Building Strong Connections Through Outdoor Adventure. Written by CAP Instructor Mel Georgi.
As the semester comes to a close, the Community Adventure Program (CAP) at Angevine Middle School has proven to be a transformative experience for students and myself; filled with growth, learning, and meaningful connections. From their first class to their final outdoor adventure, the students gained a deeper understanding of the natural world while also developing strong relationships with one another.
Throughout the semester, the CAP students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities that helped them build strong connections with nature, including hiking, shelter-building, animal tracking, and an action project. We worked together to clean up trash around Waneka Lake and planted seed bombs in efforts to restore natural spaces. More than just the tasks they completed, however, it was the way the students bonded through these activities that made the experience so special.
One of the most impactful experiences of the semester was the overnight trip, where students spent time camping (some for the first time) and sharing in moments of reflection. The thrill of building fires with flint and steel and whittling our s’more sticks occupied much of our time, but powerful moments of silence also made a big impact. On the night hike, we took 20 minutes to sit in silence under the full moon. In these still moments, students connected not only with nature, but with themselves and each other on a deeper level. These moments of calm were sweet glimpses amongst joyous laughter during s’mores, climbing rocks, fishing in the stream, and raucous whispers in tents far too late into the night.
As the semester concludes, it’s clear that the CAP program has had a lasting impact on the students. Not only have they learned new skills and gained knowledge about our environment, but they’ve also developed meaningful connections with each other. After finishing our action project, I thought the students deserved some much needed play time on a playground. They naturally chose a game everyone could play, and I watched happily as the students laughed, joked, and bonded with each other. By the end of it, I was playing with them and running around the playground trying not to get tagged. They begged to keep playing, and the joy that gave me is indescribable. As much as I taught them, they’ve taught me more.
A big thanks to the funders and supporters that make the CAP Class possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, Thorne Nature Experience, Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you too are passionate about getting students outside to explore nature for the first time, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
