It’s always nice to catch up with old friends, and Cottonwood Institute (CI) did just that recently, with CAP alumnus Owen Love (formerly Owen Brown). Living in Boulder, CO, Owen has continued to use his CI skills not only while spending time outdoors with his family but also by becoming a vital part of his community. Let’s see what he has been up to!
What are you up to these days?
I am a clinical mental health counselor living in Boulder, CO with my wife and three children. I work for both a major nonprofit and have my own private practice. I love to go outside, to spend time with my wife and family, and to learn more about science, nature, and psychology. I am also starting a program for children to engage kids in science-based learning about our natural world.
What CI programs did you take?
Ford Church was my instructor at the CAP class at New Vista High School in 2004 and 2005. It was an amazing program through my senior year.
What do you remember most about your CI experience?
I was not on the best path when I started with CI, and I remember how empowering it was to be working towards a unifying goal with my classmates in the woods. Building a quinhzee (snow shelter, for those that are not familiar with the term) in sub-zero temperatures was perhaps the most memorable.
What were the coolest skills you learned from CI that you have showed your friends and family?
I loved learning foraging, and this is something I use often when in the natural world. Using this skill with my own children has been an exhilarating addition to our hikes and camping trips.
I would strongly encourage them to embrace the experience and savor every moment of it. Life does not always allow for such a full experience of the natural world, and childhood/young adulthood allows this experience to be greatly amplified.
Written by: Owen Love (formerly Owen Brown)
Get involved with our Cottonwood Institute alumni and community!
- Join our LinkedIn group at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cottonwood-institute/
- Join our Facebook CI Alumni group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49045662698/
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