Kids standing in the snow

Connecting students to nature. Inspiring them to protect it.

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Inspiring the next generation of Changemakers

Since 2004, CI has engaged students in innovative programs that support confidence-building outdoor skill development, immersive environmental learning, and student-directed community action.

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CAP Class

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Multi-Day Environmental Programs

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Changemakers

Latest Blog Posts

April 17, 2025By Lori Powell

AXL Academy Fishing Adventure in the Freezing Cold

Fire-building Skills Proved Useful During a Chilly Spring Fishing Adventure. Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda. AXL Academy 8th graders in CAP class gathered on a frigid early Friday morning to head out on our fishing adventure. We…

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April 17, 2025By Lori Powell

Digging into Service Learning at Ollin Farms

Digging in the Dirt Allowed New Vista High School Students the Opportunity to Connect with the Earth and Each Other. Written by CI Field Instructor Kelsi Massengale. On a bright and sunny Friday morning, students from New Vista High School’s…

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April 17, 2025By Lori Powell

Base Camp Bash Recap: Cheers To 20 Years!

This year, Cottonwood Institute celebrated our 20th Base Camp Bash fundraising event, thus our theme: Cheers To 20 Years! On the evening of April 5th, 2025, our Cottonwood community gathered for a night of music, food, fundraising, and festivities at…

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Featured Campaign

Register Today For Our Ancestral Skills Gathering

Are you curious about the outdoor skills our ancestors used to survive for thousands of years? Join our Changemaker Alums for the 2nd Annual Ancestral Skills Gathering and practice friction fires, natural shelters, natural cordage and knot tying, basket weaving, and more. All are welcome! Click below for more information and Register For Free Today: Saturday, April 26th, 2025 from 10am-6pm at Ollin Farms: 8627 N 95th St. #7718, Longmont, CO 80504

Support Cottonwood Institute

Your support allows us to offer free programs that break down barriers to the outdoors. Help us connect students to nature and inspire them to protect it – make a tax-deductible donation to Cottonwood Institute today.

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