Connecting students to nature. Inspiring them to protect it.

Inspiring the next generation of Changemakers

Since 2004, CI has engaged students in innovative programs that support confidence-building outdoor skill development, immersive environmental learning, and student-directed community action.

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February 19, 2025By Lori Powell

A Winter Adventure: Snowshoeing, Snowball Fights, and Stargazing with AXL Academy

Snowshoeing Facilitated Outdoor Learning in the Deep Snow at Cal-Wood. Written by AXL CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda. AXL Academy 7th graders spent their winter Community Adventure Program (CAP) overnight trip at Cal-Wood Education Center in Jamestown, Colorado. The trip was…

7th Graders from AXL Academy Explore Roxborough State Park

Natural and Archeological Wonders at Roxborough Provide Students with a Unique Winter Field Day. Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda. 7th grade Community Adventure Program (CAP) students from Aurora Expeditionary Learning Academy (AXL Academy) set off for an…

A Winter Adventure Filled with Skills and Thrills for AXL Academy 8th Graders

Students Enjoyed the Thrills of Sledding in Addition to Perfecting their Fire-Building Skills on their Winter Overnight Trip. Written by CI Field Instructor Caroline Paul. Another Community Adventure Program (CAP) overnight is in the books for the 8th graders at…

Register Today For The 20th Annual Base Camp Bash!

We are so excited for our 20th Annual Base Camp Bash, which is our main fundraising event to celebrate our community and help raise the critical funding we need to help make our life-changing programs free for our students and families. Join us at Upper Larimer in Denver, CO on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 from 6-10pm and let’s pack the place y’all!

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Your support allows us to offer free programs that break down barriers to the outdoors. Help us connect students to nature and inspire them to protect it – make a tax-deductible donation to Cottonwood Institute today.

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