Archery, Fishing, Games and a Campfire Were Highlights of the Overnight Trip. Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda.
AXL Academy 7th grade CAP students eagerly gathered on the morning of their overnight to kick off our trip with archery. We headed out on the road to get to Staunton State Park early for their lesson, where volunteers graciously taught students how to use a compound bow. Students excitedly and patiently tried their hand at archery for the first time, and were so helpful and encouraging to one another.
As soon as we finished up our archery lesson, students helped make sandwiches for lunch, and then we headed to Glen Isle Resort campgrounds for the remainder of the trip.
As soon as we unloaded gear, we saw dark clouds rolling in as rain sprinkled down. We scrambled to get our tents and tarps up before our gear got soaked, but of course, as soon as our camp was set up, clear blue skies opened up again. With good weather on our side, we jumped at the opportunity to play some fan favorite games such as Mass Paranoia and Capture the Flag.
A few students were particularly excited to be the chefs for the evening and cooked up the best camp dinner any of us had ever eaten, which included burritos/burrito bowls with a side of guacamole.
As the sun set and the temperature dropped, we got to sipping hot chocolate and roasting s’mores around the fire while we reflected on our trip and our experience in CAP class this school year.
One student said about their CAP experience, “CAP trips are a good experience because we get to make so many unforgettable memories with friends instead of spending our time in front of a screen. CAP class has taught me that memories and fun can be made outside with loved ones.”
We ended the evening with a night hike. Afterwards, students were so excited to play board games together in their tents before bedtime, including Monopoly, Tapple, and UNO.
The next morning, we journeyed down the road to go fishing in the stream where there were benches and bridges to enjoy the scenery or cast a fishing rod. It was a peaceful moment, but it wasn’t long before it was time to wrap up the trip with a pita pizza lunch and a long trek back to AXL.
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.
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