This spring the Linwood YMCA, in conjunction with nearby KCPS elementary and high schools, hosted a Youth Ambassadors program delivered by staff from our Youth Education team. The program lasted 10 weeks and focused on providing participants with the knowledge, tools and practice to become active transportation advocates.
The students ranged in age from fourth grade to high school seniors and engaged in group activities such as a walkability study around Indiana Avenue and Linwood Boulevard to evaluate the state of the built environment in relation to favorable walking conditions. Students also learned route mapping using Google maps, reviewed road cycling safety, practiced basic bike handling skills, hazard maneuvers and routine bicycle maintenance and care.
The Youth Ambassadors took their new skills and voted on a way to give back to their community. On May 12th, the Linwood YMCA Youth Ambassadors will donate several youth bikes to the pre-school room at the YMCA to encourage an early start to an active lifestyle.
In addition, our second Youth Ambassadors program at East High School in KCMO is off to an amazing start. This version of the program is actually a hybrid, combining the Youth Ambassadors format with our successful BLAST and Earn-a-Bike Programs. Check out those students on their first group ride below:
Programs like this would be impossible without your support. Click here to send us a financial donation or here to donate your bikes for our earn-a-bike programs.