What is Miracles On IceSM?
In 2001, Gary and Leslie Howard started a family foundation to help young adults of financial need and exceptional ability obtain an education by funding college scholarships to Colorado State University and The University of Denver.
In addition to funding numerous college scholarships, the Howards have combined their passion for education and athletics, specifically hockey, to establish the Miracles On Ice Hockey CampSM. The camp is produced in partnership with the DU Bridge Project and the University of Denver Division of Athletics and Recreation along with other participating sponsors.
The Miracles on Ice Hockey CampSM is a one week summer camp for 9-11 year-old inner city boys and girls aimed at teaching basic hockey skills while providing classroom sessions in Math and Reading. The children are supplied with equipment, transportation, and meals for the duration of the camp.
Miracles on IceSM is sponsored by the Gary and Leslie Howard Family Foundation along with Participating Partners. The camp teaches students the importance of maintaining a strong mind and healthy body, and encourages discipline, commitment, and team play by blending education with athletics in a positive environment for learning and growth.
Program Information
For one week each summer, 30 boys and girls ranging in age from nine to eleven, from three Denver housing projects sites, are picked up by 8:00 a.m. and returned to their respective sites by 5:30 p.m. Each day’s activities consists of two to three ice sessions, dry land training, math classes, reading classes, motivational speakers and team building exercises. Our head coach, John “Kibby” McKibbon, a professional coach with more than 20 years of experience at all ages and levels, leads the kids through hockey fundamentals, ice drills and intra-squad game scrimmages. All of these activities are designed to promote discipline, commitment and team play.
