Backpack Bash Returns August 1

Annual event expected to welcome 3,000 attendees, distribute approximately 2,500 backpacks, and feature nearly 40 community organizations

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. 

Families from across the Pikes Peak region are invited to kick off the new school year at Backpack Bash 2026, a free celebration that brings together dozens of local organizations to support students and families as they prepare for the year ahead.

What: Backpack Bash 2026

When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Where: Mitchell High School
1205 Potter Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Who: Approximately 3,000 attendees, nearly 40 organizations, and approximately 2,500 backpacks for preregistered students

Hosted by the Backpack Bash Coalition, the event has grown into one of Colorado Springs' largest back-to-school celebrations, bringing together schools, nonprofits, churches, businesses, and volunteers in support of local students and families.

The coalition is a collaborative effort of local schools, faith communities, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations committed to helping every student begin the school year feeling supported. Together, they create a welcoming space where families can discover programs, services, and opportunities that extend well beyond the first day of school.

Approximately 2,500 preregistered students will receive free backpacks during the event while families enjoy games, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with organizations offering programs and services that strengthen children and families.

"This annual event exemplifies the collective spirit of D11 and reflects Mitchell High School’s vision of uniting our southeast community through trust, partnership, and shared investment in student success. By bringing people together in support of a common purpose, it reinforces our commitment to providing a first-class educational experience and ensuring that every student and family benefits from the strength of a connected and caring community." 

Event Highlights

• Approximately 2,500 free backpacks for preregistered students

• Nearly 40 organizations offering resources and services for families

• Family-friendly games, activities, and entertainment

• Opportunities to connect with programs and services that support students throughout the school year

Media Opportunities

Members of the media are invited to attend Backpack Bash. Visual opportunities include backpack distribution, family activities, volunteer engagement, and interactions between community partners and local families. Event organizers, participating organizations, volunteers, and attendees will be available for interviews throughout the morning.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Space Base Delta 1 invites members of the media to attend the official Change of Command Ceremony on July 28 at 10 a.m. during which U.S. Space Force Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock will relinquish command to Col. Charles J. Cooper.

The change of command is a time-honored military tradition that represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the unit's guidon in front of the formation ensures the unit and its Guardians and Airmen are never without official leadership.

Klock has commanded SBD 1 since 2024, where his exceptional leadership provided pivotal direction to over 3,700 warfighters across seven installations, executing critical base operations support for 18,400 joint and allied personnel, resulting in the base being named the U.S. Space Force winner for the 2026 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. In support of advancing future force development, he rapidly restructured base operations to enable 24-hour support for the United States Space Force’s first-ever Officer Training Course. Klock leaves SBD 1 to become chief of staff at Combat Forces Command.

Cooper arrives at SBD 1 from Combat Forces Command where he served as the chief of staff, bringing a wealth of experience in space operations and leadership. As the new commander, Cooper will be responsible for overseeing comprehensive installation support for Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, the Maui Space Surveillance Complex and 23 geographically separated units around the globe.

Cooper will be available for interviews at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Space Base Delta 1 delivers world-class weapon-system infrastructure and combat support that enables the Space Force, Joint Partners, and Allies to execute global multi-domain and homeland defense operations.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil Please identify specific names, emails, and contact numbers for media professionals who plan to attend no later than 2 p.m. MST on July 24.

Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than 9 a.m. on the date of the event. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

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• Connor Beaudoin, Principal, Sierra High School
• Marissa Donjuan and Logan Arviso, Sierra High School students
• Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, Superintendent, Harrison School District 2