Julie Childers

WETA Hometown Hero June 2007. Julie Childers is the executive director and a founding member of Trips for Kids Metro DC.

Watch online »

Julie Childers, executive director and founding member of Trips for Kids Metro DC (TFK), is the WETA Hometown Hero for June 2007.

WETA selected Childers for her commitment to sharing a love of cycling and nature with D.C. area youth.

Childers and her husband started TFK in 2002. Compelled to make a difference in the lives of D.C. area children, the couple combined their love of cycling and nature to start TFK. In addition to developing cycling skills and environmental awareness, the organization encourages participants to adopt healthy nutrition and exercise habits. TFK also aims to combat childhood obesity through their programs.

Over the past four years, Childers has coordinated and organized more than 100 nature bike rides for at-risk youth ages 8 to 18 years old. Participants in the rides learn the importance of respecting the environment and keeping the trails clean. Each ride provides several hours worth of physical activity. During planned rest stops, mentors discuss the connections between the environment, healthy living, conservation and the need for environmental stewardship.

More than 1,000 area youth have participated in TFK events held in the District, Prince Georges County in Maryland and Fairfax County in Virginia. The events are supported by Childers, her family, and more than 50 volunteers. The success of the rides led Childers to extend the reach of TFK in 2006 through the coordination of a children’s health festival. The event featured outdoor activities and showcased information about healthy lifestyles.

Go to website »