(Denver, CO, January 29, 19) – When walking the floor of the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center (Jan. 30-Feb. 1), most visitors expect to find the latest and greatest in outdoor equipment from all of the country’s top vendors – and they will. But they will also find 20-year-old Madalyn English, who is there to talk about her love of the outdoors and how the John Austin Cheley Foundation made it possible for her to follow her passion for it into a life’s vocation.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today, as successful as I am today, or going down the path I am today, if weren’t for the John Austin Cheley Foundation (JACF),” proclaims English, a Denver resident, who is currently pursuing her certification as an EMT, on the way to achieving her Wilderness EMT.
Founded in the belief that summer camp helps youth build independence, self-confidence, and other life skills, JACF identifies motivated youth from underserved communities who are interested in attending residential summer camps and provides them with the tuition and other financial support to attend wilderness-based summer camps around the nation. Along with partner organizations, JACF also helps the campers and their families navigate the entire process, preparing them for a month away from home in remote and rustic settings.
“After my father passed away it was a really tough time for my family in many ways, especially financially. JACF made it possible for me to attend Colvig Silver Camps, where – while I was climbing mountains, rafting rivers and hiking in the wilderness – I discovered that I wanted to dedicate my life to introducing children to nature, focusing my energy on recreating the spark and passion I have for the outdoors in others,” English said.
“The Foundation not only provides the funding for as many years as a camper wants to attend camp, but also implements support throughout the year in order to ensure each campers’ success,” said Tim Lucas, JACF’s executive director who will also be in attendance at Snow Show. “Our goal is to see children grow into competent young adults who have the confidence to go out into the world and succeed – personally, professionally and as citizens of their communities; to see children start to imagine a future filled with ambition, opportunity, and accomplishment.”
Back to Madalyn. “I just thought it made perfect sense for people passionate about getting out into nature and companies who make the equipment for the outdoors to connect with JACF. Unfortunately, there are many families and kids in my position, who wouldn’t have the opportunity or means to facilitate spending time in nature without JACF. Every child should be able to go to camp, no matter his or her situation. It might inspire someone to follow their dreams and change the world – or it could just change them.”
For more information about JACF, visit their website at www.cheleyfoundation.org.
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