From Fishing at Barr Lake to Navigating a Snowy and Soggy Campsite, AXL Academy 7th Graders Made the Most of Every Moment During this Spring Camping Adventure
Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor & Social Media Coordinator Harmony Esqueda. Our 7th grade AXL Academy CAP spring overnight started off strong with our first stop being the Nature Center at Barr Lake State Park. These interactive exhibits offered taxidermy of local wildlife, as well as, skins, skulls, furs, and bones for students to hold and feel up close. Students explored the center, taking in facts about native grasses, species of birds at Barr Lake, and the history of the wildlife refuge and watersheds. Some students were particularly excited to dress up in the costumes, including falcons, snakes, and spiders.
Afterwards, we headed over to the fishing pier where we immediately saw a pair of pelicans hanging out on the lake. Students practiced casting their fishing rods and experimented using different types of bait from power bait to live worms. Everyone soaked in some much-needed sun after a recent snowstorm, as we checked out the scenery and waited to catch fish.
While we prepared a buffet-style sandwich lunch, students took to the nearby playground. After we filled our bellies, we made our way over to Boulder for the rest of our camping trip at Camp Patiya. With fresh snow rapidly melting, our campsite became slush that we sloshed around in as we unloaded the vans to set up our campsite. For extra protection, we used sandwich bags as socks inside our shoes, as there were many puddles to wade in throughout the day. After a few brief snowball fights, students were eager to set up their tents.
We played a few warm-up games and then split up in groups for survival skills rotations. One group learned how to start a fire using natural materials around us, with the additional challenge of wet twigs everywhere, while the other groups learned how to make cordage and whittle. After fueling up with hot dogs for dinner, everyone was ready for s’mores and night games. After a few rounds of Bat and Moth in the dark, students tucked into their tents for the night.
The next morning, we devoured a spread of oatmeal and bagels before playing several hours of gaga ball. Then, it was time to pack up tents and load up the vans again to head back to AXL Academy.
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 getting students outside for hands-on learning 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!
