AXL student learning archery

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Archery, Animals, and AXL at Barr Lake

AXL students learn archery, practice animal tracking, and enjoy the snow on their recent field day at Barr Lake. Written by Field Instructor Piper Triggs. Escrito en español más abajo. The setting: Barr Lake State Park, on a classically cold and sunny Colorado day, with fresh snow thick on the ground. The mission: learning animal… Read more »

Whitney Thompson

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Introducing Whitney Thompson, CI’s Mental Health Advisor

Cottonwood Institute is thrilled to introduce our new Youth Mental Health Advisor, Whitney Thompson. As Cottonwood grows, we increasingly realize the importance of having a robust mental health support system for our students as well as excellent training programs for instructors heading into the field. Whitney will be a resource for Cottonwood to better serve… Read more »

The Angevine Middle School CAP class

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United Legion of Flamingo Ninjas Takes on Betasso

See more photos here! If your student enjoyed this program, please considering making a donation to Cottonwood so we can continue to work with Angevine students. Can flamingos handle the cold, windy mountains? They can when they are Flamingo Ninjas! The students of Angevine Middle School CAP class (aka the United Legion of Flamingo Ninjas)… Read more »

Changemakers at their Wilderness First Aid clinic

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Need first aid? Call a Changemaker!

You’re out on a day hike with a friend when you come up on someone sitting on the side of the trail; at first glance, you can tell they might be in trouble. If you spend time outdoors, chances are that you might have had this encounter or something similar– do you know what to… Read more »

Woods Boss invite

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Ford on the Craft Beer Travel & Adventure Pod

Cottonwood Institute Founder and Executive Director Ford Church recently joined April and Ken Pishna on the Living A Stout Life Craft Beer Travel and Adventure podcast! April is a former Cottonwood instructor and Program Director. She and Ken are living their dream traveling the country, sampling craft breweries, and mountain biking. Read a repost from… Read more »

Winter training with Global Emergency Medics. Two instructors treat a patient.

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Winter Skills Training with Global Emergency Medics

From planning our trips to managing risks in the field, keeping students safe on Cottonwood Institute programs is our number one priority. Whether we’re taking kids on a remote 4-day backpacking trip in Dinosaur National Monument or a 0-degree windchill field day to Barr Lake State Park, instructors have to be ready for anything. That’s… Read more »

A Centaurus high school student sets up a tent in the school yard

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Should you drink tap or bottled water?

Written by CAP Instructor Erin Angel. Escrito en español más abajo. The students in the Centaurus High School Fall 2022 CAP class are a very diverse group. About ¾ of the students are newcomers to the United States, bringing with them rich and varied experiences. As we studied water in Colorado, we took some time… Read more »

Angevine students learning from Angie at Calwood.

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Angevine students create emergency go bags

February 2023 Update: Angevine CAP student Margot dropped off the go bags to Sister Carmen Community Center, an organization that provides basic needs and help to residents of East Boulder County. There were about 40 bags in all, with essential materials like headlamps, first aid kits, phone chargers, and canned food. Great going, team! Written… Read more »

A group of Changemakers pose in fall colors while planting willows

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Changemakers plant willows in the Cameron Peak burn area

Changemakers planted willows with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers in an area that had been affected by the Cameron Peak wildfire. Written by CAP Instructor Erin Angel. Escrito en español más abajo.  Changemakers began our first overnight of the 2022-23 season with service to the environment. We joined Wildlands Restoration Volunteers in replanting willows in an area… Read more »

Whitney with family

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Board Spotlight: Whitney Bell Haggard

Continuing with Cottonwood Institute’s new board member introductions, we’d like to introduce Whitney Bell Haggard, who joined the Board of Directors this fall. Learn more about Whitney below, and read our other staff and board profiles here. How did you find Cottonwood Institute and what inspired you to join the board? I first learned about… Read more »