Summer Education with CCA!
Although this summer may have looked a little bit different, CCA worked hard to keep our education programs afloat in a safe, socially-distanced way. Now more than ever, it is important to reconnect kids to the outdoors, each other, and themselves - our summer programs did just that!
Land Program
River Program
Our River Program has partnered with local organizations throughout the summer, ensuring fun, engaging, and safe field trips for kids. The team kicked off the summer with Eureka! Science Museum to teach kids about the ecosystem and watershed of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The team then switched gears and led Mesa County Partners down river to develop leadership, team-building, and self-development skills. Most recently, our river educators have been busy guiding small groups of students from Riverside Educational Center on overnight summer programs. We are excited to continue to work with local organizations to provide more meaningful experiences to kids in need throughout the fall.
From the Field:
“ On [our trip], We asked our students from Mesa County Partners to create an illustration representative of them. Using squares of fabric salvaged from our Catalapa tents, they drew pictures of who they are, where they come from, and the gifts they share with the world. Once strung up together, they created a powerful reminder of the many unique contributions each individual makes on our collective journey down the river.”
Adapting to the current situation with efficiency and enthusiasm, our land crew has been busy filming educational videos to provide to students virtually. Since larger field trips with the school district won’t be an option this year, we are continuing to find ways to connect students to their public lands. The Land Program has continued to lead small, socially-distanced hikes with community organizations including Residential Youth Services. The groups had a fantastic time in Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, learning about geology, history, and the landscape along the way. We will continue to adapt throughout the year, finding innovative ways to provide outdoor education to students.
From the Field:
“[RYS] students were able to experience land navigation, ecology, and paleontology out on the trail while also having time to reflect on their lives and the futures they want to build for themselves. These reflections have been vital to the program, focusing students on their choices, behaviors, and goal setting. The combination of intelligent young adults, a small-group setting, and the amazing public lands that are our backyard here in western Colorado has left an indelible impression on all participants.”