AXL Academy‘s Day of Service Learning Connected Students to Local Wildlife, Public Lands, and Community Impact. Written by Shawn Heyland, CI Field Instructor.
AXL Academy 7th-grade CAP students recently had the opportunity to visit Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora for a day of service learning, archery, and fun. Not far from where the students attend school, the park offers all kinds of outdoor recreation and ways to learn about the outdoor spaces nearby. Most of the students hadn’t been to the park before, but after spending a day there, we’re convinced they’ll be going back with their friends and family.
First on the agenda for the day was working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to partake in a trash cleanup service project along the shoreline of a popular summer area within the park. The motivation was high amongst the students. Fueled by a desire to help the local wildlife and visitor experience in the park, students removed gallons upon gallons of trash from the shoreline. We found a lot of microplastics, various types of litter wedged in rocks, and garbage from cooking food, all of which is harmful to wildlife. We wrapped up our service project with a thoughtful discussion of the importance of our work and the direct impact on the local wildlife. Park staff taught us about the various species of wildlife and fish that reside in the park, all of which are impacted by littering.
Second up for the day was a lesson in archery by the wonderful staff at Cherry Creek State Park. Students got to experience exactly how to use an archery range, how to handle the bow, and proper form to best nail the targets. There were quite a few naturals within the group, hitting bullseyes on the targets and challenging themselves with targets further down the range. Cherry Creek State Park even hosts community range days, allowing opportunities for these students to go back and continue to dial in their archery skills.
It was a full-value day of fun, learning, and service. We all left feeling proud of our effort and with a greater appreciation for our parks and the local wildlife. Learning new ways to spend time outdoors doing something fun in a beautiful setting was another reward.
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 helping students get outdoors and take action to make change in their communities, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
