The Catamount Institute and Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) are proud to announce the development of a new outdoor leadership program for high school students in the Pikes Peak Region beginning in January 2021. We have 25 slots available! There is no cost for participation, however your presence at the majority of the after-school sessions is required. This is made possible through the Great Outdoors Colorado Generation Wild movement.
Mission
Our mission is to create a positive experience for high school students to connect to the outdoors. We hope to provide unique opportunities through leadership labs, hands-on science, career exploration, community service and recreational activities.
B.O.L.T. will have two main components based on grade level:
-
After-school programs
-
The Ultimate Teen Adventure Holiday (U.T.A.H.) or a campout to Aspen Valley Ranch.
Please read below for more details on each program.
After-school Programs
The Catamount Institute and RMFI will host at least 6 after-school sessions and 4 Saturday sessions to prepare students for a week-long outdoor adventure in Utah over spring break. The sessions are an opportunity for all grade levels to gain confidence in the pursuit of outdoor adventures, career knowledge, and themselves. We aim to provide students the tools they need to succeed in and outside of the classroom. Each session will include a career component where the students are able to work with local professionals from organizations like Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services.
Curriculum
First aid - Leave No Trace - Natural resource management - Outdoor survival - Ecological restoration - Photography - Engineering - Forest bathing - Sustainability - Recreational activities - Leadership skills
Overall Requirements:
-
High school student - From Southeast Colorado Springs
-
Be ready to spend time outdoors
-
Attendance at the majority of the sessions is mandatory to participate in the spring break trips
-
Participants must be physically fit and able to carry 20% of their body weight and hike 5 miles on uneven terrain
U.T.A.H. - Ultimate Teen Adventure Holiday! (Juniors & Seniors)
RMFI leads an annual trip to Indian Creek, Utah, which is located within Bears Ears National Monument. This section of the National Monument is a world renowned rock climbing destination surrounded by rich Native American heritage and cultural resources. In 2021, they invite you to join the 8-day overnight camping excursion over spring break. The goal is to contribute to the preservation of Indian Creek through the completion of recreational impact mitigation, restoration, and stewardship programs. Students will be provided with a unique opportunity to blend hands-on environmental stewardship learning with outdoor skills and leadership development in the magnificent Canyonlands region of Utah.
Environmental Stewardship Project
A portion of the program revolves around trail and restoration work that creates sustainable visitor access. RMFI believes the future protection and restoration of our public lands lies in cultivating an ethic of stewardship through hands-on, experiential learning. RMFI has been working with the Bureau of Land Management in Indian Creek since 1989 to create a sustainable trail infrastructure and revegetate eroded and denuded areas in this highly popular recreational rock climbing area. In 2021, the stewardship component will focus on the improvement of various climbing access trails. We will partner with other organizations such as the Access Fund and Ancestral Lands Americorps to advance trail work objectives while enabling networking and career exploration opportunities for participants.
Recreation and Education
The recreational component of the U.T.A.H. trip allows students to explore the magnificent desert landscape of the surrounding area. For one day during the program, the group will visit the majestic landscape of Cedar Mesa. Cedar Mesa is a nationally recognized destination for backpackers and archeology enthusiasts. It is famous for its beautiful canyons and wealth of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) sites. This component furthers students’ understanding of the natural and archaeological elements of the Colorado Plateau while promoting a deeper bond with the landscape. Students will also visit nearby National parks and culturally significant areas in the region.
You can expect beautiful scenery, hiking, trail restoration, campfire chats, visits to Moab and more. U.T.A.H. will be challenging, rewarding, and fun! Catamount Institute and RMFI staff will be chaperoning the trip to ensure a safe and positive experience. Transportation, food, and gear assistance will be provided.
Incentives: Personal outdoor gear, professional networking, letters of recommendation, potential internship opportunity, and an experience of a lifetime!
Requirements for U.T.A.H.:
-
At least 16 years of age
-
Attendance at 5 of the 6 after-school sessions and 3 of the 4 Saturday sessions are mandatory to participate in the U.T.A.H. spring break trip
-
Participants must be physically fit and able to carry 20% of their body weight and hike 5 miles on uneven terrain
Aspen Valley Ranch Campout (Freshman & Sophomores)
Located in beautiful Woodland Park, Aspen Valley Ranch has been a resource in the community for outdoor education and training programs. For those who are unable to attend the U.T.A.H. trip, these students are able to attend a 3-day, 2-night camping trip at the ranch. Here the Catamount Institute staff will be facilitating environmental education programs that will give the students a chance to practice their outdoor skills gained in the afterschool programs. Although this program is open to all grade levels we highly encourage those who are eligible for U.T.A.H. to participate in that trip.
Recreation and Education
Aspen Valley Ranch is a local hidden gem where the students will have access to bird watching, mountain biking, nature art, and moderate level hiking. The program will further explore team building, health and wellness, gardening, land management, alternate energy resources, and outdoor survival. The service component of the program will be focused on trail building and high-altitude gardening at the ranch. Transportation, food, and gear assistance will be provided.
Incentives: Personal outdoor gear, professional networking, letters of recommendation, potential internship opportunity, and an experience of a lifetime!
Requirements for Aspen Valley Campout:
-
All high school grade levels
-
Attendance at 5 of the 6 after-school sessions and 3 of the 4 Saturday sessions are mandatory to participate in the Aspen Valley Ranch trip
Tentative Program Dates:
Application Closes: 12/04/2020
Meet & greet: 12/15/202
After-school session 1: 01/12/21
After-school session 2: 01/26/21
Saturday session 1: 01/30/21
Saturday session 2: 02/06/21
After-school session 3: 02/09/21
After-school session 4: 02/23/21
Saturday session 3: 02/27/21
After-school session 5: 03/09/21
Saturday session 4: 03/13/21
U.T.A.H: 03/20/21 - 03/27/21
Aspen Valley Ranch campout: 03/22/21 - 03/24/21
After-school session 6 (wrap-up party): 04/09/21