What is The HYPE?
In the spring of 2020, our community suffered an unimaginable loss following the suicides of two high schoolers. Amid COVID-19 Stay at Home Orders, our community was reeling. Remember how important it was for you to see your friends when you were a teenager? Chatting with your friends in the hallways of school or exercising and having fun with your school team after class? Summit Teenagers lost all of these experiences and more when schools closed in March. While trying to understand the pain being experienced by the two teens who took their lives, many leaders in the community sought a way to make teenagers feel less isolated and so The HYPE was born.
The HYPE is an emergent Building Hope youth connection program providing free activities and events for Summit youth ages 12-20. These events are free and fun while providing connection and an opportunity to gain self-confidence and a stronger sense of self.
How has it helped our community?
Since the program began in May, over 90 attendees have enjoyed five events per month. Leveraging partnerships Building Hope has with organizations like Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center and BreckCreate, these events run the gamut of Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Lake Dillon, Rock Climbing on Swan Mountain, Ropes Course at BOEC, Expressive Art, and Yoga. Upcoming winter activities will continue with outdoor programs and indoor in-person programs as permitted.
“We want younger and older kids to know that they are not alone and that there are programs to go to to get help or talk to someone or just be together, like The HYPE. Having these events gives people a chance to see what our community is made of.”
Since 2020, Building Hope’s Youth Connection Program has impacted over 2000 youth at 173 HYPE Events.
We are grateful for your support to continue our impact on the community.
For more information on HYPE Events, please see the Events Calendar.
You can help by making a donation of any size or sponsoring an entire HYPE Event for just a $300 donation.
Donate Now to Save a Life and help us reach our goal of $40,000 in 40 days!