A Fall CAP Trimester Full of Firsts: AXL Academy Middle Schoolers Enjoyed a First-Time Camping Trip, Rock Climbing, and Taking on New Challenges. Written by AXL CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda.
AXL 7th Grade CAP Adventures and First-Time Experiences
We kicked off our trimester with a visit to Golden Gate Canyon State Park where AXL 7th graders had the chance to learn about local wildlife in the foothills of Colorado. Volunteers led a presentation on Skins and Skulls, allowing students to see and feel real moose, beaver, bear, and deer pelts and bones. We then headed to a nearby pond in search of macroinvertebrates like crawdads and water striders in order to assess water quality.
For most 7th graders, camping was a first-time experience, so we took our time learning some of the fundamentals of staying safe outside and getting acquainted with our campsite at Cheley in Allenspark. We learned new skills, such as whittling, shelter building, and fire building. Students especially enjoyed our nature scavenger hunt, during which they scouted for and identified plants growing locally, such as raspberries, mullein, and ponderosa pines.
For our Action Project, students felt particularly motivated to take action to support their local unhoused community members and better the environment. Students researched items and called nearby businesses to get donations needed to make community care kits. Everyone contributed to making handwritten cards full of encouraging, kind words. Our care kits were packed with hygienic supplies, hand-warmers, and snacks. With accessibility and environmental pollution in mind, students successfully acquired free bus passes to include as well. Students proudly assembled and distributed these resources to their community.
AXL 8th Grade CAP Outdoor Adventures and Firsts
8th grade AXL students started their trimester with an epic rock climbing trip, thanks to volunteers at Staunton State Park. A first-time experience for all students, we learned new skills and traversed new terrain as everyone gave valiant efforts climbing to the top. Our camping trip at Cheley in Allenspark also brought new challenges and opportunities to learn new skills. Students learned how to navigate using topographic maps, leading to prizes of brownies, sprinkles, and whipped cream to celebrate a student’s birthday. Everyone eagerly took on team-building exercises like the tarp flip game, which facilitated bonding through challenging experiences.
For our Action Project, 8th graders hand made paper flowers and other crafts to include in baskets to be raffled off for fundraising. Students worked together to decide on the contents of the baskets, and filled them with hand-crafted goods and holiday items like hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, candles, chocolate, and more. During Expedition Night at AXL Academy, families and staff bought $5 raffle tickets for the chance to win one of two baskets. With everyone’s support, we raised $145 to donate to Project Angel Heart, an organization committed to giving Coloradans access to nutritious food. A core value of Project Angel Heart is its commitment to the environment, apparent through its work implementing composting programs as well as neighborhood cleanups and tree plantings.
We took CAP class to new heights this trimester, and through various trials, challenges, and outdoor firsts, everyone grew closer together, feeling proud of what we accomplished through working together.
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 also passionate about helping students get outdoors and take action to make change in their communities, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
