2022 Summer in Review from Program Director, Sophie Fabrizio

Hello, Telluride Academy Family!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for another incredible season with TA. Summer 2022 holds a very special place in my heart- it was the most “normal” the world has felt since the pandemic took over our lives a few years ago. Our students were grateful to be adventuring with friends, our parents were relieved to see their children having FUN and our staff were energized, excited and enthusiastic.  As an organization, we are thrilled about the product we were able to offer and are looking forward to continuing on this path. As I reflect on this past year’s escapades, here are some highlights I’d like to share with you all…

The Numbers

Telluride Academy ran 112 programs and filled 1,295 program spots with 712 students. We partnered with over 35 organizations, 8 private landowners and 7 federal and state land agencies to enhance programming. We employed 52 seasonal staff and helped secure or subsidize housing for over 20 of them. Many of our instructors have committed to returning for summer 2023. We hope you’re excited to see some familiar faces… we sure are!

The Mission

With your support, Telluride Academy gave away $240,000 in tuition assistance to over 240 students from the Telluride region.  Our Tuition Assistance program ensures that any student who wants to come to Telluride Academy can participate in our diverse program offerings.

For the first time, we partnered with the Wright Stuff Community Foundation to fill 2 subsidized programs for students from the west end. This program was based out of Norwood, allowing working parents the convenience of dropping off and picking up their children closer to home. We supported 24 students through this joint effort, and are looking forward to offering this opportunity again in 2023.

In addition to supporting west end students, we also brought 2 students in from Change Summer, a New York-based, non-profit organization that works to provide under-resourced students with enriching summer experiences. These students participated in our San Juan Survivor program, which involved two weeks of wilderness immersion including a five day/four night backpacking excursion from the Lizard Head Wilderness to Silverton. Next summer, we are working with Change Summer, KIPP Public Charter Schools and other regional organizations to support 12 students!

The Future

As COVID restrictions quell and the world continues to feel more “normal,” we are excited to bring back some traditional Academy programs that have been on hiatus since 2019. In 2023, we are traveling to … drumroll please … PANAMA! That’s right- international programming is finally back at Telluride Academy and we are over the moon to be stepping foot onto a plane again. We’re hoping to launch registration for this program in the coming weeks- so keep an eye out for this exciting teen opportunity!

We are also launching a new partnership with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) to send our veteran Academy students on a two-week backpacking expedition to ALASKA! Any student who has participated in a “Travel Program” with Telluride Academy in the past is eligible to attend. Students who participate in the NOLS program will be working with internationally- recognized outdoor educators to gain a wealth of knowledge about backcountry ethics, wilderness safety, navigation, first aid, solo travel and more.

Thank you again for your consistent support of our organization. There are no words to truly describe the Telluride Academy community, but if I had to pick one, it would be “family.” I’m looking forward to many more years of providing your children with fun, safe and engaging summer programs! See you in 178 days!

Sincerely,

Sophie Fabrizio
Program Director
Telluride Academy