From the Climbing Gym to the Trails of Heil Ranch, New Vista Students Embraced Challenges, Ancestral skills, and a Spirited Mac-n-Cheese Cook-Off Despite a Weather-Related Schedule Change
Written by Hailey Schmidt, Cottonwood Institute Field Instructor. The last week of May brought some cold weather to the front range this year, affecting New Vista High School’s CAP class overnight trip. Due to this, we had to switch to two day trips, but this didn’t stop students from having a great time doing everything from climbing to competing in a mac-n-cheese cook-off.
We began with fishing at Lake Waneka. Here, students also worked on whittling and spent some time playing on the playground. We then had some scrumptious tacos before heading to The Spot in Louisville for some climbing.
A good portion of our students have climbed before and they enjoyed this activity, but for others it was completely new. Many of the students who were new to climbing really enjoyed it and made plans to go with their friends again in the future. Climbing wrapped up day one, and we reconvened the next morning.
On day two, we drove to Heil Valley Ranch. Here, we had a chill morning practicing ancestral skills, including more whittling and making cordage. Students also really enjoyed using rocks in the creek to make paint and use it to adorn each other. There was so much creativity around!
The highlight of the second day was a mac-n-cheese cook-off. Students were excited to cook on camp stoves, which is always part of the CAP class overnight experience. Even though we were no longer overnight camping, we knew the class would be energized to participate in a competition to cook up the best possible version of lunch for the day. Students had been assigned to teams in advance, and each team had requested special ingredients to make their own unique version of this classic meal.
Once the main ingredients had been distributed, a few twists to the competition were revealed. There were additional ingredients displayed on a table, which were then divided up as either “must-use” or “keep others from using,” as well as some ingredients available for all. A time limit was set for both planning and cooking, and then teams enthusiastically began collaborating on their meal.
Teams were given notice when only a few minutes remained, and they began plating their meals to be judged (by the Instructors) on creativity, presentation, and taste. While only one team was declared the winner, everyone benefited from being able to taste-test some delicious and unique versions of this favorite. One student (on the winning team) proclaimed, “This is the best mac-n-cheese I’ve ever tasted!”
“This is the best mac-n-cheese I’ve ever tasted!”
– Student on the winning cook-off team
After lunch clean-up, we went on a short walk in the burn area of Heil Valley Ranch. Students were very reflective about how this previously burned landscape affected them emotionally, especially after engaging in a sit spot. This experience brought meaning and connection to the trip and inspired some ideas for their CAP class action project, which they would be undertaking during future class time.
Though we did not get to camp overnight, it was still a great trip with many memorable moments.
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!
