First high school resilience camp set for March Published Feb. 16, 2016 By Dave Smith 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Force Support Squadron is hosting the first ever Front Range High School Winter Resiliency Camp March 4-7 at Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center near Divide. The camp is for youth from Peterson, Schriever, Buckley Air Force Bases and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, Kirtland AFB in New Mexico and F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming. Camp participants will challenge themselves both physically and mentally through activities like team challenges, learning outdoor survival skills, and skiing and snow boarding. All dependent high school students of families with access to Peterson AFB are eligible to apply, including Air National Guard and Reserves who activated within the last 12 months. The camp is the first of its kind for the region, said Chett Kline, 21st Space Wing Airman and Family Readiness Flight chief. His group was selected to organize the regional event based on his experience in offering similar events during his time with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Geography and the excellent reputation of the Outdoor Recreation office also played into the selection of the 21st FFS being chosen. "The purpose is to develop high school students in several areas like leadership, communications, fitness and life skills," said Kline. The activities during the camp all are tailored to cultivate the main core Air Force youth development areas. Lt. Col. David Wilson, 21st FSS commander, said the camp is an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in leadership, resilience, winter sports and adventure programs. Activities like team building challenges and low rope courses foster leadership and communication, while snowboarding and skiing develop fitness. Life skills will develop through assisting in cleaning and organizing, cooking and learning first aid skills. "We may bring some tubes along in case they get bored with skiing," said Kline. There is an application process and they must be turned in by Feb. 19. Applications include some essay questions, Kline said. After applications are received they will be vetted for eligibility and whether they are complete before selections are made. There are slots for 30 campers total and they are divided among the locations. Peterson will send six campers to the event, but that number could go up. "For example if someplace cannot come for some reason then we will go to a waiting list," to choose more applicants said Kline. There is no cost for participants from Peterson, but other installations may have some fees related to travel. Applications can be found at: http://www.21fss.com/news/winter-resiliency-camp-for-af-high-school-students-2/ For more information contact Kline at (719) 556-4882.