Knights of Heroes Foundation

Our mission

Knights of Heroes (KOH) provides outdoor adventure programs for Gold Star families at our camp in Colorado. Our programs aim to provide a community in which to share experiences and build relationships. We aim to empower children who have lost a parent in service to our Nation by providing positive adult mentorship, character development, and lasting friendships through outdoor adventure programs. We also strive to ensure that families with losses are not forgotten with the passage of time.

These programs are provided to families free of charge via the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

Steve Harrold, Knights of Heroes Founder

History

The Knights of Heroes Foundation was created in November 2007 by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Steve Harrold. He did so to commemorate the life of a friend and former pilot, Major Troy Lee "Trojan" Gilbert, who was killed during combat operations while flying his F-16 to protect ground troops being overrun by the enemy in the Al-Anbar Province, Iraq on November 27, 2006. At the time of his death, Major Gilbert was a husband and father of five children.

The first camp was held in June 2007 under the name "Modern Day Knights." Sixteen boys attended from Texas, Florida, Arizona and Colorado. The camp's enormous success led to the establishment of Knights of Heroes as a non-profit organization in November 2007. The Foundation has since grown every year, with more than 100 children attending at least one of several programs we now offer throughout the year.

In 2021, the Foundation elected to shift it's focus to the young adult population. Starting with the 2022 summer camp, the Foundation will no longer be accepting new families as the programming is redirected towards those over the age of 18. Children currently enrolled in the program will continue until they graduate.

The camp facility

In February of 2015, the Knights of Heroes Foundation purchased a 118-acre property on the western slope of Pikes Peak, Colorado. This is the new home of the Knights of Heroes Foundation.

Sustainability

Our campgrounds are almost completely powered by solar panels, and a combination of composting equipment, a self-sustaining septic system, and propane costs covered by our solar energy credits make overall upkeep environmentally-friendly and economical.

What to expect

You can expect friendly and authentic people, engaging and relevant conversations, and an opportunity to grow. You can expect to find a place where parents and children can come together to share experiences. You can expect to be encouraged, challenged, convicted, excited and, most importantly, welcomed.

Our Graduates

Based on the results of the koh 2019 graduate survey

Over the past 13 years, 72 campers have attended KOH and formally “graduated” from the program. All 72 of these graduates were contacted and asked to complete a survey. Of the 72 graduates contacted, 35 responded to the survey. The results are as follows.

Tax forms

Click "Tax Forms" to download our 2011 - 2019 tax returns.

Tax Exemption Forms

2019 W-9 Request for Taxpayer ID number & Certification

Articles of Incorporation

The Articles of Incorporation provide the legal basis for the Knights of Heroes Foundation.

Articles of incorporation, also referred to as the certificate of incorporation or the corporate charter, are a document or charter that establishes the existence of a corporation in the United States and Canada. They generally are filed with the Secretary of State in the U.S. State where the company is incorporated, or other company registrar.

IRS Non-Profit Determination

The Internal Revenue Service provides a 501 (c) (3) determination letter to nonprofit organizations that apply for tax-exempt status under that section of the federal tax codes. The determination letter lists the IRS ruling and the basis for its decision.

Board member documents

Long Range Strategic Plan 2015 - 2025

This document outlines the long-range (10-year) objectives, goals and vision of the Knights of Heroes Foundation. Updated in August of 2020.

Bylaws

This document provides a foundation for the Knights of Heroes Board of Directors.

Anti-Discrimination Statement

Tracy's story

koh makes an impact

This organization goes above and beyond. My son and daughter both have attended and benefitted from this camp. They offer mentorship and guidance for children who have lost a parent due to world conflict. They also encourage the campers to return after they age out to be junior mentors in order to keep the program moving forward. This program is all about giving back, finding purpose, and having a great appreciation people and their communities through service projects. It's about not taking things for granted and showing respect and appreciation. This is a superior lead and organized foundation.

Tracy

Abilene, Texas