Gaga Ball in the Snow was One of Many Unique Experiences that AXL 7th Graders Enjoyed During their CAP Overnight at Cal-Wood
Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda. AXL Academy 7th graders were eager for the opportunity to stay in cabins during our CAP overnight trip to Cal-Wood Education Center in Jamestown, CO, asking many questions leading up to our trip. Students excitedly planned activities and meals with much anticipation, considering this would be their first winter overnight trip. Gaga ball was one activity that was on their agenda, though they didn’t know they would end up doing it in the snow on the second day.
Once we arrived at Cal-Wood, we were hit with chilly weather, so we layered up and got to playing some energizing games to warm up. Games included Jays and Juncos and Mass Paranoia – a game similar to tag but involving stealing bandanas from other students, with the last one standing as the winner. This game is perfect for a chilly day as it keeps you on your toes and definitely gets the blood pumping.
We warmed back up by scarfing down a lunch of hot ramen with hard-boiled eggs, seaweed, chicken, and green onion. With fuel in our bodies, we set out for the low ropes course at Cal-Wood. Students cooperated on the Whale Watcher challenge, which involved coordinating and balancing on a plank of wood that acted as a teeter-totter. Students successfully accomplished the goal of swapping the location of students while singing songs without letting the teeter-totter touch the ground.
In the evening, students enjoyed some free time, playing Gaga ball, soccer, or opting for some relaxing whittling time. Other students found a stage and danced and sang, providing entertainment for those whittling. Students would shout out a genre of music and a style of dance, and those on stage put together silly improv performances.
Afterward, we were ready for a dinner of pizza, garlic bread, and salad. With full bellies, students were ready to brave the cold again for our night hike. With headlamps on and students walking arm-in-arm, we went for the longest night hike on record for the AXL CAP class. Every now and then, our instructors would check in with the class by asking “Are we ready to turn back, or do you all want to keep going?” “KEEP GOING!” they demanded, so we kept trekking on. After a nice hour-long hike, everyone opted to skip hot cocoa and head straight to bed.
The next morning, we woke up to a view that looked as if someone shook powdered sugar all across the landscape of trees and hills. One student stood by the window and stared for a while, stating that the view looked so beautiful that it almost looked fake. For breakfast, we scarfed down bagels and oatmeal before some morning stretches, wherein each student led a stretch for everyone to follow, along with sharing a verbal reflection related to the night before. Some students mentioned that they had a hard time falling asleep with other students snoring loudly, while other students talked about the crazy dreams they had.
A few students, who were particularly brave, stayed outside the next morning playing round after round of intense games of gaga ball as snow continued to fall. We then packed up our belongings and headed back to AXL Academy.
A big thanks to the funders and supporters that make the CAP class possible, including: Canvas Foundation, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you’re also passionate about getting students outdoors for unique experiences, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
