Last month, Gov. Bill Ritter declared March 20 to be Absolutely Incredible Kids Day in Colorado.

"Camp Fire USA's 'Absolutely Incredible Kid Day' is an effective tool to help young people develop into valued and productive members of our state," Gov. Ritter statedin signing a proclamation challenging Coloradoans, on that day, to write letters of encouragement to children - their own and others - describing why kids are "absolutely incredible."

Camp Fire USA for nearly a century has been providing fun and safe educational programs designed to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. In schools, summer camps and community clubs our goal is to empower children and youth to embrace the value of hard work, healthy choices and love and respect for self, others and community.

Each year in March, Camp Fire USA celebrates its signature event, "Absolutely Incredible Kid Day." Nationally, more than 500 million letters have been sent in the past 12 years! The Governor, who has made reducing Colorado's dropout rate by 50% a major agenda of his administration, continued, "Children are our most precious resource and our hope for the future. Camp Fire USA believes the same and is committed to reducing the dropout rate among Colorado students by offering fun and educational after-school programs encouraging hard work, healthy choices and respect for self, others and community. Those are three values each and every Coloradoan should aspire too."

Mark McIntosh, CEO of Camp Fire USA Central Rockies Council, says, "Research shows quality after-school programs like Camp Fire USA offers reduce dropout rates, risky behavior and RAISE test scores of participating students."

Writing a short letter. It's so easy, and so powerful! People interested in writing letters of encouragement can visit our Central Rockies website, www.campfirerockies.org, and click on the "Absolutely" link at the top. Then print our special "Absolutely" stationery, write the letter, mail it off and then celebrate your dedication to empowering our community's youth: 25% of our population, 100% of our future!