The Peak to Peak Charter School Group Dubbed the “Big Blue Booty Bears” Enjoyed Some Backcountry Magic: An Adventure Full of Teamwork, Silly Skits, and Unexpected Moments.
Written by Erin Angel, CI Senior Instructor, Changemakers & Alumni Coordinator. The Big Blue Booty Bears set off toward Big Dominguez Canyon on Wednesday afternoon under the leadership of student leaders Will and Charlie. While waiting their turn to hit the trail (backcountry travel regulations mean groups have to space out), students made the most of their time: fishing for trout, whittling spoons, sampling bug larvae for the adventurous, and enjoying a bug-free lunch. The stage was set for some moments of backcountry magic.
Once on the trail, the group took a steady pace, keeping an eye on a teammate who wasn’t feeling well. Rest stops turned into mini wildlife investigations, with students examining animal tracks and scat along the way. They also practiced navigation, using paper maps and landmarks, like a dramatic hairpin bend in the river, to figure out where they were in the thick forest.
As the sun dipped behind the mountains and the temperature dropped, the group set up camp by the river after about 2.5 miles. The plan: wake up early and make up some distance the next day.
Thursday began with frosty tents and steaming oatmeal. Despite a twisted ankle early in the morning, the group had a thoughtful conversation about the challenge ahead. The students decided together to redistribute the weight from the injured hiker and keep going as a team.
They made steady progress, stopping to refill water and eat lunch by the river—only to realize they had reached the campsite they were supposed to get to the night before! Still, spirits stayed high. Some students powered ahead like hiking machines, while others dug deep to keep moving.
When the sun slipped behind the mountains again, the group made the smart decision to stop at a welcoming campsite. Then came the best news of the day: only 3.25 miles left for the final morning. Cheers erupted around camp.
That evening was classic backcountry magic—students built a fire, chopped vegetables for dinner, hung the bear bags, and relaxed with stories and laughter while working on a very silly skit song.
The final morning brought cheerful hiking, stops to look at petroglyphs and ancient ruins, and even a joyful reunion with the Purple Elephants on the trail. Together they searched for “rock fruit” before the final easy mile out of the canyon.
Soon, the vans came into view. Tired but proud, students celebrated with snacks, photos, and a few legendary “wag bag” stories.
Trips like this are about much more than miles on a trail. Students practiced leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience—and came home with stories they’ll be telling for years.
Check out the adventures of the “Collard Greens” group and the “Purple Elephants” group also!
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