As with any good class teachers most often begin class with a series of activities that can help facilitate the group adopting a safe space to learn. These activities generally consist of the following elements: Name games, team building exercises, class “rules” and expectations/syllabus review. As I tell all of my students, I alone cannot… Read more »
The process of completing the CAP class action project at New Vista High School, mirrors the Cycle of Hope from the Better World Handbook. The first step is Finding out about a problem. My students hear about environmental problems through the current events that I bring to class every day as well as the current… Read more »
After any Cottonwood Institute backpacking trip, I routinely ask students what they learned on the trip as a part of our larger debrief and secret pal reveal. Overwhelmingly, students say that they enjoyed learning about knots. The New Vista High School CAP class were no exception. After their recent trip to Taylor Mountain near Allenspark,… Read more »
We caught up with Peter Zola, an amazing Community Adventure Program (CAP) student alumni from New Vista High School in Boulder, CO who is now 31 years old. He was gracious enough to fill us in on what he’s up to these days. Of course, he’s still “Livin’ the Dream!” as our Executive Director, Ford… Read more »
Some camping trips are known for their epic climbs. Others are remembered for their harrowing experiences or are hallmarked by amazing animal sightings. The New Vista High School Spring CAP trip will be known for word games. To be specific, its epic five-hour word game (during which, two students built a blazing fire, three others… Read more »
The 2018 Base Camp Bash to benefit Cottonwood Institute (CI) was a huge success! We brought the spirit of the Big Easy to Denver with a fabulous New Orleans themed party at Great Divide Brewing Company’s amazing private event space in RiNo. It was the perfect venue for fun, socializing, music, and dancing. This… Read more »
There are many signs of early spring in March in the Front Range. As we anticipate more snow in the mountains, crocuses emerge in town, the days start lengthen, and lakes begin to thaw. Cottonwood Institute (CI) spring instructor training indicates the shift in season. CI instructors transition from winter field-days to spring overnights next… Read more »
We recently caught up with Chandra Galbiati Thomas, a rock star CAP Alumni from the early days of Cottonwood Institute at New Vista High School. See what she’s been up to since her high schools days romping in the outdoors! “I currently live in New York City, working as a software engineer for Peloton. One doesn’t usually… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute (CI) programs at New Vista High School have seen a few changes lately as student interest has shifted. The great thing about CI’s student directed programming is that it can shift with the students so their passions still lead the way! Below are descriptions of two new groups forming and getting projects underway… Read more »
In 2017, Cottonwood Institute (CI) was working hard to change student’s lives by connecting students to the outdoors, increasing their environmental and self-awareness, and empowering them to become leaders to improve their schools, the community, and the environment. Below are just a few testimonies from students to highlight why CI deserves your donation on #COGivesDay! Connecting… Read more »
