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 »
Get to know Melissa Georgi (she/her), who is our CAP Instructor at Angevine Middle School! Melissa is an outdoor educator, trip guide, forager, and former Park Ranger. Learn more about Melissa below, and read our other staff and board profiles here! What led you to become an environmental educator? “Standing on a mountain top overlooking… Read more »
In CAP class, students learn to connect with nature – and each other. Written by Shira Nathan, Centaurus High School CAP Class Student and Co-Editor-in-Chief for The Warrior Scroll. Note: Some of the students interviewed speak Spanish as their first language. An English translation will be included alongside their responses. Students filter into class, chatting… Read more »
From Gaga Ball to Stargazing: A Memorable Overnight at Cheley Camps. Written by CI Field Instructor Kira Taggart. After a late start to the school day, Angevine Middle School (AMS) students headed out on their overnight to Cheley Camps near Estes Park! It was a beautiful day, and we stopped along the St. Vrain River… 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 is thrilled to announce that we have appointed Robert Marquez, a freshman at Colorado Mesa University, to our Board of Directors! Robert is an alum of our CAP class at Angevine Middle School and Centaurus High School, and received the coveted Ripple Effect Award in 2018 for his outstanding enthusiasm and care in… Read more »
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 »
See more photos here! If your student enjoyed this program, please considering making a donation to Cottonwood so we can continue to work with Angevine students. Can flamingos handle the cold, windy mountains? They can when they are Flamingo Ninjas! The students of Angevine Middle School CAP class (aka the United Legion of Flamingo Ninjas)… Read more »
The Angevine Middle School CAP class loved their overnight camping trip to Cal-wood this fall. As part of their trip reflection, they did a custom Mad Libs on the bus ride home. We hope you enjoy their ______ (adjective) re-cap of their ______ (adjective) trip! Escrito en español más abajo. Our Camping Trip One __maroon__… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute is grateful to receive a $15,000 grant from Xcel Energy Foundation for the second year in a row! This gift will help support our CAP Classes at AXL Academy, Angevine Middle School, Centaurus High School, New Vista High School, and STRIVE Prep – Westwood during the 2022-23 school year. Because of the continuing… Read more »
