The Continental Divide Trail Alliance and Coleman Team Up To Show Volunteering Can Be a Family Adventure

Pine, Colo. – The Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) and The Coleman Company, Inc. are launching a new family-based component to the successful CDTA volunteer program. The CDTA Family Volunteer Adventures program, funded by Coleman, provides a wonderful opportunity for families to have fun together in support of a great cause.

Stretching from Canada to Mexico along the backbone of America, the 3,100 mile-long Continental Divide National Scenic Trail will be the most significant trail system in the world when complete. Building the Trail mile-by-mile, CDTA volunteers have made enormous progress, but much work remains to be done.

With this new program, the CDTA is creating its first trail-building volunteer program specifically for families with children 10 years of age and older. The CDTA Family Volunteer Adventures program encourages children to learn the value of outdoor recreation and volunteerism as they explore and help to build and improve the Continental Divide Trail. Families will experience a unique environmental education opportunity, specific to the area in which they are working. Participants will also learn about teamwork, Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, trail safety and construction techniques, and how they can make a difference out on the Trail.

“CDTA Family Volunteer Adventures provides a great way to get the whole family involved with the ‘King or Trails,’” said CDTA Director of Volunteer Programs Susan Westhoff. “Your family can help us to complete this national treasure. Be a part of history with your children and create a legacy that will be there for their children.”

CDTA Family Volunteer Adventures projects will range from two to five days in duration. Families will camp in vehicle-accessible campgrounds near the project site. Projects involve moderate hiking and physically challenging work activities such as digging and lifting for adults, trail clean-up and lighter construction for kids.

“CDTA Family Volunteer Adventures represents another way Coleman is working to get kids outside and recreating,” said Gary A. Kiedaisch, Coleman’s President and CEO. “A completed CDT will make the outdoors accessible to more people and will encourage a variety of recreation opportunities.

“This program also helps to further Coleman’s mission to get more people involved with stewardship of our public lands and teaches young people to enjoy and protect it for future generations.”

This year, CDTA Family Volunteer Adventures projects will be held in New Mexico on April 27-29, in Colorado on June 9-10, and in Montana on July 7-11. Additional projects are planned for next year.

For more information on this program, or to learn about other ways to get involved with the Trail, please call (888) 909-CDTA or email volunteer@cdtrail.org .

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The Continental Divide Trail was established by Congress as a National Scenic Trail in 1978. When complete, the “King of Trails” will be the most significant trail system in the world. Stretching 3,100 miles along the backbone of America from Canada to Mexico, it accesses some of the most wild and scenic places left in the world while conserving the environment and promoting personal well being.

Since 1995, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance has played a central role toward the completion, management and protection of the Trail and it is the voice for unity in the diverse story of the Trail.

For more information about the Continental Divide Trail, call (303) 838-3760 or toll-free 1-888-909-CDTA (2382). Or visit www.cdtrail.org .

About Coleman

The Coleman Company, Inc. is an international leader in the innovation and marketing of outdoor products, including its legendary lanterns, as well as stoves, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, coolers, furniture and grills. Its products are sold and used all over the world. Coleman embraces its leadership role as an advocate for the outdoors, contributing to outdoor causes and inspiring people to get outside. Founded in 1900 and based in Wichita, Kan., Coleman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation, and can be found online at www.coleman.com . Consumers can contact Coleman by phone at 800-835-3278 or by e-mail at consumerservice@coleman.com .

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