How the Changemaker Outdoor Leadership Corps Discovered Magic Stewarding Colorado’s Land. Written by Senior CAP Instructor Erin Angel.

The Changemaker Outdoor Leadership Corps spent two crisp, golden days together enjoying a break from the pressures of the “real world.” We gathered under the bright autumn sun at Reynolds Ranch to work with the inspiring Ranger Shane Milne from Boulder County Parks & Open Space to steward a grove of lodgepole pines. This fun-loving crew hid in our growing slash piles like an enchantment of wood elves bent on benign mischief, while others held deep philosophical conversations as we worked in the saplings.

When the day’s work was through, we picnicked in the wind and discussed society’s problems in preparation for choosing this season’s action project. The conversation lightened as we set up camp at Camp Patiya, our student leaders orchestrating the pitching of tents and dinner prep. As the evening turned frosty, we played silly improv games around the campfire until we took our sleepy selves off to our warm sleeping bags for the night.

A stunning sunrise awoke us. Morning and daylight savings grogginess set the stage for a silly warm-up game of “How Do You Sleep?” where we all imitate each other’s sleeping positions while trying to balance and stand. Our day ended with an extended sit spot in the golden mountain meadows of Walker Ranch listening to the wind carry our thoughts away and filling our hearts with peace.