AXL Academy 7th Graders Dive into Creek Exploration, Discover Macroinvertebrates, and Gain Outdoor Skills During their Canyon Adventure
Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor Hannah Posedel. On Friday, September 4th, the AXL Academy 7th grade Community Adventure Program (CAP) class had their field day at Castlewood Canyon. Each student owned responsibility and leadership on this creek exploration-focused trip by proclaiming a job to carry out through our day: Poison Ivy Police, Hydration Captains, Sunscreen Steve, Gear Llamas, Master Chefs, Organizer Olly, Seatbelt Police, and more! Students first got to learn about predator and prey dynamics while preparing for one of our simulation games – camouflage – and practiced the careful technique of sneaking, walking without sound. A delicate outer toe to inner heel transitions works well to approach unsuspecting prey. Students then were all very excited to learn about (maybe their first) poisonous plant – Poison Ivy. Each student was confident and prideful in being able to protect their fellow classmates from brushing against it!
“I accomplished my goal because I learned about plants, and was able to protect people from poison ivy! I also got to experience hiking and going deeper into nature”
– AXL CAP student
After our game and our journey down the trail, we arrived at the creek that flows through the center of the canyon. We dipped our toes in to cool off from the hot day and began our crawdad hunting extravaganza. With our nets, we also began to discover much smaller creatures among us – macroinvertebrates! Students curious about this tiny, wriggly creature tried to take pictures with the digital camera, but were left tuning their observation skills to identify and remember the creatures, as no photo can capture all their detail.
This soft, sandy spot by the creek became where we decided to spend the day, but escaping the sun was the next priority. Students were able to venture into their first attempt at shelter building for shade, anchoring ropes on rocks, trees, posts, and more! This survival skill was solidified in its importance as we all benefited from relaxing and having a community lunch under the tarp. At lunch we were able to get the much-needed, restful break while sitting, talking, and passing the food in the circle like one big family!
After lunch, we caught and released a few more little creatures, students captured the beautiful nature scenes with the camera, and had one last wade in the creek before going back up the hill to the trailhead. After our trip, students wanted to share here in this blog a few of their favorite sentiments from the trip:
“I accomplished my goal because I learned about plants, and was able to protect people from poison ivy! I also got to experience hiking and going deeper into nature”
“It was fun walking in nature and finding crawfish in the creek.”
“It was fun to be in nature and see all the different water species, like crawdads and macroinvertebrates!”
“I love going on CAP trips because I always have fun and learn new things!”
“A tip for anyone who goes to Castlewood Canyon: Wear more sunscreen.”
“I love going on CAP trips because I always have fun and learn new things!” – AXL CAP student
Thanks to the funders and supporters who make the CAP class possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you are also passionate about getting students outside for unique outdoor experiences such as creek exploration, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
