Register today for the 20th Annual 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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Multi-Day Environmental Programs

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February 6, 2025By Lori Powell

Cottonwood Alumni Engage in the Cycle of Hope on their MLK Jr. Service Day

A Community Service Day with Luvin’ Arms Benefited both Humans and Animals. Written by Senior CAP Instructor Erin Angel. Although many people don’t realize it, the MLK Jr. holiday was originally designated in 1983 as a day of service. The…

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February 3, 2025By Teagan Papke

Navigating Uncertainty with Hope and Action

Written by Teagan Papke, Director of Strategic Partnerships; Chelsea Tossing, Associate Director; and Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director The past few weeks have brought a wave of policy changes that have sparked concern and uncertainty for many in the…

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January 28, 2025By Lori Powell

A Winter Fishing Adventure with AXL Academy 8th Graders

From Fishing and Whittling to Shelter Building and Wading: CAP Students Enjoyed a Sunny Escape. Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda. On a brisk, sunny December afternoon, AXL Academy 8th graders in the Community Adventure Program (CAP) class…

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Featured Campaign

Register Today For The 20th Annual Base Camp Bash!

We are so excited for our 20th Annual Base Camp Bash, which is our main fundraising event to celebrate our community and help raise the critical funding we need to help make our life-changing programs free for our students and families. Join us at Upper Larimer in Denver, CO on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 from 6-10pm and let’s pack the place y’all!

Register Today

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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