The fall CAP class at Angevine Middle School was one of the more unusual in recent memory, shifting from online to in-person and back over just nine weeks. In spite of all the disruptions, students had the chance to build outdoor skills, develop a connection to the natural world, and make critical connections. One of those students, seventh grader Emmy Link, was kind enough to share some reflections on her experience:
John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” I couldn’t agree more. This year was the first time I’ve ever taken an outdoor class. In middle school, you get to choose electives: classes in which you are taught extracurricular skills. I didn’t choose Outdoor Ed. I got it because of a mix-up with Spanish, Orchestra and Physical Education being at the same time. Even so, I would not have traded it for anything. I loved this class so much I’ll do it next year, maybe even in High School. I have walked with nature for many days, and received far more than I had seeked – or hoped for.
CAP Outdoor is a class that teaches you many things, from survival skills to nature conservation. We made bear hangs, built shelters, did a group project, started fires, made candy, and learned about tracking. What do all of these things have in common? They are useful, fun, and simple. School nature programs that offer useful skills and great instruction are of the essence, making this semester a very unique experience for me. I learned many things, and even better, I got to practice them. COVID-19 didn’t much affect the experience of taking Outdoor Ed because of one key principle: nature can be found anywhere and everywhere. We got to be together with nature and each other every day. I really appreciated this because I know a lot of kids (including myself) have been stuck inside for hours on end all the time.
In my mind, one of the greatest things about CAP Outdoor Ed is that you don’t have to be an outdoorsy person to find an outdoor class fun. I know I’m not (or should I say wasn’t). Learning survival skills was an interesting topic for most of the kids in my class. Even if a student doesn’t enjoy the outdoors, chances are animals, climate issues, weather, reading, or exploring will interest them. My favorite activity was making fires. Not often do students get to (SAFELY) ignite inner cottonwood bark using a magnifying glass. Not only did the activities enliven me, but as did the teacher. Erin Angel is most likely one of the most enthusiastic and sensational teachers I’ve ever had. No one has a passion for teaching and exploring quite like her. The key to enjoying learning about nature is having the best possible person leading you along the way.
Overall, CAP Outdoor Ed was a wonderful class to take for school. I would definitely recommend it to any other student looking for adventure during and after the time of the pandemic. Being a student, it can feel like you have very little control over what you are taught. With this class, it felt like I was teaching myself everything: how to love, protect, explore, and conserve the natural world. The amazing thing is that every student will have a different takeaway. Some might think the knowledge was the most useful part, while others might argue that becoming connected to nature was more beneficial. For anyone looking to find something that they love about our world, taking CAP Outdoor Ed is a wise first step.
Written by Angevine CAP Student Emmy Link
See more photos from the course here!
CAP at Angevine Middle School is made possible in part by a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) through the Nature Kids/Jovenes de la Naturaleza program. Click here to learn more!
