Healthy Archuleta is excited to share several opportunities this summer and fall that support children, youth, parents and families in Archuleta County.
Healthy Archuleta works to strengthen nutrition security, health equity and community cohesion. Currently, Healthy Archuleta is supporting the youth internship and Youth Community Learning and Leadership Circle, or Youth CLLC. Additionally, upcoming opportunities include the Kids in the Mountain Garden Education Program (KIMGE) and a child-parent relationship therapy (CPRT) program for caregivers.
Youth internship and Youth CLLC
Healthy Archuleta’s summer youth interns are gaining experience in community health, food systems, mental and behavioral health, prevention, leadership, and community engagement. Through partner visits, learning activities, community events and teamwork, they are exploring what helps make a community healthy.
The interns are developing a community leadership capstone that will share their observations, ideas and recommendations for Archuleta County. They will present it to the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners in August and later share it with peers, families, Healthy Archuleta staff and community members.
Interns are also helping support the Youth CLLC. This youth-led group gives young people a place to connect, plan activities, share ideas, build skills and work together on issues that matter to them. Youth interested in getting involved can visit foodcoalition4archuleta.org/youth-engagement.html and follow Healthy Archuleta on TikTok.
KIMGE
KIMGE is a hands-on experience connected to Vista Lake Community Garden. It gives children and families a chance to learn where food comes from, how gardens grow and how gardening can build confidence, healthy habits, practical skills and connection with neighbors.
Community gardens provide more than fresh food; they are places to learn, spend time outdoors and build relationships. KIMGE sessions will take place on Wednesdays in August from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Families are encouraged to learn more and register as soon as possible at foodcoalition4archuleta.org/kids-in-the-mountain-garden.html.
At least five participants must be confirmed for the program to move forward as planned.
CPRT
This fall, Healthy Archuleta plans to offer CPRT for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 10. CPRT is a supportive small-group program that helps caregivers strengthen connection, trust, communication and confidence with their child. It offers practical tools and encouragement.
The planned program includes 10 weekly, 90-minute sessions on Thursdays, Sept. 10 through Nov. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Pagosa Springs Middle School.
Dinner and child care will be provided. English-language sessions will be facilitated in person, while Spanish-language sessions are planned to be offered live by videoconference with a licensed mental health provider as families gather at the school.
Families interested and available for the full series are encouraged to complete the interest form at foodcoalition4archuleta.org/cprt.html.
The form does not commit families to participate, but it helps Healthy Archuleta confirm enough interest before finalizing the fall sessions.
Each English- or Spanish-language group will need at least five confirmed participants for the program to move forward during the planned September-November session.
For CPRT information, contact Healthy Archuleta at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com or (401) 206-4579.
Archuleta Health Fair and Expo
Healthy Archuleta also invites residents to register for the 2026 Archuleta Health Fair and Expo on Oct 24.
The event will connect community members with health resources, screenings, information and local support.
Learn more and register at foodcoalition4archuleta.org/archuleta-health-fair-and-expo.html.
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