Written By Cottonwood Field Instructor, Caroline Paul

What is nature if not unpredictable? Mother Nature has a mind of her own, so outdoor education instructors must always be flexible and prepared to pivot. Well, Centaurus High School’s Spring 2024 Community Adventure Program (CAP) had to pivot hard for their final Spring campout and action project.
With winds gusting and a forecasted low of 19 degrees, Centaurus’s overnight trip at Cal-Wood turned into 2 field days.

Though bummed, students wouldn’t let the cancellation stop them from enjoying the outdoors! The first day, students skipped Cal-Wood and chose to hike at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO where the weather was much more agreeable.

After a lovely picnic and some games – teens split into two groups; the first continued hiking up to Royal Arch, and the second attempted to whittle spoons. Chautauqua was rounded off in the afternoon with a few rounds of students’ favorite game – Camouflage! In the second part of the day, the group was joined by Eeland – Cottonwood’s own fishing guide! Teens relaxed by the lake with their fishing poles and some even helped prepare tacos for each other. What a great end to the day.

Day two, Centaurus braved the wind and drove up to Cal-Wood for their action project with Angie, the Land Manager. The wind was bitter cold in the guest parking lot, but the project was in a perfect, protective valley. Students were ready to work! They carried bales of wood mulch and bags of seeds up the hill to the burn scar and got moving. We are so proud of our CHS students! Together, they worked to prevent erosion, landslides, and invasive species. They were able to relax in the afternoon and even celebrated a classmate’s birthday with cake!
Thank you and congratulations to our 2024 CHS CAP students for a successful Spring semester!