At Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Students Enjoyed Fishing, Stargazing, Adapting to Changing Weather, and Being “Unplugged” While Overnight Camping
Written by CI CAP Instructor & Social Media Coordinator Harmony Esqueda. Longmont Youth Center (LYC) students eagerly arrived the morning of our camping trip. We circled up for some icebreaker games and everyone kissed their phones goodbye. We set off for Golden Gate Canyon State Park where we first stopped at the visitor center. Students explored taxidermy animals, learned facts about the park, strolled through aspen trees, and fed the rainbow fish.
We then enjoyed some much-needed relaxing time fishing at Kriley Pond. Students took in the views as they spotted water striders and caught crawfish up until it was time for lunch. We devoured tortas with ham, queso fresco, avocado, tomato, and beans as well as plenty of snacks.
Afterwards, we headed to our ranger-led wildflower hike, only to run into gloomy clouds and sudden rain. We pivoted our plans to go straight to our campsite at Camp Always Choose Adventures, where the storm continued to pour down. Thankfully, we were able to huddle up under cover away from the rain to make hot chocolate and play some games, including Imposter and Mafia, while we waited out the storm.
Eventually, students were able to set up their tents and enjoy some free time before dinner. LYC chaperones generously assisted in cooking delicious tacos for dinner – but not before we fed the resident goats some dinner. Once the sun set, we got a fire going, scarfed down s’mores, and played multiple rounds of Night at the Museum in the dark. We also went for a long night hike where students excitedly stargazed and pointed out constellations to each other. By the time we made our way back to camp, everyone was ready for bed.
The next morning, we had a feast of a breakfast including an oatmeal and yogurt parfait bar. Fruity Pebbles in yogurt became the ultimate hit amongst the students. Once our bellies were full, we circled up for some whole group morning stretches. Everyone then enthusiastically played Poison Dart Frog and Camouflage for hours. After a heartfelt debrief, it was time to head back home.
Thanks to the City of Longmont, Great Outdoors Colorado, Thorne Nature Experience and Nature Kids Longmont for helping to fund this incredible program! If you are inspired and want to help support this program as well, Donate Today!
