Written by Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt. Early in April, the 7th and 8th grade AXL Academy CAP classes enjoyed their field days at St. Vrain State Park. The weather forecast looked a bit chilly, but the group was pleasantly surprised by gorgeous spring days.
Both groups started off their mornings with fishing and searching for macroinvertebrates. Students enjoyed getting to explore the ponds and relax with their friends. Many students would have fished all day if they could! Though no one caught a fish, students did get to engage with many creatures while searching for macros. A huge highlight was catching a beautiful bull frog. The students were delighted to get to hold it and learn more about it.
After enjoying a sandwich lunch and playing some fun games, the students learned to navigate with compasses. They worked hard to become competent in reading a compass and following bearings. These new skills paid off when the time came to participate in an orienteering scavenger hunt. The students had to follow the directions from clue to clue using their compasses, and collected pieces of a puzzle along the way. Once all three teams found their pieces, they came together and assembled the puzzle to reveal their prize — a piñata! It was an elaborate course that ended in a sweet and exciting treat.
The two trips were full of fun and learning. AXL Academy students enjoyed their day outside and are looking forward to their overnight trip in a few weeks.
A big thanks to the funders and supporters that make the CAP class possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you’re passionate about getting students outside and away from screens, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
