Exploring Colorado’s Water Systems Combined Science, Service, and Outdoor Adventure. Written by Hailey Schmidt and Caroline Paul.

This June, a group of high school students from RiseUp Community School in Denver, CO, headed to the mountains for an unforgettable five-day camping expedition at the Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) in Leadville, Colorado. The trip, designed to fulfill their science credit, familiarized students with the ecology and infrastructure of Colorado’s water systems—while also offering adventure, community, and plenty of marshmallows.

Here’s a brief recap of their journey through the Colorado Rockies:

Monday – Home Away From Home
The trip began as the group landed at their camp after a beautiful drive through the mountains surrounding Leadville. After setting up tents and making the camp their home, the group got their first taste of outdoor living. With guidance from instructors, they learned how to cook dinner on camp stoves and practiced Leave No Trace principles. The evening ended with a competitive (and loud) round of Uno played by headlamp.

Tuesday – Trout, Pipelines, and Fishing Poles
Tuesday’s lesson started with a visit to the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, where students learned about the different trout species native to Colorado and the critical role hatcheries play in supporting recreational fishing and restoring endangered species like the Greenback Cutthroat Trout.

That afternoon, students looked deeper into Colorado’s complex water systems. They explored how water from the Colorado River is diverted across the Continental Divide and piped into Denver. They then went fishing at COBS reservoirs where several lucky students caught a fish!

Wednesday – Rafting the Rapids
Wednesday was all about adventure. Students took to the Arkansas River in Brown’s Canyon for a white water rafting trip with Wilderness Aware Rafting. Nerves were high at first—many had never been on a river before—but their courage grew with every rapid. There were lots of screams and laughs! Guides explained how water speed, canyon constriction, and rocky debris form rapids. It was a hands-on physics lesson no one will forget.

By the end of the day, soggy but smiling, students returned to camp proud and a little sunburned, ready for dinner and, of course, more Uno.

Thursday – Giving Back and Digging Deep
Thursday began with a service project in partnership with Climax Molybdenum. Students helped with water quality testing while learning how mining impacts surrounding ecosystems. They discussed the environmental regulations in place and saw how companies work to keep Colorado’s precious waterways safe for humans and the ecosystems.

In the afternoon, students built their own mini canyons in a hands-on experiment that demonstrated erosion, flooding, and sediment deposition to further their understanding of how water moves.

Friday – Homeward Bound
After breaking down camp and saying goodbye to the mountains, students returned to Denver. Most slept on the drive home, worn out but proud. They were excited to return to their beds—and flushing toilets.

This trip combined science, service, and outdoor adventure, helping students better understand the importance of Colorado’s water and the systems that sustain it—all while building community and new skills in the wild.

Thanks to Climax Molybdenum and the Walton Family Foundation for helping to fund this unforgettable week of learning and adventure!

If you too are passionate about getting students outside to learn about Colorado’s water systems, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!