https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12Hzch5Jk2GLNkoiYmT2UrJc-dTV78j4F?usp=drive_link

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AXL Academy’s Wilderness Adventure

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 »

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NWEw8g0B5AqLBE0PVDah4LrDSAv-bhB9?usp=share_link

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You Can Help Cottonwood Unlock A $25,000 Match

  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 »

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nKrzUsgi4Mwh5DWqFq0aQ7N9f_8ElR-B?usp=drive_link

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Angevine Students Level Up a Field Day at Mud Lake!

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 »

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Reeling in Good Times at AXL Academy’s Fall Field Day!

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 »

Phil Wofford 2

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Board Spotlight: Phil Wofford

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 »

A group of Casa de la Esperanza students, parents, and instructors pose by the Mission: Wolf sign

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2022-23 Program Year In Review

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 staff members taking a selfie with one of our tents

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Instructor Training: Learning from Each Other

At Cottonwood Institute spring instructor training, staff members learned from each other, modeled real trip practices, and bonded! Written by Program Manager Dru Falco. At Cottonwood Institute, we want to cultivate an atmosphere of continual learning and community care. Our spring instructor training this year embodied those two values. Eleven folks attended, some of whom… Read more »

Lauren Guthrie Legacy Scholarship Bash 2023

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Still Glowing from the 2023 Base Camp Bash

Colorado environmental education nonprofit Cottonwood Institute hosted its spring benefit, the Base Camp Bash, in April. Thank you to all of our attendees and sponsors! Check out photos from the 2023 Base Camp Bash Here. The 2023 Base Camp Bash was fire and we are still glowing from an amazing evening to support Cottonwood Institute,… Read more »

Ford at the Elevations Foundation grant receptions

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Cottonwood Receives Elevations Foundation Community Grant

Elevations Foundation has once again chosen Cottonwood Institute as one of their Community Grantees in 2022! We are grateful to be entering our second year in a row as a grant recipient. Cottonwood joins 12 other nonprofits who were awarded grants this year, including our friends at Wild Bear! This grant will enable Cottonwood to… Read more »