Testimonials

STUDENTS:

“The Community Adventure Program was, without a doubt, one of the best classes I have taken at New Vista High School. The Community Adventure Program helped me understand more about my place in the world and how I want to save it. The Community Adventure Program exponentially raised my awareness of the interconnected social and environmental issues that are embroiled in the world… it has helped me understand the incredible potential and opportunity I have as a high school student to make a true difference in the world.” Josie Brown, Community Adventure Program Alumni, New Vista High School.

“I think the best part of the Action Project, and something that only CAP can provide, is that it gives high school students a voice. I do believe that we can create positive change just as effectively as an adult can. Others might be skeptical in the beginning, but it has been my experience that adults and peers a like end up admiring you for taking an active role in the community.” Brittany Salley-Rains, Community Adventure Program and Endangered Wolves and Animal Tracking Project Alumni.

“CAP has been one of the strongest, most inspiring high school experiences I have had to date and must be left open to future students. The wilderness survival skills CAP students learn could save their lives, but more importantly CAP gives them the tools, inspiration, and confidence to go out into their communities, their environments, and their worlds. The Cottonwood Institute’s programs must be supported and I know that many of its students will fight to keep them around, including me.” Eric Ellison, Community Adventure Program and Endangered Wolves and Animal Tracking Project Alumni.

PARENTS:

“I wanted to thank you for the opportunity the Cottonwood Institute provided my son. The experience he had on the Wildland Firefighter Course was truly a life changing experience for him. He was noticeably different from the moment I picked him up from his course. In particular the influence of his Instructor was vital to his growth and change. His Instructor became an inspiring role model whom my son has referenced and quoted many, many times. As a single mom, I need for my son to get just this kind of positive influence, which I cannot offer. My son’s entire experience with his course was initiatory and transformational. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Parent of Wildland Firefighter Project Alumni.

This course has really been a challenge and a life changer for Jessie. You have opened her eyes and sparked enthusiasm for a number of things she has never been interested in before – a sign of a great teacher. Thank you. Parent of Community Adventure Program Alumni.

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS:

The Community Adventure Program is outstanding, engaging, rigorous and safety conscious. Ford has a great relationship with the students and takes care of all the details. What more could you want! Rona Wilensky, Principal, New Vista High School.

“The Community Adventure Program is an important class for our students because it provides them with an opportunity to get out of the classroom, learn from the community, have positive experiences outdoors, and expands the breadth and depth of their high school experience.” Elizabeth Aybar, Former Principal, P.S.1 Charter School.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS:

Thanks so much for joining us on the 9News 4 O’Clock Show and for making fire! You got some great comments from the people in the newsroom who were totally impressed. Thanks again for doing a super job on the show and for teaching me how to make fire! I’m a believer. Steve Spangler, 9News Science Guy.

After writing the article, especially after talking to you [Ford Church] and Eric, I was inspired to send an email to the Community Service Coordinator from my high school, saying hello, telling him what I’ve been up to (we haven’t spoken since I graduated high school) and thanking him for instilling service in me as a teenager. So thanks for motivating me to get back in contact with a former teacher! Paula Pant, Your Town Correspondent, Colorado Daily.

It was fantastic to work with the Cottonwood Institute’s Community Adventure Program at New Vista High School. The students really worked to understand the concept of Zero Waste and to think through ways to educate our community about Zero Waste. I was impressed with their enthusiasm and grasp of Zero Waste. Their projects were definitely a welcome addition to Zero Waste education efforts in our community, being both multi-faceted (targeting fellow students, visitors to the Zero Waste Farmers’ Market as well as local businesses) and successful (nearly 1000 educational contacts were made). Eco-Cycle would welcome the opportunity to work with the Cottonwood Institute again in the future. Caroline Mitchell, Boulder Community Outreach Coordinator, Eco-Cycle.

I have done a number of what I might call “community oriented” events (as opposed to technical meetings and regulatory forums that I usually attend). I thought that this one was one of the more informative events I have attended, largely because there was not a fixed agenda that limited or confined the questions and discussion. There was some focus brought about by the idealism of the student organizers, which I find inspirational. It is important for those approaching geezerhood to try and hold on to the idealism we so stridently had when we were younger. Robert McCormick, Senior Fuel Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

I commend you and your class for coming up with the idea of Pollution and Solution and organizing the panel. The event was well managed. Dan did well to lead the discussion and ask questions, both general and specific, of panelists. There was a balance of discussion from audience and from the panel. It was inspiring to watch Dan hold forth on the issues that he cares about. Also, I liked the way Mark and Kira greeted me and others at the entrance of the auditorium. It was a warm and sincere welcome. As for advice, I would offer that your students follow their interests. They clearly have their hearts in the right place. This personal engagement is what is required to make change! Curiosity and conviction will lead them in the right direction and give them strength to continue when they may feel like backing off or quitting. In sum: let your ideals flow! Landon Hilliard, Transportation Department, Boulder Valley School District.