Colorado High School Charter (CHSC) Students Built Community and Shed Pretenses on their Staunton Camping Trip, Displaying a Childlike Wonder for the Natural World
Written by CI Field Instructor Blaise Miles. We started the Staunton State Park overnight camping trip with archery – the perfect activity for a rainy and moody morning. We all loved getting some moisture in, and we found beauty in the overcast weather. Students picked up archery astonishingly fast. Within minutes they were landing arrows on the target from more than 40 feet away, and I was genuinely impressed by how quickly they went from beginners to sharpshooters.
Students showed so much joy and childlike wonder for the outside world, leaving behind all masks and pretenses. They explored the woods after archery, discovering a fox pelt and many wild mushrooms and plants. Lumen brought his knowledge and love of mushrooms to everyone in the group by teaching mushroom identification.
At camp, students learned the art of choosing the right tent site and then set up their own tents. Angel spotted a fish in a nearby stream, and the group got to work building makeshift fishing gear together. We didn’t catch the fish, but nobody seemed to mind.
Dinner was the world’s most intense taco cook-off. Students showed off their skills and their cultures through food: Thomas made a mean salsa, both teams came out with seriously competitive guacamole, and the chicken was so good that I left completely well fed. Afterward, we roasted marshmallows around the fire and shared reflections from the day. My personal highlight was the long dish-cleaning party, during which Josh sampled a very tasty and unexpected dessert.
With a very dark, cloudy sky and almost no light pollution, we learned about bioluminescence, rods and cones, and echolocation before a short night hike. A few students braved the dark woods, while others stayed behind to learn how to make paracord bracelets, enabling students to wear jewelry made of cord you could use in a pinch. At bedtime, Jesey kept the whole group laughing – making sure no animals wanted to join us at our campsite.
The next morning started with eggs, sausage, and fruit, followed by a very intense game of Camouflage. Then came some unexpected visitors: a small group of goats – Marcos’s new best friends.
Back at school, we shared cake and watched part of Adrian’s trip vlog. It was awesome having a professional photographer along to capture all of the wonderful memories!
Thanks to the funders and supporters who make the CAP class possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you are also passionate about getting students outside for unique outdoor 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!
