AXL Academy Students Unplugged, Explored Fall Foliage, and Connected with Nature During their Wellness Day of Outdoor Fun
Written by Hannah Posedel, AXL Academy CAP Instructor. For AXL Academy’s second-ever Wellness Day, Cottonwood Institute and students took a Fall adventure to Staunton State Park. A beautiful park at 8,000 feet of elevation, we got to see the first leaves begin to turn and spend our day practicing archery, exploring new plants, and connecting with nature face first.
We started our day by learning how to shoot with bow and arrows, first overcoming the feat of targets at different distances, and then honing in on our aim to have a shoot out at balloons. Amidst the practice, students grew curious about the local plants and which were edible. We later learned about the invasive plants that we could pick to make flower crowns, thanks to the generous help of Jill, our favorite archery teacher!
At lunch, each student shared a gratitude from their day, and to the surprise of the instructors, one student earnestly said, “I am grateful for my phone being taken so that I can connect with nature.” I even asked the student to confirm this assertion later that day, as I was in disbelief and honored to have shared that nature connection time with her!
“I am grateful for my phone being taken so that I can connect with nature” – AXL student
Finally, we ended our day playing Camouflage in the woods, where students got creative in their predator vs. prey techniques with shoe removal, clever coloring with their layers, and some plunges into the brush!
This Wellness Day was filled with non-stop fun and joy, and we are excited to embark on the next one!
Thanks to the funders and supporters who make these AXL programs possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you are also passionate about getting students outside for unique outdoor experiences, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
