Successful Volunteer Day at Sunrise Century

Amidst the splendor of the surrounding mountains, Team Cottonwood Institute arrived at the Sunrise Century Bike Race in Boulder on July 25, ready to conquer the world of route marshaling. We donned our orange safety vests and valiantly took on the challenge of the cowbell, ringing it passionately as the cyclists flew by our posts in their athletic glory. As the afternoon waned and the riders passed us by with less frequency, our route marshal duties came to an end. We packed up our gear and headed in for some much needed sustenance of BBQ and beer. And so it was, with full bellies and hearts, we headed off into the sunset, orange vests and cowbells reluctantly stored away until their reveal again next year.

Thanks to our volunteers, Sunrise Century, and its sponsors, we earned much needed funds that will be put to good use in support of our Jason F. Griffith Scholarship Fund – giving kids a chance to attend our courses, encouraging them to become leaders in their communities and beyond.

“Thanks again to each of you for participating in the 3^rd annual Sunrise Century.  We’re on a mission to build the finest cycling event in the state & your efforts this year took us one step closer to that goal!” (Alex Hearn, Sunrise Century)

If you are interested in contributing to the Cottonwood Institute’s Jason F. Griffith Scholarship Fund, you can mail a check to P.O. Box 7067, Denver, CO  80207 or donate online at https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=201822172

Scholarship Requests Hit All Time High, But A Small Donation Can Make A Big Difference!

We’ve all heard it – the economy is in a tailspin. But this is not an excuse to stop giving because kids need our help now more than ever.

Because of these tough economic times, the Cottonwood Institute has received more scholarship requests than we can fulfill for students to attend our amazing Summer Courses.

One scholarship applicant shared, “I only have the help of my mother, but she is ill. My little brother is in gangs and doing drugs. It is very stressful for me, but I keep going forward for my family so they can live a better life in the future. Getting an education is my only hope.”

And another scholarship applicant said, “My family is very financially challenged. My father is disabled and my mother has been unemployed for 2 years. We are struggling to pay our bills and we can barely afford food. I would love to go on this trip!”

With their courage and determination, and a little help from you, we can work together to provide a powerful, life-changing experience for these students. Our courses encourage students to explore the outdoors, raise their awareness of local environmental issues, and empower them to become the next generation of environmental stewards.

So far we have $11,300 in scholarship requests, but we have only raised $8,300, so we still have another $3,000 to raise before the end of the summer. A small donation made by many can make a big difference!

Please consider making a donation to the Cottonwood Institute’s Jason F. Griffith Scholarship Fund today by mailing a check to PO Box 7067, Denver, CO 80207 or by donating online by Clicking Here.

To learn more about what we are up to with the Cottonwood Institute: Click Here.

To see the power of your donation in action, check out our photo gallery by Clicking Here.

Colorado Outdoor Bill Of Rights For Kids!

Colorado Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien announced today the Colorado Outdoor Bill of Rights for kids in outside of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver’s City Park. Her goal through this initiative is that ALL Colorado kids should have the opportunity to:

1. Camp out under the stars.
2. Follow a trail, ride it or walk it, and be respectful of everyone’s right to use the trail.
3. Play in a creek or river: fish, wade, paddle, or skip a stone.
4. Experience the wonders of Colorado’s four seasons: wildflowers, abundant sunshine, the changing aspen leaves, and fresh powder snow.
5. Visit a working farm or ranch.
6. Enjoy the view from the top of a mountain.
7. Identify Colorado’s official state wildlife and plants in their natural habitat.
8. Explore one of the dozens of local, state, and national parks in Colorado.
9. Play in the dirt and learn about the world from the ground up.
10. Plant a seed for other Colorado kids to enjoy in the future.

We are proud to say that Cottonwood Institute Courses help Colorado youth accomplish every one of these goals! To download the Outdoor Bill of Rights, Click Here. To read the article in today’s Denver Post, Click Here.

The Cottonwood Institute’s Own “Complete Lawyer!”

What does it take to be a “Complete Lawyer?” According to the June 22, 2009 issue of Law Week Colorado, a complete lawyer is someone who “excels in their area of legal expertise, generates business, promotes their firms values, stays on top of the current trends and has a personality that dazzles.”

Sounds like the holy grail of lawyers, but last week, Law Week Colorado named five attorneys they believe personify a complete lawyer. We are very proud that the Cottonwood Institute’s Chairman of the Board, James Muchmore, from Patton Boggs LLP in Denver, CO, is one of the dazzling lawyers! To read the complete article, Click Here.

James is currently an associate for Patton Boggs LLP in Denver, CO. He earned his J.D. from Syracuse University and his B.A in Government & Law and English from Lafayette College. Today, James advises clients on corporate and securities law matters and provides ongoing legal advice to publicly and privately owned corporations, company management and boards of directors.

Participants Thrive During Cottonwood Institute Survival Courses

As I’m sure most of you are well aware, we had some crazy weather in June. Who ever heard of so much rain in Colorado, especially during the summer?! With such bizarre weather conditions, there is no telling when a storm is going to hit. If you were caught in the mountains unexpectedly overnight, would you have what it takes to survive?

During the month of June, the Cottonwood Institute hosted two Essential Survival Skills Overnights for adults. Not scared off by the rain, two groups of adventurous adults headed into the woods to learn what it takes to survive in the  wild. The two day trips were action packed. The campers learned nature awareness skills, minimum impact camping techniques, survival priorities, and edible plants. After hiking into base camp, the group spent most of the first day busting their butts to build survival shelters. One the second trip they even got rained on right in the middle of construction. But, April Pishna, a participant, Apprentice Instructor, and Cottonwood Institute Administrative Coordinator reports, “what was amazing was that our shelters stayed dry!” Which is a good thing because every camper got to spend the night in their shelter.

The next day, the group got down and dirty with the business of fire making. Both primitive and modern methods were covered but the both groups agreed that the friction fire was a highlight of the trip. A friction fire is your classic “rubbing two sticks together” way of making fire, but it is a lot more involved then most people know. Michael Anderson, a participant on the first overnight, successfully busted a coal in no more than 10 minutes! This is probably the fastest first time friction fire on record! At the end of the day, the groups got to participate in a mini service project to give back to the land before heading home to showers and warm beds.

Aside from the friction fire, Michael’s favorite part of the trip is what he referred to as the “ADD hike.” The hike into base camp was so packed with things to see and learn that instructors Ford, and Clark were stopping every few minutes to show the group a new edible plant or a survival tip. In terms of what the participants had to say about their course, Michael says, “I loved it! I had a wonderful time and would recommend it to anyone.” Since the overnight Michael has been munching on edible plants in his yard, making his own friction fire set, and planning a 6-week long trip through 4 nation parks.

April had a similarly good experience. In addition to her many titles at the Cottonwood Institute, she was also the unofficial chef of the trip. She’ll have you know that, “our pita pizzas and gourmet bagel sandwiches were the hit of the trip. No dried out boring food for us!” Here is what April had to say about the overnight: “… although uncomfortable and a little chilly, having slept in something made by my own two hands gave me quite the thrill, knowing that I could survive outdoors if needed, plus bragging rights to my husband and friends, made it all worthwhile! We had a great time!  Clark was a great instructor, very knowledgeable and patient, and a sense of humor that cracked you up!  New friendships were forged, new skills were taught, and lessons that could be applied to not only the wilderness but to everyday life, were learned!”

• To view pictures of the June 20-21, 2009 Essential Survival Skills Overnight, Click Here.
• To view pictures of the June 6-7, 2009 Essential Survival Skills Overnight, Click Here.