A Day of Challenge Didn’t Deter Students from Enjoying a Snowy Adventure at Caribou Ranch. Written by CI Field Instructor David Diaz.

When they set out for their winter field day, Angevine Middle School students in the Community Adventure Program (CAP) were expecting a fun and challenging day that involved building a quinzhee (a traditional snow shelter) and playing in the snow. After gathering gear and organizing snacks and lunch, the group headed into the mountains for an exciting day at Caribou Ranch. Students knew to expect challenge and adventure once they got to the site. They didn’t likely anticipate any additional challenges along the way.

A challenge presented itself while they were on route to the site when one of the vehicles overheated and couldn’t be driven any further. The task of efficiently getting everyone to Caribou Ranch was the challenge for the instructors. The students were challenged with patiently waiting for a new plan to come together. With some quick thinking from the instructors and on-call staff, all the students made it safely to Caribou Ranch. They even had enough time to complete the intended challenge of the day – building a quinzhee! Once they reached the snow, students played games before strapping on snowshoes for a short trek to the building site. Upon arrival at an open area in the forest, they used shovels to build the quinzhee.

As expected, students embraced the experience of flinging and piling snow high enough to create a structure they could eventually tunnel through. After shaping the quinzhee and reinforcing it with sticks, they enjoyed lunch and hot cocoa. Once the structure was ready for the next step, students hollowed out a space inside. They took turns squeezing through and snapping photos to capture the moment.

One of the highlights of the day was demolishing the quinzhee. Students jumped, rolled, and knocked it down with excitement. As they hiked back, they were tired but smiling. They left with with a sense of accomplishment that often follows a day of successfully overcoming challenges.

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 are also passionate about getting students outdoors to have adventures and overcome challenges, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!