We began our Changemaker’s first overnight trip with a classic Colorado plot twist: rain. On Friday evening, our van rolled into Granby under the darkness of night and the promise of precipitation. Students sprang into action, pitching tents in the drizzle and laughing while we all worked to flip a rain fly right side out… Read more »
On Friday, September 5, Ms. Grillo’s middle school CAP class hit the road for a full day at Staunton State Park. The goal: strengthen friendships, build outdoor confidence, and—most importantly—have fun. The morning at Angevine started with preparation and lively car games. On the hour drive to Staunton, one car group discovered 141 things they… Read more »
I love this time of year when I get a moment to pause and reflect on the positive impact Cottonwood Institute has created in the lives of our students and the communities we serve for the past programming year (August 2024 – July 2025). In a world that can feel divided, a quick scan of… Read more »
What a day on the greens! The Harvard Gulch Golf Invitational brought together 104 players for a fun-filled afternoon of golf and community spirit, all in support of Cottonwood Institute’s mission to awaken the changemaker within every student. Thanks to everyone who came out, we raised an incredible $12,790 to connect more students to nature… Read more »
On Saturday, July 26th, McGregor Square was buzzing with energy, friendly competition, and community connection as we gathered for the 2025 Cottonwood Throwdown, our annual cornhole tournament and fundraiser to support Cottonwood Institute students. With breakfast drinks in hand and the boards set, it was the perfect summer day to show up, play hard, and… Read more »
Beats on the Creek 2025 was one for the books. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Coohills, a lineup of amazing local bands, and a community that showed up week after week, we wrapped up a successful season full of music, good food, and meaningful connection, all in support of Cottonwood Institute’s students and outdoor… Read more »
An Intergenerational Program for Teens, Parents, and Kids at Casa de la Esperanza Helps Families Connect, Camp, and Grow Together. Written by Senior CAP Instructor Erin Angel. We want to share with you some of the magic of the Casa de la Esperanza (Casa) Familias Unidas en la Naturaleza (FUN) Intergenerational Program and how it… Read more »
In the DSST/LHC Watershed Program, Students Experience Outdoor Adventure and Meaningful Growth Alongside Inspiring Youth Leaders. Written by CI Field Instructor Blaise Miles. In this year’s DSST/LHC Watershed program, students from both DSST: Cole Middle School and three assistant instructors from Lincoln Hills Cares (LHC) explored a variety of activities in order to deepen their… Read more »
Exploring Ancient Cliffside Dwellings, Volunteering Along the Rio Grande, and Uncovering the Layers of History in New Mexico’s Red Earth. Written by Changemaker Alum Lahja Wise. As a Changemaker Alum, I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to continue learning from and working with Cottonwood. That all culminated in a final trip that kicked… Read more »
Longmont Youth Center Students Learn, Play, and Explore—Plus Test their Taste Buds with Skittles Science—on an Overnight Trip in Bailey, CO. Written by CI Field Instructor Carly Winner. The Longmont Youth Center middle school students had a fascinating exploratory overnight trip. From starting the day off with a large camp set-up, including a tarp city… Read more »
