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… Read more »
Posts By: Teagan Papke
AXL Academy 8th Graders Turn Cheley Outpost into Classroom Under the Stars
From Gaga Ball to Topographic Maps: A Fall Adventure in Colorado’s Tahosa Valley. Written by CI Field Instructor Caroline Paul. Aurora’s 8th grade CAP class from AXL Academy had a “gagaful” time on their overnight camping trip at Cheley Outpost in Allenspark. Nestled in the Tahosa Valley, Cheley Outpost offers breathtaking views, a gaga ball… Read more »
Alumni Spotlight: From Student to Leader, Jesse’s Journey with Cottonwood Institute
See how one student’s passion for the outdoors and community blossomed into a leadership role, inspiring others and shaping our organization. Written by Associate Director & Senior Instructor Chelsea Tossing. One of our students, Jesse, first joined our school-based CAP Class as a freshman in high school during COVID. Even online, it was obvious how… Read more »
Lincoln Hills Cares: Roaring Adventure and Lasting Impact
Growth, Discovery, and Community on the Colorado River. Written by CI Field Instructor Eeland Stribling. For the second year in a row, we had the pleasure of taking a group of students from Lincoln Hills Cares on an unforgettable adventure. While last year’s trip was fantastic, this year managed to top it in so many… Read more »
Exploring the Outdoors: Our First Adventure with Longmont Youth Center
Summer fun and learning: a new partnership begins. Written by CI Instructor Erin Angel. During the dog days of summer, Cottonwood Institute embarked on an exciting new venture: our first-ever trip with the Longmont Youth Center. This adventure was the perfect blend of learning, fun, and exploration, setting the stage for what we hope will… Read more »
DMLK Explorers: From Classroom to Campground
Discovering Nature, Building Community, and Making Memories. Written by Assistant Instructor Sasha Trask. Day 1 – Get-to-know-you and basic skills! We started off our first day of the Explore Outside program at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College (DMLK). After a cool, cloudy morning of games, we headed off to Barr Lake State Park…. Read more »
RiseUp Makes a Splash! A Week of Rafting, Reflection, and Recharging in the Colorado Mountains
From Fish Hatcheries to Fierce Rapids, RiseUp Community High School Students Navigate Nature and Themselves in Leadville. Written by CI Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt. A small group of RiseUp Community High School students spent a wonderful week with Cottonwood Institute, learning about watersheds, getting to know each other better, and experiencing nature’s joys in the… Read more »
Bullsnakes, Bonfires, and Baby Salamanders: AXL Academy 8th Grade CAP Students Say Farewell with Epic Camping Trip!
AXL Academy 8th Graders Explore, Learn, and Make Memories on Unforgettable Adventure. Written by CI Field Instructor Caroline Paul. That’s a wrap on another great year of Community Adventure Program (CAP) Class at Aurora’s Expeditionary Learning Academy (AXL)! The 8th graders took their final camping trip before their big high school graduation, which was certainly… Read more »
Chilly Nights, Campfire Delights: AXL Academy 7th Grade’s Outdoor Adventure!
From tent-building challenges to catching their own dinner, these 7th graders embraced the beauty (and briskness!) of Camp Patiya. Written by CI Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt AXL Academy 7th Graders had a chilly yet beautiful overnight trip to Camp Patiya outside of Boulder, Colorado. Expecting strong winds and potential precipitation, we were pleasantly surprised by… Read more »
Angevine Middle School Braves the Chill: Cal-Wood Adventure Heats Up Despite Campout Switch
No Tents, No Problem! Angevine Middle School Makes Memories on Action-Packed Day Trips. Written by CI Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt Last month, Angevine Middle School students were disappointed to hear that their overnight trip had been switched to two day trips due to excessively cold weather predicted for the night of their May campout. However,… Read more »