Gear to Grow Support of CityWILD

About cityWILD
cityWILD is a non-profit organization that provides tuition-free, comprehensive experiential outdoor education programs for low-income urban youth (10 to18 years old) in northeast Denver. Founded in 1997, cityWILD’s mission is to encourage students to make healthy life decisions, allowing them to develop as role models and leaders in the community. The organization offers outdoor and environmental service learning opportunities that promote developmental themes of personal empowerment, leadership and community participation.

Gear to Grow and cityWILD
Gear to Grow and cityWILD have worked together since 2009. During their partnership, cityWILD has received multiple donations from Gear to Grow including day packs, boots, hats, climbing shoes and ski pants. Gear to Grow’s donations have provided cityWILD students with opportunities to comfortably explore the Colorado mountain region and allowed the program to redirect funds to support other initiatives.

“With the support from Gear to Grow, we now have quality equipment and apparel that will help provide the necessary tools for our students to feel more confident and empowered when exploring the outdoors.”
- Seth Winnerman, executive director, cityWILD

Student Testaments
Drew is a cityWILD student who was directly impacted by the growing support. She was able to move past the hardships at home, in school and with drugs by spending time with cityWILD staff. The staff was able to help her research schools and counselors as well as improve her communication skills to get on her feet. Through Gear to Grow’s support, Drew was able to get away from her troubles and attend a river-rafting trip last summer. Drew now attends school on a regular basis and still stays in touch with staff members. She is also proud to be back at her age-appropriate grade level in high school.

Richard is another cityWILD student influenced by Gear to Grow’s aid. Richard had a rough time controlling his behavior. After working with the staff he was able to set goals and execute the methods necessary to reach them. After some hard work, Richard achieved his goals and demonstrated them on a winter adventure using snowshoes and outerwear provided by Gear to Grow. “I’ve learned to control my temper and to set goals,” Richard said. “Setting goals lets you achieve things you didn’t know you could.”