Forging Youth Resilience

In light of the recent events that have impacted our community, we must focus on how to best support our youth athletes through challenging times. One helpful concept to use when checking in with our athletes is the "Window of Tolerance." 🪟 The Window of Tolerance represents the zone in which individuals can function most effectively. Within this window, our athletes can process their emotions, think clearly, and healthily engage with their surroundings. However, traumatic events can push them out of this window, leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or even shutting down. 😓 As coaches, we play a vital role in helping our athletes stay within their window of tolerance. Here are some ways we can do this: 🤍 Check in and create a safe space - Make time to check in with your athletes. Encourage open communication and let your athletes know that it's okay to express how they're feeling. Acknowledge their emotions and reassure them that they're not alone. 🤍 Be mindful of triggers - Pay attention to signs that an athlete might be moving outside their window of tolerance, such as changes in behavior, increased irritability, or withdrawal. Use calming techniques like deep breathing or grounding exercises to help bring them back into their window. 🤍 Encourage healthy outlets - Physical activity, creative expression, and mindfulness practices can all help athletes positively manage their stress and emotions. Let's continue to support each other and our athletes as we navigate this together. By understanding and applying the concept of the Window of Tolerance, we can help our youth build resilience and find balance during this difficult time. Thank you for your supporting our athletes! 🫶 #ForgingYouthResilience

"I have seen first hand the impact that FYR has made on our community of kids. I am so grateful to run for this program!" - Eraina Eraina will be running the @chicagohalf this September in support of Forging Youth Resilience!⁠ She has already raised $514 of her $500 fundraising goal! ⁠ #ChiHalf #CharityPartner

"I plan to become the best version of myself I can possibly be whether that's physically, mentally, or emotionally. I plan to change these goals bye constantly pursuing things that are right for me." #ForgingYouthResilience

“I am humble enough to ask for help when I need it, I am patient whenever something I'm working on doesn't go my way.” #ForgingYouthResilience

"I've also have gotten a stronger mentally. To do things out of my comfort zone, keep going when it hurts, and to never back down from a challenge. These things don't only apply in the gym but also in a real life as well." #ForgingYouthResilience

Coach Taylor is a Lieutenant in the fire service, EMT, Counselor, Coach and Founder of FYR Mindset Reps. She is an incredible role model for FYR youth and we're so grateful she is returning to Camp FYR! Q: Why do you support Forging Youth Resilience? A: Witnessing young people realize their potential is the most rewarding experience, and it all starts with providing the right opportunities. Q: Why are you volunteering your time to help at Camp FYR? A: Volunteering at FYR allows me to directly contribute to the physical and mental well-being of our youth, offering them opportunities they might not otherwise have. I am passionate about helping young people build confidence, independence, resilience, and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Seeing the transformative power of fitness, mindset, and mentorship firsthand is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue making a difference. I believe that every young person deserves a chance to succeed, and FYR provides the perfect platform to support them in achieving their goals. By volunteering, I get to be part of a community that is dedicated to creating positive change and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Q: What are your aspirations for the future, both near-term and long-term? A: My goals are to expand our mental health program and reach more teens and youth in the community. Q: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why? A: If I had a superhero power, it would be the ability to inspire and empower others with a single touch. This power would instantly boost the confidence and motivation of the youth I work with, helping them realize their full potential. It would create a ripple effect, as empowered individuals often uplift others. This ability aligns perfectly with my passion for helping young people grow, gain independence, and become leaders. #MeetTheCoaches #CampFYR

We're stoked to have Coach Amanda join us for her first summer at Camp FYR! Q: Why do you support Forging Youth Resilience? A: I believe in the power of health and mindset to change the lives of generations. I'm volunteering at Camp FYR to learn, to teach, and to surround myself with a tribe of like-minded individuals. Q: What are your aspirations for the future, both near-term and long-term? A: My short-term goals are to rebalance my life to focus on my health and family and to spend more time with like-minded individuals who push and encourage me. I plan to achieve these goals by engaging in activities like Camp FYR! Q: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why? A: The ability to fly because I find peace in the sky, the sunset, and the horizon. #MeetTheCoaches #CampFYR

Coach Jeff is a seasoned volunteer whose decade-long commitment to FYR Mindset Reps in Northern Colorado has made a lasting impact on many young lives. His dedication to instilling healthy lifestyle habits and challenging youth to push their limits embodies the spirit of Camp FYR. Q: Why are you volunteering your time to help at Camp FYR? A: I volunteered at Camp last summer for the first time and experienced what a special week it is for all the attendees. The combination of community, counseling, the Colorado mountains, and physical activities challenges all the youth to try new things, even if they are scary, and to open up and be vulnerable with each other and the staff and volunteers. The growth in the youth during that week was amazing to be part of. Q: What are your aspirations for the future, both near-term and long-term? A: I am close to full retirement. My plan is to retire in the next 4 years, which will give me more time to volunteer with organizations like FYR. Q: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why? A: I would like to have the power to heal physical and emotional pain and suffering for others. There are too many people who have too many scars, injuries, and past traumas that keep them from being the best versions of themselves. #MeetTheCoaches #CampFYR

"And now I want to share our experience with other teens and families!" 💪 #ForgingYouthResilience #FamilyFitness"

Coach Jeanette is no stranger to Camp FYR! She says, "The other times I have been to camp, it's been one of the most enriching experiences of my life." Coach Jeanette is a Co-response Clinician (LPC, ADDC) and longtime volunteer at FYR Mindset Reps! Q: Why do you support FYR?⁠ A: Every youth deserves to have an adult role model in their life that hears them, sees them, and builds them up. ⁠ Q: What are some things you want to achieve in the near future and in the long term? How do you plan to make these goals happen?⁠ A: I want to continue expanding our Local Club, recruit more amazing staff and athletes, and find ways to raise funds. Hopefully, we can find a facility to base out of and do FYR Mindset Reps full-time. Q: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?⁠ A: To fly, because then I'd never have to drive and burn fuel, protecting the planet. I could see things from a new perspective, go anywhere, even places that are usually inaccessible. It would be amazing overall. Imagine taking yourself for a fly when you're feeling stressed to just escape and feel the wind on your face. ⁠ #MeetTheCoaches #CampFYR