From Archery and Camp Cooking to Leave No Trace, Horizon Students Embraced First-Time Camping While Building Outdoor Skills, Strengthening Friendships, and Creating Lasting Memories
Ten sixth-grade students from Horizons at Colorado Academy set off on an unforgettable two-day adventure to Staunton State Park and Serenity in the Foothills Campground, where they showed off their archery skills, deepened friendships, honed new skills, and created long-lasting memories. For some of these students, it was their first time camping in the outdoors.
Our first stop on this adventure was at Staunton State Park, where the students showed off their seasoned archery skills–impressively outshooting some adults. Between rounds, students helped prepare lunch, teaching each other how to cut and prepare avocado, tomato, lettuce, and cucumber – sharing and taking turns so everyone could teach each other, learn, and practice. We were also excited and able to say hello to some curious chipmunks who came to visit while we ate.
After archery, we headed off to Serenity in the Foothills to begin our endeavor in setting up camp. Tucked away down winding dirt roads and far from the bustle of everyday life, the campsite offered both beauty and challenge. With strong winds in the forecast and stubbornly solid ground beneath their feet, campers demonstrated creativity and resilience, fashioning wooden tools to help drive the stakes into the ground to secure their tents for the night. Once camp was securely established, the students eagerly launched into their first game of Camouflage—a fast favorite of the weekend – where kids got creative, blending in with bushes and tree trunks, willing silent footsteps through the foliage, to get back to base and win without getting caught.
Three excited friends – Alexa, Hector, and Paola – stepped up to be “Master Chefs” and prepare the group’s meals. Dinner featured flavorful Walking Tacos with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and homemade guacamole, while breakfast included golden Texas toast, freshly cut fruit, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Before each meal, the chefs proudly presented the menu to the dinner circle, sharing not only what they had prepared but also the care and teamwork in each dish. All friends were motivated and held each other accountable to “Leave No Trace” and picked up all their crumbs to help protect the ecosystem and the animals too!
Throughout the trip, students embraced the principles of Leave No Trace, encouraging one another to care for the environment by cleaning-up every crumb and leaving the campsite just as beautiful as they had found it. Their shared commitment and reminders to each other reflected both respect for nature and for one another.
After dinner, we went on a night walk and learned about the anatomical function of the eyes at night and the absence of colors. We were lucky to also see the “blood” moon during the total lunar eclipse – because of the positioning of the sun, moon, and Earth, sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere, allowing only warm colors from sunrises and sunsets to reflect off the moon.
Perhaps the most meaningful moments of the trip came after dark, where friendships and shared comradery became evident. For several students, this was their very first night sleeping outdoors away from their families and as campers nervously approached bed time, friends offered hugs, words of reassurance, promises to look out for one another, transforming uncertainty into courage.
The following morning was filled with laughter as students chose their favorite games one last time, discovered a newfound love for pita pizzas, and soaked in the final moments of camp together. Though no one was quite ready to leave, they returned home carrying far more than camping gear. They brought back new skills, lasting friendships, cherished memories, and the confidence that comes from trying something new. The trip ended with happy hearts, a touch of nostalgia, and a new generation of young campers already dreaming about their next adventure.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Cottonwood Institute donors, sponsors, and event attendees—your support makes transformative experiences like this possible.
If you’re also passionate about getting students outside for first-time camping 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!
