Central Oregon Youth Running Camp
Tax deductible
NEW CAMP DATES August 22nd, 29th, and September 5th!
It is a volatile time in our communities right now and we needed to find a reason bigger than our times to make a lasting impact from this event. We want to help bridge gaps that have formed in our communities, but of course bringing people together from outside communities is difficult to do during a global pandemic.
So, we figured we should start with our own local diverse communities and bring together the youth that are going to be making a lasting difference in bridging racial and stereotype gaps in the Central Oregon area. With so many summer camps cancelled, schools out, and kids in need of something to do, this is the perfect time to start to bridge these communities together. We have a goal of putting on a week long daily running camp in here in Central Oregon.
The communities of Central Oregon are highly diverse but stay relatively separated by socio-economic divides. Mario, Max and Renee have found that one of the best tools in bridging these divides is through the sport of running. The sport of running starts to break down every barrier to entry other than a sense of hard work, self motivation, and determination. Anyone can run if they want to.
The sport of running is unique in that aspect. You can come from diverse backgrounds and be successful. We recognize, however, that even in our sport this is not always the case and we would like to create a sense of equality in our future generation of runners to be accepting of others and to celebrate that the sport has very different people participating in it.
This running camp needs funding so that we can bring these communities together. Each community in Central Oregon is very unique. Between Madras, Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, and Bend it covers the spectrum of diversity. Madras is made up of 1/3 Hispanic, 1/3 Native American, and 1/3 White. Warm Springs is an Indian Reservation also called Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The other cities, like Bend, are predominantly white, but all have strong runners. We've kept them segregated too long by not providing low cost options for our disadvantaged populations. Unfortunately this is byproduct of what it takes to put on a camp of this nature with food, lodging, insurance, transportation, etc.
We want to use this event to get this camp off the ground. Help us to fund this camp through our suffering. Consider donating a dollar per mile for Max, Mario, and Renee. Or, pick your favorite athlete and donate in their name. Or, make it a fun bet with some friends and bet on who will be closest to the current World Record.
Bringing these youth together from such different backgrounds is important to us because we believe it's unity that will make this country a better place. If we can celebrate the beauty in each culture and create relationships where we are all on the same team, our communities will have healthier environments.
We have found that suffering together not only grows us an individuals but builds a bond between people. In 2019 we had the honor of being part of a similar experience at Max King's Trail Running Camps (watch video below). The goal is to build upon what we learned, and bring this experience right here to our own community.
We want to make this camp completely free for every kid, and bring a 25 youth together from diverse backgrounds. We invite you to be a part of this dream that extends beyond just preparing kids for their upcoming seasons.
Approximate cost breakdown:
-transportation $1,500
-gear for kids $2,500
-meals (two a day) $4,500
-permits, fees, etc $500
-workshops $1,000
On Saturday, June 6th, 2020, Max King, Renee Metivier, and Mario Mendoza will be attempting treadmill world records, in conjunction with Chaski Challenge, as an effort to empower community during these difficult and tumultuous times.
Brief summary of each athlete:
Max King (Salomon) - Mountain Running World Champ and 2:14 marathoner
Renee Metivier (rabbitPRO) - 4 x National Champ and 2:27 marathoner
Mario Mendoza (Brooks) - 5 x National Champ and 3 x top 10 at Worlds
It is a volatile time in our communities right now and we needed to find a reason bigger than our times to make a lasting impact from this event. We want to help bridge gaps that have formed in our communities, but of course bringing people together from outside communities is difficult to do during a global pandemic.
So, we figured we should start with our own local diverse communities and bring together the youth that are going to be making a lasting difference in bridging racial and stereotype gaps in the Central Oregon area. With so many summer camps cancelled, schools out, and kids in need of something to do, this is the perfect time to start to bridge these communities together. We have a goal of putting on a week long daily running camp in here in Central Oregon.
The communities of Central Oregon are highly diverse but stay relatively separated by socio-economic divides. Mario, Max and Renee have found that one of the best tools in bridging these divides is through the sport of running. The sport of running starts to break down every barrier to entry other than a sense of hard work, self motivation, and determination. Anyone can run if they want to.
The sport of running is unique in that aspect. You can come from diverse backgrounds and be successful. We recognize, however, that even in our sport this is not always the case and we would like to create a sense of equality in our future generation of runners to be accepting of others and to celebrate that the sport has very different people participating in it.
This running camp needs funding so that we can bring these communities together. Each community in Central Oregon is very unique. Between Madras, Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, and Bend it covers the spectrum of diversity. Madras is made up of 1/3 Hispanic, 1/3 Native American, and 1/3 White. Warm Springs is an Indian Reservation also called Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The other cities, like Bend, are predominantly white, but all have strong runners. We've kept them segregated too long by not providing low cost options for our disadvantaged populations. Unfortunately this is byproduct of what it takes to put on a camp of this nature with food, lodging, insurance, transportation, etc.
We want to use this event to get this camp off the ground. Help us to fund this camp through our suffering. Consider donating a dollar per mile for Max, Mario, and Renee. Or, pick your favorite athlete and donate in their name. Or, make it a fun bet with some friends and bet on who will be closest to the current World Record.
Bringing these youth together from such different backgrounds is important to us because we believe it's unity that will make this country a better place. If we can celebrate the beauty in each culture and create relationships where we are all on the same team, our communities will have healthier environments.
We have found that suffering together not only grows us an individuals but builds a bond between people. In 2019 we had the honor of being part of a similar experience at Max King's Trail Running Camps (watch video below). The goal is to build upon what we learned, and bring this experience right here to our own community.
We want to make this camp completely free for every kid, and bring a 25 youth together from diverse backgrounds. We invite you to be a part of this dream that extends beyond just preparing kids for their upcoming seasons.
Approximate cost breakdown:
-transportation $1,500
-gear for kids $2,500
-meals (two a day) $4,500
-permits, fees, etc $500
-workshops $1,000
On Saturday, June 6th, 2020, Max King, Renee Metivier, and Mario Mendoza will be attempting treadmill world records, in conjunction with Chaski Challenge, as an effort to empower community during these difficult and tumultuous times.
Brief summary of each athlete:
Max King (Salomon) - Mountain Running World Champ and 2:14 marathoner
Renee Metivier (rabbitPRO) - 4 x National Champ and 2:27 marathoner
Mario Mendoza (Brooks) - 5 x National Champ and 3 x top 10 at Worlds
Fundraising team: Bend Banditos (5)
Mario Mendoza Jr.
Organizer
Madras, OR
Youth for Christ USA Inc (Central Oregon)
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
Max King
Team member
Renee Metivier
Team member
Jade Mendoza
Team member
Shontae Thomas
Team member
Begin your fundraising journey
