Kids standing in the snow

Connecting students to nature. Inspiring them to protect it.

For PartnersFor Donors

Inspiring the next generation of Changemakers

Since 2004, CI has engaged students in innovative programs that support confidence-building outdoor skill development, immersive environmental learning, and student-directed community action.

16
Program Partners
461
Students Served
27,302
Program Contact Hours

Explore Programs

boy flipping a pancake outdoors

CAP Class

boy by the river with a bug in his hands

Multi-Day Environmental Programs

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Changemakers

Latest Blog Posts

14er Selfie at DIA with Ford David Mike
March 11, 2024By Ford Church

14ers Watercolor Exhibit Lands At Denver International Airport

  We are excited to announce that the 14ers Portraits watercolor collection by Mike Wilson are now on exhibit at Denver International Airport (DEN) to benefit Cottonwood Institute from March – September 2024. Local artist, Mike Wilson, generously donated his…

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Base Camp Bash
March 7, 2024By Sadie Norton

Base Camp Bash 2024: A Night of Wild Wonder

In a nutshell, 2024’s Base Camp Bash did not fall short of its theme as a “A Night of Wild Wonder.” On the evening of March 2nd, as attendees entered Upper Larimer event space in RiNo, they were greeted with…

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Chelsea Dancing With Doug The Skeleton
February 10, 2024By Ford Church

Changemakers Receive Wilderness First Aid Training From Backcountry Pulse

Our high school Changemakers gathered on a unseasonably balmy weekend in January 2024 to receive their Wilderness First Aid and CPR Training from Backcountry Pulse, an amazing Latina owned small business based in Colorado. The Changemakers are developing their leadership…

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two people hugging, one holding an award
Featured Event

Base Camp Bash

The Base Camp Bash is our main fundraising event! This is our annual excuse to get together in person, have fun, and celebrate our students and successes. The Bash is where we present the coveted Ripple Effect Award, which honors one student from each of our schools who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in their Cottonwood Institute programs.

The Base Camp Bash helps raise the critical funds we need each year to connect students to the outdoors and empower them to take action to improve their schools, the community, and the environment for future generations. Join us next year!

Support Cottonwood Institute

Your support allows us to offer free programs that break down barriers to the outdoors. Help us connect students to nature and inspire them to protect it – make a tax-deductible donation to Cottonwood Institute today.

Donate Today