Our education efforts coordinate with local school systems, teachers, parents and students to increase understanding and appreciation of local history and culture, and how it relates to the long term sustainability of the region. We hope these efforts engage young people in leadership development and creating a deep understanding of history, community functions and needs.
Local history, local arts and local culture are not emphasized through any formal curriculum standards, and students often graduate without a full understanding or appreciation of the cultural significance that is unique to the San Luis Valley. Through curriculum, field trips and scholarship opportunities we hope help local youth not only understand their past and define their self-identify within the regions broader cultural context, but also to enrich their education by exploring ways in which they may personally contribute to the conservation of their communities and unique cultural traditions.
SdCNHA Youth Programs
The non-profit’s two youth programs include the SdCNHA Heritage Camp and the Caminos del Valle Youth Walking Tours, both are free programs used to educate local San Luis Valley youth on the history, heritage, culture, and traditions of the Heritage Area, which encompasses Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties.
Caminos del Valle-Youth Walking Tours
The Youth Walking Tours is a program for high school students. Students research three sites around the Heritage Area and then lead a supervised walking tour of the site for the general public. Students earn a stipend for their work, and are provided with a public speaking course, a CPR and First Aid course, and a self-defense course to prepare them to engage with the public.
Apply to be a Youth Walking Leader: 2024 – Youth Walking Tours Application
Applications Due: March 1, 2024
Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Heritage Camp
The Heritage Camp is a week-long camp held every summer in which middle and high school aged students visit historical and heritage sites within the three counties. Students are provided with meals, transportation around the southern half of the Valley, and interpretation by local historians and educators at each site they visit.
Apply to participate in the 2024 Heritage Camp: 2024–Heritage camp Application
Application Due: May 15, 2024