At-Risk Youth and Local Police Officers Ice Skate & Reconnect at Camp POSTCARD Reunion Sponsored by Niagara Cares

DENVER— Volunteers of America hosted more than 200 at-risk youth, law enforcement personnel and Niagara Bottling employees at a Camp POSTCARD reunion at the Big Bear Ice Arena in Denver on Saturday, Dec. 7. Camp POSTCARD is a week-long VOA Colorado summer camp that establishes positive bonds between at-risk youth and their adult counselors who are police officers or individuals who work in the criminal justice field. The holiday ice skating reunion creates an ongoing community where campers feel safe, connected and supported by the law enforcement community. Camp POSTCARD and the reunion is funded through a grant provided by Niagara Cares, the philanthropic division of Niagara Bottling which has a plant in Aurora, Colo.

The camp reunion was filled with food and activities such as a photo booth, holiday card making, cookie decorating and ice skating — while building lasting relationships between at-risk youth and law enforcement. 

Camp POSTCARD is a free, week-long camp in Estes Park, Colo. Throughout the week, a variety of team-building activities and events help the campers build self-esteem, leadership and decision-making skills. The campers enjoy archery, horseback riding, arts and crafts, hiking and toasting s’mores. During graduation, counselors reveal they are police officers — the campers are always shocked and surprised. It is the program’s goal to continue the relationships formed between campers and members of law enforcement through reunions.

Niagara Cares awarded Volunteers of America Colorado a $105,000 grant that has allowed Camp POSTCARD to expand into two week-long sessions — adding space for even more campers to attend. Niagara Cares also funded the Dec. 7 reunion at Big Bear Arena for officers, Niagara employees and family members to enjoy food, activities and ice skating while building lasting relationships from Camp POSTCARD.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including the frail elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals, women in need, and veterans and their families. For more information about Volunteers of America in the Denver area, visit voacolorado.org.

About Niagara Cares

Niagara Cares, a philanthropic program of Niagara Bottling, is committed to supporting local and national community initiatives serving children and families in need by engaging stakeholders and investing its resources. Niagara Cares efforts include national strategic partnerships, local community grants, employee engagement, volunteerism, and the Andrew D. Peykoff Sr. Scholarship Program.