Students Discovered Joy in Simple Adventures, Creative Campsites, and Unforgettable Moments Together at Camp Patiya. Written by CI Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt. In late April, Angevine Middle School CAP class embarked on an adventurous and joy-filled overnight trip to Camp Patiya outside of Boulder. We started our day by fishing at Lake Waneka and caught… Read more »
Written by Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt. Early in April, the 7th and 8th grade AXL Academy CAP classes enjoyed their field days at St. Vrain State Park. The weather forecast looked a bit chilly, but the group was pleasantly surprised by gorgeous spring days. Both groups started off their mornings with fishing and searching… Read more »
Written by Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt with help from the New Vista students. The New Vista High School CAP class had a great day at Ollin Farms. They helped plant some succulents and morning glories as well as spread mycelium and mulch. They played a number of games and students enjoyed exploring near the creek…. Read more »
More Than 60 Participants Gathered to Learn Traditional Skills, Connect with Nature, and Strengthen Community Connections. Written by Kira Gilliland, Changemaker Alum. Over the past couple of years, our Ancestral Skills Gathering has had a meaningful impact within our small community. This year, however, we wanted to make it even bigger and better. The 3rd… Read more »
The Base Camp Bash 2026 was an Evening Full of Connection, Generosity, and Celebration On April 11, 2026, the Cottonwood community gathered once again at Upper Larimer in Denver for our 21st Annual Base Camp Bash, an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and impact. Building on last year’s milestone celebration, the Bash 2026 brought together… Read more »
Colorado will be marking the 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union. As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only state to observe twin anniversaries. Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) commemorates this milestone with the Creative Capitol Colorado’s Fourteeners Exhibition showcasing the natural beauty of Colorado’s unique landscape with an exhibition of prints of 53… Read more »
What It Takes to Sleep in Quinzees: A Changemakers Backcountry Journey of Grit, Snow, and Self-Reliance Written by Erin Angel, CI Senior Instructor, Changemakers & Alumni Coordinator. Smile and say “Quinzeeeeee!” Changemakers Outdoor Leadership Corps were all smiles when they finally finished building their quinzees in time to scarf down a late dinner and crawl… Read more »
The Spring Break Hike was Full of Friendship, Snow Surprises, and Reconnecting with Inspiring Changemakers Alumni Written by Erin Angel, CI Senior Instructor, Changemakers & Alumni Coordinator. Our Changemakers Alumni are such cool people. We kicked off our spring break kickoff (see those double kicks?) by going from person to person and getting 2-minute updates… Read more »
Winter Trimester was Filled with Resilience, Discovery, and Student-Led Impact in the Outdoors for AXL Academy CAP Class Written by AXL CAP Instructor Harmony Esqueda. AXL Academy Middle Schoolers enjoyed a CAP Winter Trimester full of service projects and adventures that challenged students outside of their comfort zone. We kicked off our trimester with a… Read more »
The “Purple Elephant” Crew Navigated Tricky Routes, Found Perfect Canyon Campsites, and Mastered the Bear Hang on their Backpacking Trip Written by Maeve O’Meara, CI Director of Operations & People. The Peak to Peak Charter School group who called themselves the Purple Elephants set out from the trailhead on Wednesday afternoon with a clear mission:… Read more »
