Longmont Youth Center Students Learn, Play, and Explore—Plus Test their Taste Buds with Skittles Science—on an Overnight Trip in Bailey, CO. Written by CI Field Instructor Carly Winner.
The Longmont Youth Center middle school students had a fascinating exploratory overnight trip. From starting the day off with a large camp set-up, including a tarp city to protect from the rain and weather in Bailey, Colorado, to ending the night exploring the forest.
The group explored the National Forest land and found many species, including ponderosa pines, douglas firs, mullein, fireweed, daisies, bluebells, and more. They learned about the terpenes in ponderosa pines, which create a chemical compound that smells very sweet like vanilla. After enjoying a peaceful sit spot, the group ventured back into the campsite to create a delicious dinner. With bellies full of camp burrito bowls, we were ready for our game-filled evening.
We explored back into the forest for an electric game of camouflage. Students and instructors hid in crevices, behind shrubs, and in any great hiding spot to make for a challenging and fun game of camouflage. After working up an appetite, the group shared stories and reflections around the fire – and ate just enough s’mores to fuel us for a night hike. On our night hike, we experimented with scientific Skittles – testing our color vision in the night to guess flavors before taste testing. Students did a few experiments with their night vision and had fun guessing Skittles colors. The longer we stayed out, the better our night vision got!
After a full day and evening of fun, we spent our second day exploring the land in the daylight, fishing, and playing in the stream. The group found lots of caddisfly larvae in their cases, as well as nematodes. The day flew by as we enjoyed exploring the water. We were sad to say goodbye to the Longmont Youth Center group, but can’t wait to work with them again!
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!
