Support Clear Creek youth as Clint Hedges hikes the CT

My name is Clint Hedges. I retired from teaching high school two years ago. This summer, I am hiking the Colorado Trail to raise funds in support of the social-emotional needs of young people in Clear Creek County, approximately forty miles west of Denver on I-70. I have been a mid-distance runner most of my life, starting in 7th grade in Northeastern Colorado. My plan after teaching was to be a caregiver for elderly folks, which I have done and still am. My heart still desires to support the children and youth of Clear Creek in a variety of ways, including facilitating simple systems for their sake. With minimal support, these young people in the county deal with the normal challenges of being a child or adolescent. In addition, this small community experiences high, ongoing tourist traffic, as well as a high transient population and substance abuse.

About 500 people hike the CT each year. The trail begins in Waterton Canyon (outside of Littleton) and finishes 3.6 miles north of Durango. The total distance is 485 miles hiking on the east side of the Collegiate Peaks or 567 miles on the Collegiate West Trail. The split takes place about 7.5 miles from Twin Lakes in Lake County. There are 28 segments ranging from 9.8 to 32.9 miles. The elevation range on the trail is 5,500’ to 13,271’ with a total elevation gain of 89,000’. Originally, I planned to hike the full distance through; instead, I will do it in several outings this summer, completing it by mid-August.

Funds raised will be used to purchase and open a coffee shop in Idaho Springs called Upstream Coffee. Revenue flowing from the coffee shop will be used for outreach to Clear Creek County, addressing the needs of young people and the community. The menu will include milkshakes, cookies, pie, coffee, sandwiches, etc. The plan is to employ teenagers to serve beverages and food.

Examples of activities are: art projects (with a milkshake and a cookie) for elementary students, with teen leaders providing mentor-mentee relationship opportunities. Teen discussion groups will be open for any kind of questions to address issues and worldview perspectives/beliefs. Parenting classes are planned as well to support single- and double-parent families.

Of the $1.15M needed to purchase the building, remodel it to code, acquire necessary equipment, and begin free services and activities, 35% has been met from a large portion of my retirement.