We are thrilled to thank the Xcel Energy Foundation for their generous support of another transformative year of the Cottonwood Institute’s Community Adventure Program (CAP) Class! Thanks to their continued investment, students from Angevine Middle School and Centaurus High School in Lafayette, New Vista High School in Boulder, and AXL Academy in Aurora were able to connect deeply with the outdoors, build real-world skills, and become inspired environmental stewards.
This year’s Action Projects were especially inspiring. At Angevine Middle School, students were moved by the impact of habitat loss on local wildlife—asking powerful questions like, “What happens when housing developments replace natural ecosystems?” and “Where do animals go when their habitats disappear?” Their concern for displaced creatures, particularly squirrels, sparked meaningful action. The students created native seed bombs to support pollinators and organized a bake sale that raised over $300 for a local wildlife sanctuary. Their passion and initiative demonstrate the heart of what CAP is all about: turning curiosity and concern into tangible, community-based solutions.
We’re proud of all our CAP students for their creativity, empathy, and drive to make a difference. Whether they were raising awareness about endangered species in Colorado or learning to lead in the outdoors, each student took important steps toward building a more sustainable world. One student from New Vista High School summed it up best:
“I would recommend CAP class to an interested friend because it gives you an opportunity to get outside of the classroom every day. It’s a very hands-on class and different from any other classes. You also learn outdoor skills and how to help the environment which I found really fun and engaging!”
With heartfelt gratitude, we salute the Xcel Energy Foundation for making all of this possible. Their commitment to youth, education, and the environment is helping to shape the next generation of changemakers—and we can’t wait to see where our students will go next.
