Sticks and Stones Youth Camps

I am in the process of starting a non-profit for the State College, PA area that is called ‘Sticks and Stones Youth Mountain Biking Development’.  It is aimed at getting the youth of our area outdoors in an authentic experience, but also aimed at underlying aspects of mentoring, civics, and collaboration.  My overall hope is to bridge toward at-risk youth, impoverished youth, as well as integrate aspects of combating obesity as an epidemic for youth in our community / society. 

As you know, I am a teacher at the State College Area High school (just finished my 16th year) and these Summer camps seem like a natural fit for my ‘off time’.  I am a co-advisor of a mentoring group at the HS (that works with the middle school) and I see many kids that are in need of each of the above mentioned categories and attempts.  I have 5 camps this Summer … geared at ages 10-12 year olds, and separately 6-8 year olds.  My overall hope is to generate camps throughout the school year, and possibly extend into Kayaking camps, and X-country skiing camps.  In my research and discussions, I am quickly finding that starting up a non-profit takes some time,  and can only be sustained with the support of our community.  There is a lot of interest locally from businesses and parents for an ‘organization’ like this.  I am hoping to create an authentic outdoor experience for the youth of the area that can only be extended (and made better) by equipment and supplies for the camp.  I have started an LLC under the name 'Sticks and Stones' and within the next few years hope to be running as my own non-profit.  In order to create the support within our community I feel that 'start up' funds are needed to garner that support by being up and running in at least at a minimal level so they can see the positive impacts first hand.

The 'start up' funds will help pay for initial insurance, registration and processing fees toward a non-profit, but most important start funding scholarships for attendees as well as needed equipment to truly enhance the experience. Here is a list of things we would love to have based in these funds:
-       helmets
-       gloves
-       GoPros
-       Bikes  
-       Tents
-       Shirts (logo based)
-       Trailer  (for equipment)
-       camelbacks
-       tools / repair
-       bike stand (repair)

Thank you for any support you can offer!

 Here is my facebook page link to take a closer look ...
https://www.facebook.com/356413054554543/photos/a.356413174554531.1073741825.356413054554543/356413181221197/?type=1&theater