Save The Date For The 20th Base Camp Bash On Saturday, April 5th, 2025!
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Connecting students to nature. Inspiring them to protect it.

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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.

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October 28, 2024By Sadie Norton

Staff Spotlight: New Vista CAP Instructor Lori Powell

Get to know Lori Powell (she/her), our CAP Instructor at New Vista High School! With experience ranging from experiential education to play-based learning, Lori knows how to bring life to a classroom! Learn more about Lori below, and read our…

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October 23, 2024By Sadie Norton

AXL Academy CAP Class Explores Trout Ponds at Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Written by Cottonwood CAP Instructor at AXL Academy, Harmony Esqueda The CAP class at AXL Academy enjoyed a beautiful spring field day at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Students started off the day by checking out the visitor center which…

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October 18, 2024By Sadie Norton

Seeing the World through a New Lens: New Vista’s Fall Overnight

Surrounded by the Autumnal aspens who were casting their golden beams of light upon us, New Vista’s CAP Class followed the long and winding road to Camp Cheley in Estes Park, a place we would call home for the next…

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Featured Campaign

Bid or Donate Now: Cottonwood Institute 20th Birthday Campaign

Cottonwood Institute is celebrating its 20th birthday on September 27th, 2024. Over the past 20 years, we have positively impacted the lives of over 7,185 middle and high school students and they have designed and implemented countless Action Projects to help improve the environment and their communities.

Help us celebrate our 20th birthday by bidding on our online auction or making a tax-deductible donation by September 30th, 2024. Click here for more information:

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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.

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