Written by Cottonwood CAP Instructor at AXL Academy, Harmony Esqueda The CAP class at AXL Academy enjoyed a beautiful spring field day at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Students started off the day by checking out the visitor center. We found a plethora of fun facts and interactive educational material to see, read, and feel…. Read more »
Surrounded by the Autumnal aspens who were casting their golden beams of light upon us, New Vista’s CAP Class followed the long and winding road to Camp Cheley in Estes Park, a place we would call home for the next two days. After arriving, we oriented ourselves to this new space, wild and new to… Read more »
Get to know Lori Powell (she/her), our CAP Instructor at New Vista High School! With experience ranging from experiential education to play-based learning, Lori knows how to bring life to a classroom! Learn more about Lori below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you to become an environmental educator? I… Read more »
Yep, you read that right. We are so excited to partner with Inspirato to offer a special incentive to our donors. Donate $10,000+ in Cryptocurrency, stock, or via your Donor Advised Fund through our partners at The Giving Block by December 31, 2024 and receive a 3 night Inspirato vacation package for 2-4 people… Read more »
Written By Field Instructor, Caroline Paul The Aspens at Golden Gate Canyon State Park put on a show for AXL Academy’s 8th graders last week. The first field day of the school year kicked off with beautiful fall colors only 25 minutes west of Golden, CO. This 8th grade class is particularly special because 85%… Read more »
Written By Senior Field Instructor, Amy Kopkin Atkins As you can imagine, asking an 8th grader to part with their phone, is like asking a 3 year old to part from their favorite stuffie. They try denial, “Oh Miss, I didn’t bring it with me today,” or they try to appeal to a sense of… Read more »
Written by Eeland Stribling, Cottonwood Institute Field Instructor When New Vista High School students stepped onto Ollin Farms for a Cottonwood Institute field day, they expected to learn about sustainable farming. What they didn’t expect was how a day of hands-on experiences would foster seeds of environmental stewardship and community connection. The day began with… Read more »
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,… Read more »
On a beautiful fall day at Staunton State Park in Pine, CO, Centaurus High School students spent an unforgettable Field Day at the Archery Range with Colorado Parks and Wildlife Volunteers. Not only did everybody learn how to do archery… they also learned how to say “bow” (arco) and “arrow” (flecha) in a second language!… Read more »
Looking back on the impact of our past school year of programming at Cottonwood Institute (August 2023-July 2024), we are overwhelmed by the life-changing experiences that were created for over 530 students. Across 12 Program Partners, 29 Programs were delivered where Instructors and students learned how to navigate the challenges of pushing themselves out of… Read more »
