Through Outdoor Adventures, Shared Laughter, and Student-led Projects, New Vista Students Turned Passions into Action and Started Inspiring Change in their School Community Written by New Vista CAP Instructor Sara Grillo. At the beginning of the quarter, our Community Adventure Program (CAP) class at New Vista High School started a little timidly. We were still… Read more »
New Vista High School Students Combine a Cal-Wood Camping Trip with a Hands-On Wildfire Mitigation Project Written by CI Field Instructor Chris Tobin. On September 24th, a group of intrepid teenagers from the Community Adventure Program (CAP) class at New Vista High School in Boulder, CO set out with four Cottonwood Institute instructors to the… Read more »
AXL Academy 8th Graders Embraced Wildlife Exploration as they Searched for Crawdads and Practiced Observing Local Plants and Animals like Naturalists Written by AXL CAP Instructor Hannah Posedel. On Thursday, August 27th, AXL Academy 8th grade CAP students embarked on their journey to Castlewood Canyon for a day that would include wildlife exploration. The first… Read more »
Students Experienced Regenerative Farming Firsthand and Learned how a Local Farm Nurtures the Land While Growing Delicious Food Written by Caroline Paul, Logistics Coordinator & Changemakers Instructor. New Vista High School’s Community Adventure Program (CAP) class spent their fall field day at Ollin Farms, where students spent the day planting, harvesting, and clearing debris. Ollin… Read more »
Colorado High School Charter (CHSC) Students Built Community and Shed Pretenses on their Staunton Camping Trip, Displaying a Childlike Wonder for the Natural World Written by CI Field Instructor Blaise Miles. We started the Staunton State Park overnight camping trip with archery – the perfect activity for a rainy and moody morning. We all loved… Read more »
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… Read more »
Several Cottonwood Institute Staff Members are Stepping into New Roles in Fall 2026, Bringing Fresh Perspectives and Experiences to Students at Our Partner Schools Written by Communications & Administrative Coordinator Lori Powell. When a new school year begins, so do new opportunities for growth, connection, and adventure. This fall, several members of the Cottonwood Institute… Read more »
From Discovering Macroinvertebrates to Sharing One Final Meal Together, CHSC students Wrapped Up the Year with Water Quality Investigations and Play Outdoors Written by CI Field Instructor Blaise Miles. Some of the best days don’t need a schedule packed with activities to be unforgettable — they just need good company, a river, and a few… Read more »
Through State Park Outings and Overnight Camping Adventures, AXL Middle School Students Enjoyed a Trimester of Hands-On Experiences with Plants, Animals, and Planting Seeds of Change Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor & Social Media Coordinator Harmony Esqueda. AXL Academy Middle Schoolers experienced a spring trimester full of adventure and life lessons, and an opportunity… Read more »
Student-Led Learning Allowed Angevine Middle School Students to Follow their Curiosity, Learn from Community Experts, and Create Lasting Environmental Change on their Campus Written by Angevine Middle School CAP Instructor Sara Grillo. This semester, students in the Community Adventure Program (CAP) at Angevine Middle School took ownership of their learning in a way that made… Read more »
