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 off to a rocky start when the vans got stuck in a patch of snow on our way up. However, students kept a good attitude and worked together to triumphantly shovel their way out of the snow. As soon as we made it up the mountain, students eagerly strapped on their snowshoes to explore the knee-high deep snowy hills surrounding our cabins. Some students took to snowball fights while others lay in the blankets of thick snow as they carved ice into fun shapes like hearts. As we continued snowshoeing back to the cabin, we stopped to investigate animal tracks and create stories about animals that might have traveled nearby.

Into the evening, students warmed up in the cabin either by dancing or playing cards by the fireplace. We also jammed out on the piano until dinner was ready. We all spoke words of gratitude before digging into our pizza and salad. After dinner, a few brave students enthusiastically suited up for a night hiking adventure out in the cold darkness. We gazed out at the stars, explored more tracks, and most importantly gathered sticks for s’mores. We roasted marshmallows over the fireplace for s’mores and then wound down for the night.

The next day, students suited back up for the last bit of time in the snow before leaving. Students took the opportunity to carve out a slide from a 8-foot pile of snow while others diligently focused on making an igloo-inspired snow shelter. Everyone coordinated to run and crash down their igloo before piling back into the vans. Everyone made it back safe and sound to AXL after their adventure of winter fun in the snow.

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.

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