From Shelter-Building and Fire-Starting to Taco Nights and Moose Sightings, AXL Students Dive Headfirst into a World of Outdoor Learning and Team-Building Fun! Written by CI Field Instructor Kira Taggart. See more photos here! After a two-hour drive from Aurora, AXL Academy students arrived at Cheley Outpost, their home for the next 24 hours. The… Read more »
Inspiring Students Through Outdoor Adventures: A Journey of Leadership, Connection with Nature, Service, and Fun. Written by Hailey Tresch. The Cottonwood Institute has had many successful trips to Cheley Colorado Camp, and this trip was not an exception. 14 New Vista High School students and four adults spent two fun-packed days in the woods near… Read more »
Have you ever had one of those moments where you want to do something to help a worthy nonprofit in your community, but you don’t know where to start? We feel you. Well, today is your lucky day because 3 generous families have stepped up to offer a $25,000 match to Cottonwood Institute to… Read more »
Angevine Middle School students learn to identify poisonous plants, spot mushrooms, pad through the woods, and engage in exciting games with scenic views at Mud Lake! Written by Field Instructor Hailey Tresch. What would be a better location for 24 Angevine Middle School (AMS) students to play outdoors than somewhere called Mud Lake? We couldn’t… Read more »
AXL Academy middle school students go on a fall fishing adventure! Written by Field Instructor Tony Fastiggi. In mid-September, our 7th and 8th grade CAP students from AXL Academy tried their luck on a fishing adventure at Staunton State Park! We set up alongside a stunning lake teeming with rainbow trout and spent our day… Read more »
We are excited to spotlight Phil Wofford (he/him), Cottonwood Institute’s newest Board Member! Phil is currently the Regional Vice President at Trader Joe’s and we are so excited to welcome Phil and the passion and enthusiasm that he will bring to the board. Let’s get to know him, shall we? What’s your story? Where did… Read more »
Another Coohills Beats on the Creek summer concert series to benefit Cottonwood Institute has come and gone, but we had a blast and it had us “Dancin’ In The Moonlight”! Every summer Coohills Restaurant hosts a summer concert series to help raise money and awareness for Cottonwood Institute and our programs while folks live music… Read more »
Pour yourself a refreshing glass of iced tea, find a cozy spot under the shade of your favorite tree, and let the gentle rustling of leaves be the perfect backdrop as we share tales from our 2022-23 journey at Cottonwood Institute (CI)! It’s a tale of young minds ignited, trails explored, and communities empowered. … Read more »
Cottonwood Institute works closely with our school and community partners to make sure that our programs meet a real community need and values student voices. Now entering its third year, the Changemaker Program engages CAP class alums through a yearlong leadership program. In 2021, students identified relationship building as our goal in response to the… Read more »
On a sunny Saturday, July 22nd, crowds gathered downtown at McGregor Square to take part in one of Cottonwood Institute’s biggest annual fundraisers, the Throwdown. Each year, friends and coworkers show off their cornhole skills, win epic prizes, and provide support to the Cottonwood’s environmental education programs. Sixteen generous companies and organizations sent teams… Read more »
