Where First-Time Campers and Colorado Natives Unite for an Unforgettable Fall Overnight Adventure in Allenspark. Written by CI Field Instructor Caroline Paul.
Lafayette’s very own Centaurus High School (CHS) took their Fall CAP trip this last weekend to Cheley’s Outpost in Allenspark. The weather was beautiful, and with the Aspens at peak foliage, students were in for a real treat!
CAP class at CHS is a particularly special group of students because it is partnered with Boulder Valley School District’s Newcomer Program for students who are in their very first year living in the United States. Therefore, CHS’s CAP class is a blend of Colorado natives – some who have even taken CAP before – and students in the Newcomer Program. For most of these students, it was their very first time camping. Despite the language barriers, CAP students worked as a cohesive team to cook, camp, and hike together as one unified group.
Once students had their new homes for the night set up, they wandered up the hill for some quesadillas, gaga ball, and a hike. For many students, the hike was the highlight of their trip. They soaked in a quick lesson on topographic maps and took off! Up and up and up, students passed an old cabin, Cheley’s primitive campsite, and an Aspen grove before reaching the final rock outcropping and summit of the hike. Once at the top, students sat and soaked in the views. Some even took this as a “sit spot,” Cottonwood’s way of encouraging students to take a moment of solo reflection in nature.
By the time teens made it back down, it was time for dinner and a campfire. CAP instructor Erin Angel shared some homemade marshmallows and taught students how to use flint and steel strikers to start their fires. While roasting their S’mores, students got to know each other by helping one another learn Spanish and English. Right before bedtime, teens were able to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, turning the whole sky magenta!
Day two zoomed by with a quick visit and hike around Lily Lake near Estes Park. When asked what they would do when they got home, most teens answered, “Sleep!”. Most didn’t wait till they got home, however, and slept all the way back to school.
