activate Boulder County offers a particular focus on the emotional health of our community's young people.

Established in April 2005, Activate Boulder County has created "Refueling Stations" to serve middle schoolers throughout Boulder Valley. These stations include tutoring, music, dance, arts, sports activities, leadership challenges, computer facilities and service learning activities.

In addition to Refueling Stations, we've created the Youth Empowerment Project. This Project selects students from 10 local schools to participate in risk-behavior reduction training. These students then return to their schools to educate their peers about risky behavior and how it can negatively affect one's health.