From fire-building contests to fishing expeditions, these students embraced the wonders of the
great outdoors at Cheley. – Written by Eeland Stribling, Cottonwood Institute Field Instructor

Under the vast Colorado sky, a group of excited 7th grade students recently embarked on an unforgettable overnight adventure at Cheley. As the crisp mountain air filled their lungs, these young explorers dove headfirst into a world of outdoor skills, team-building challenges, and nature appreciation.

The journey began with a hike to our campsite, where students quickly learned the importance of proper site setup. Working together, they transformed an empty clearing into a cozy home away from home, carefully positioning tents to shield against wind and potential rain. This hands-on lesson in outdoor living set the tone for a trip filled with practical skills and memorable experiences.

As the day progressed, students rotated through a variety of engaging activities. They tried their hands at traditional skills like fire building and whittling, connecting them to age-old practices. Wildlife tracking and plant identification walks opened their eyes to the rich ecosystem surrounding them. Even hiked to an old abandoned forest service building, that they thought was haunted! The air was filled with laughter and excited chatter as students discovered hidden talents and overcame new challenges.

As night fell, the group gathered around a crackling campfire, the flames casting a warm glow on smiling faces. Before s’mores, students reflected on their favorite moments from the day, from mastering fire-starting techniques to spotting bobcat tracks on their nature walks. The evening culminated in a night sit spot under a canopy of stars, where the vastness of the night sky left many in awe. Most students saw a lot of shooting stars.

The adventure continued the next day with a fishing expedition at Lake Estes. For many, it was their first time casting a line, and the excitement was palpable. Shouts of joy echoed across the water as students reeled in their bait, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As an unexpected bonus, some adventurous souls even discovered and observed crayfish in the shallows, adding an element of spontaneous exploration to the day.

Throughout the trip, students not only learned practical outdoor skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for nature and their place within it. They returned home with new confidence, stronger friendships, and a spark of adventure in their eyes. This Cheley camping trip proved that getting into nature is the best fun, especially under open skies and among towering trees.