After an exciting week of greenhouse building and participating in the climate march, New Vista High School’s CAP class completed their second outdoor trip of the semester with a backpacking excursion near Allenspark, CO. The group participated in a service project with City of Boulder assisting with some landscaping and grounds maintenance at Wonderland Lake Park. While at the park, the group saw at least one New Vista teacher and a couple of New Vista students; the park is a frequent outdoor hangout for Boulder residents and CAP students were happy to be helping in their community.

The group arrived at the mountain midday and spent some time hiking and enjoying a sit spot meditation in the changing colors of the aspen grove that is on way up to the campsite. Everyone participated in camp set up and enjoyed evening activities including climbing to an overlook for the sunset and participating in campfire games. On day two, the group explored the lake in the morning, had breakfast, and took down camp. Due to wind, CAP students and instructors agreed to leave the mountain early and enjoy some games and the fall weather at Bohn Park in Lyons. Students played games in the grass and even got to see an otter while skipping rocks in the river at the park!

CAP returns to class this week and moves toward completing their final projects, constructing reusable produce bags, finishing the greenhouse, and leading environmental awareness programming for local elementary students!

Written by Cottonwood Institute Instructor Keiran Bissell

See more photos from the trip here!