Interim provides opportunities to get out of the classroom to learn by doing, through exposure to new ideas, experiences, and environments. Interim trips span the gamut from artistic pursuits and community engagement to wilderness expeditions. Immersion in a unifying trip concept broadens students’ skills, knowledge, and awareness.
Interim Goals:
- To practice physical and emotional resilience
- To cultivate student agency through trip planning and leadership
- To practice community values and service to others
- To learn via exploration and personal initiative
- To collaborate and problem solve
Here are the practical details parents should know:
All Colorado Academy Middle School Interims will take place Monday, May 9-Friday, May 13, 2022.
Registration Forms: Once students have reviewed trip descriptions, they should click on the registration link. Each student should put their choices in order from 1 to 16, and each parent should sign at the bottom. Registration forms should be completed by Monday, February 7.
Interim Waivers: Parents will need to log in to their MyCA account to complete the ‘Interim Waiver’ by Monday, February 7, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. Here’s how:
- Click ‘Resources’ at the top of the page
- Click on the Magnus Health icon at the top of the Resource page
- Click on ‘Additional Disclosures and Consent: Interim’
At this time, we do not need any of the trip-specific waivers signed. We will collect those after Interim placements have been completed.
Interim Health Policies 2022
Our goal is to make as many Interim opportunities available for students while also considering the health and safety of participants. With that goal in mind, please review the following Interim Health Policies prior to completing the online Interim Registration Form. Also, note that the policies below are subject to change and the school may cancel Interim due to health concerns or the safety of participants.
- Masks are required while participants are indoors and while traveling on a bus or in a van.
- A negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of departure is required for all overnight trips. Testing is not required for participants who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of the start of the Interim. Finally, parents must authorize trip leaders to administer a rapid test on overnight trips if a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms.
- Vaccine required: In addition to the testing requirements, there are a small number of trips that require participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some cases, this is required by the contracted guide service and in situations where participants will be eating and sleeping in close proximity while indoors.
- Parents may need to pick up their child from an away trip (in Colorado or a neighboring state) within 24 hours of a child developing COVID-19 symptoms or after testing positive for COVID-19.
- Each trip below will specify with asterisks which health protocols are required:
- Negative COVID-19 test result required = *
- COVID-19 vaccine required by CA + Negative test result= **
- COVID-19 vaccine required by Interim vendor + Negative test result = ***
Additional Information:
- Attendance on Interim is mandatory. Please do not schedule appointments during Interim.
- Interim registration is final, and changes are made only for medical emergencies.
- Take into account the general health of your child. Some medical conditions or poor fitness should lead you to place certain programs as a low choice. To participate in the canoeing Interim, students must be able to swim.
- Students should not repeat an Interim.
- The cost of Interim is included in tuition. In some cases, students are required to provide their own specialized equipment (e.g., skis)
- Thank you for reviewing all these materials and discussing possible options with your child. If you have any questions that I can be helpful with, please do not hesitate to contact me. (forbes.cone@coloradoacademy.
org) - To view trips, simply scroll down.
Registration form: https://bit.ly/2022-MS-Interim
Please complete by Monday, February 7.
Amazing Race: Denver Edition
Trip Leaders: Liz Estacio & Kathy Zolla
Trip type: Local (Denver based all week; no overnight)
Location: Denver, Golden, Idaho Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Level: Medium intensity (moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
Vendor: Various
Health Protocol: N/A
In Amazing Race Denver, we will be solving puzzles to find our destinations and learn about the history of the areas we live in.
Back in Time
Trip Leaders: Sue Counterman, Sara Monterroso, & Miriah Royal
Trip Type: Away (Away from Denver for 5 days)
Location: Colorado National Monument, Western Colorado
Level: High Intensity (active 5+ hours per day, in the outdoors, with periods of intense exertion)
Vendor: Keystone Science School
Health Protocol: * Negative COVID-19 test result required
Travel back in time through the history of the Rocky Mountains as you explore hiking trails and geologic formations at Colorado National Monument. Each day will be out hiking and learning about the landscape, flora, and fauna of the area. Students will carry out a service project at Highline Lake State Park, where we will be camping, and complete a challenge hike on the last day.
Canoe Labyrinth Canyon
Trip Leader: Eric Augustin
Trip Type: Away (Away from Denver for 5 days)
Location: Green River, Utah
Level: High Intensity (active 5+ hours per day, in the outdoors, with periods of intense exertion) | Must be able to swim
Vendor: Centennial Canoe
Health Protocol: * Negative COVID-19 test result required
Students will canoe down 48 miles of the historic Green River. John Wesley Powell explored the Green River, a main tributary of the Colorado River, in 1869 as the first part of his epic journey down the Colorado River. This is one of the longest running Middle School Interims, as it provides students a rich experience that is at the core of the Interim program.
Cedar Mesa Backpacking
Trip Leaders: Jared Katzman & Olivia Wall
Trip Type: Away (Away from Denver for 5 days)
Location: Cedar Mesa, Moab, Utah
Level: High Intensity (active 5+ hours per day, in the outdoors, with periods of intense exertion)
Vendor: Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Health Protocol: * Negative COVID-19 test result required
Learn how to enjoy nature, work together, solve problems, have fun, and “leave no trace,” as we explore beautiful Utah Canyons. Edward Abbey, the famed environmentalist, reminds us that “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” We will backpack each day, camp under the stars, and explore well-preserved Native American archaeological sites. Weather permitting, the trip will conclude with a refreshing dip in the Glenwood Hot Springs.
Colorado Fly Fishing
Trip Leaders: Matt Olmstead & Liston Hills
Trip Type: Hybrid (Away from Denver for at least 1 night)
Location: Denver, Bailey, and Pinecliffe, Colorado
Level: Medium intensity (moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
Vendor: N/A
Health Protocol: * Negative COVID-19 test result required
On the Fly Fishing Interim, students will learn the art of fly fishing. We will explore Colorado, engaging different river types, habitats, and river ecology, while introducing students to the importance of fisheries and water resources in the West today. Students will learn to evaluate fishing conditions, travel safely in the backcountry, and discover fishing hotspots close to home.
Creative Crafty Cooking
Trip Leaders: Peggy Butler & Renee Medina
Trip Type: Local (Denver based all week; no overnight)
Location: Denver, Colorado
Level: Low intensity (sitting, standing, and light walking)
Vendor: Sticky Fingers and Stir Kitchen
Health Protocol: N/A
Do you want to razzle and dazzle your friends and family by cooking yummy meals using basic cooking ingredients? Are you tired of heating up tasteless frozen snacks in the microwave? Then this is the Interim for you!
Discover New Mexico
Trip Leaders: Elisa Stolar & Kate MacKenzie
Trip Type: Away (Away from Denver for 5 days)
Location: Abiquiu, NM; Santa Fe, NM
Level: Medium intensity (moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
Vendor: N/A
Health Protocol: *** COVID-19 vaccine required by Interim vendor + Negative test result
Venture to the stark and overwhelming beauty of Abiquiu, New Mexico to explore the natural surroundings that sparked painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s artistic genius. Take up residence at a nearby inn. Wake up to clear blue New Mexican skies and meet each day with new adventures: yoga, hiking at the White Place, meditating mountainside, landscape painting, exploring Santa Fe’s best museums, and basking in the warm waters of Ojo Caliente Hot Springs.
Discover Scuba
Trip Leader: Erin Carlson
Trip Type: Local (Denver based all week; no overnight)
Location: Denver, Colorado
Level: Medium intensity (moderate activity up to 3 hours per day) | Must be able to swim
Vendor: A1 Scuba
Health Protocol: N/A
This scuba Interim will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn how to scuba dive in a pool and then culminate their work by diving at the Downtown Aquarium on the final day of Interim! Students will learn how to engage in this sport in a safe way and to care for themselves as they are deep under water, enjoying the coral and wildlife.
Front Range Mountain Explorers
Trip Leaders: Erin Galvin & Donna Farrell
Trip Type:
Local (Denver based all week; no overnight)
Location: Golden and Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado
Level: Medium intensity (moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
Vendor: Colorado Mountain Club
Health Protocol: N/A
Students will explore Front Range open space and the Movement Rock Climbing Gym. Students will learn to climb, belay, and boulder in an indoor and outdoor setting. They will also attend a yoga class at Movement, learn map and compass skills, Leave No Trace ethics, plus local flora and fauna. Interim week will culminate with outdoor climbing at North Table Mountain in Golden as well as hiking in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
I Dig Denver
Trip Leaders: Becci Marzonie & Rebecca Silva
Trip Type: Local (Denver based all week; no overnight)
Location: Meow Wolf; Denver Art Museum; Museum of Contemporary Art; Lookout Mountain Buffalo Bill’s grave; Idaho Springs; Golden
Level: Low Intensity (sitting, standing, and light walking)
Vendors: N/A
Health Protocol: N/A
I Dig Denver is an in-town experience. If you find your city “boring,” you’ll get to explore some unique Denver experiences. We’ll go to places around Denver, such as Meow Wolf and other museums, where you can immerse yourself in art installations. We also plan on trying different cuisines scenes Denver has to offer, from Native American food to exploring Asian cuisines. Are you ready to fall in love with your city?!
Mountain Biking the Front Range
Trip Leaders: Jason Koza & Jessica Campbell
Trip Type: Hybrid (Away from Denver for at least 1 night)
Location: Front Range biking locations
Level: High Intensity (active 5+ hours per day, in the outdoors, with periods of intense exertion)
Vendors: Lucky to Ride
Health Protocol: * Negative COVID-19 test result required
Are you interested in learning how to maintain and push your mountain bike to the limit? Explore different trails along the front range in search of the perfect flow while you shred some gnarly trails. Beyond hitting the trails we will tour a local bike manufacturer and learn all the engineering that goes into making a bike.
Paddlesports on Local Rivers
Trip Leader: Forbes Cone
Trip Type: Local (Denver based all week; no overnight)
Location: Denver, Colorado
Level: High Intensity (active 5+ hours per day, in the outdoors, with periods of intense exertion) | Must be able to swim
Vendor: Colorado River School
Health Protocol: N/A
This exciting five-day kayaking/paddling Interim will explore both lakes and rivers in the Denver area. The week begins with learning paddle strokes, bracing, self-rescue, T-rescue, and the Eskimo roll at Chatfield Reservoir. During the final three days, the group will move to the Platte River and Clear Creek to navigate moving water and rapids. River safety, scouting, self-rescue, and reading whitewater will promote respect for our lakes and rivers, while having a blast!
Sprawling Through South Dakota
Trip Leaders: Thanh Luong and Taja McKinney
Trip Type: Away (Away from Denver for 5 days)
Location: Badlands, South Dakota
Level: Medium intensity (moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
Vendor: N/A
Health Protocol: * Negative COVID-19 test result required
Come explore the Great Plains and sacred lands of South Dakota! On this Interim, you will travel off the beaten path to appreciate the awe-inspiring landscapes of Badlands National Park and The Black Hills, immerse yourself in the cultural and historic essence of Native American Nations, Mt. Rushmore, and Rapid City, and have endless opportunities to bond with your classmates and for self-reflection.
Take A Breath
Trip Leaders: Kathleen Kirkman & Laura Farmer
Trip Type: Hybrid (Away from Denver for at least 1 night)
Location: Shambhala Mountain Retreat Center (1 night); Three Leaf Farms (tentative); Boulder Dushanbe Tea House
Level: Low Intensity (sitting, standing, and light walking)
Vendors: Shoshoni Yoga Retreat Center, Three Leaf Farm, Black Swan Yoga
Health Protocol: *** COVID-19 vaccine required by Interim vendor + Negative test result
Take a deep breath and calm your body and mind. Each day of this Interim will give participants opportunities to learn and practice mindfulness in a variety of settings. We will travel to a meditation center on an overnight retreat, incorporate yoga and meditation practices, and connect with our senses on a mindfulness hike. With practices including tea ceremonies, mindful art creation, and self-care workshops, we’ll step away from our daily routines and find peace in the present moment.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Trip Leader: Stephen Scherer
Trip Type: Local (Denver based all week; no overnight)
Location: Colorado Academy
Level: Medium intensity (moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
Vendor: American Eagle Productions
Health Protocol: N/A
Where The Sidewalk Ends will take students on a journey to create and present a musical version of Shel Silverstein’s poems from the famous children’s book. Chicago-based American Eagle Productions has prepared an original script and score.
Wild Ride in Moab
Trip Leaders: Bill Wolf-Tinsman, Ian Marzonie, Abby Page, Sophie Sileo, Beth Folsom
Trip Type: Away (Away from Denver for 5 days)
Location: Moab, Utah
Level: High Intensity (active 5+ hours per day, in the outdoors, with periods of intense exertion)
Vendor: Red River Adventures
Health Protocol: * Negative COVID-19 test result required
Come have fun with us in one of America’s best known playgrounds—Moab, Utah. This multi-element trip includes hikes in Arches National Park and technical rock climbing and rafting down the Colorado River. No rafting, hiking, or climbing experience is necessary, but a great attitude and teamwork is essential. Participants must be able to swim.