Interim provides opportunities to get out of the classroom to learn by doing, and each trip is dedicated to building new connections through a wide range of experiences. Interim trips span the gamut from artistic pursuits to community engagement and wilderness expeditions. Immersion in a unifying trip concept broadens students’ skills, knowledge, and awareness, and creates community outside of students’ typical social circles.
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 Upper School Interims take place during the week of May 26, 2025. Most Interims run Tuesday through Friday, but several away trips go through Saturday. Please note the dates of each trip when selecting your preferences. Parent/guardian involvement in the Interim selection process is essential and requires approval.
REGISTRATION & TRIP ASSIGNMENT
After reviewing trip descriptions, students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 will register during advisory on March 12. Each student should put their choices in order from 1 to 28, and students will sign the bottom of the form to acknowledge that they have discussed the Interim options with their folks at home. The registration form is due March 18. Trip assignments will be announced following Spring Break and are determined by factors including the student’s ranking of each trip, a balance of genders, sports conflicts, and age.
Seniors sign up for Interim in person on Monday, March 10, after school (2:50 p.m.) in Sadler. Seniors will be placed in one of three groups, based on how their previous Interim trip matched with their preferences (students who didn’t receive a highly-ranked choice in previous years will be in the first group).
At this time, we do not need any of the trip-specific waivers signed. We will collect those after Interim placements have been completed.
IMPORTANT SPORTS NOTE
We acknowledge that students may have conflicting commitments such as club sports, athletic competitions, or family events when considering participation in school trips. However, due to logistical and organizational considerations, we are unable to accommodate individual students’ special arrangements or personalized travel plans that deviate from the group itinerary. Therefore, students are not permitted to create individualized itineraries that would result in their arrival late or departure early from the trip. Thus, we ask students and families to pick trips wisely and with an eye to full participation.
Baseball may have championship games during the entire week of Interim, so Baseball students may need to be pulled off their Interim trips in order to compete; we ask that Grades 9-11 Baseball players sign up for a local trip, and Grade 12 Baseball players could choose to stay in their away Interim after a conversation with their coaches.
Additional Information:
- Interim attendance is mandatory, and please do not schedule appointments during Interim week.
- Interim registration is final, and changes are only made for medical emergencies.
- Parents should review all Interim materials and discuss options with their students.
- Students should consider their general health and the physical requirements of the Interim (e.g., the ability to swim) when making a selection.
- The cost of Interim is included with tuition; some gear rentals are not included.
- Students cannot repeat a past Interim.
- Siblings are not permitted on the same Interim.
In order to participate in overnight trips, where the daily structure, student resources, and supervision are more limited than the on-campus school day, any student who meets the following criteria will need to have their travel plans supported by their care team and the school:
- receiving short-term accommodations for mental health support
- has been recently hospitalized
- is engaged in school-required therapeutic support
- is otherwise engaged in a modified program
Similarly, there are times that a student’s previous behavioral choices or the school’s concerns about how they might comport themselves on an overnight trip might preclude them from participating in an overnight experience. In both cases, the school will decide whether a student may participate in overnight programs.
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 email me at abby.page@coloradoacademy.org.
2025 CA Upper School Interim Opportunities:
Alpine Adventures
- Trip Leaders: Payton Ritchey & Eric Sheldrake
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 4 days)
- Location: Estes Park, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Alpine Adventures—hosted at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park—is your ticket to a wide variety of outdoor recreation. Over the course of the week, students try their hands at rock climbing, high-alpine hiking, and bouldering, and they even test their mettle against one of the most exciting via ferratas in the United States! Every day, students on this trip wake up in the heart of the Rockies, surrounded by nature, and spend their days exploring breathtaking landscapes. The YMCA of the Rockies offers comfy bunkhouses to crash in each night after a day packed with thrilling activities—and also a beautiful backdrop for s’mores in the evening snow! Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just getting started, this course is designed for everyone to experience the diverse wonders of the mountains. Join us for an unforgettable journey, where every day brings a new mountain challenge and a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Art in the WILD
- Trip Leaders: Stashia Taylor & Karen Donald
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 4 days)
- Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Medium Intensity (Moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
- Vendor: None
Immerse yourself on an outdoor art adventure. We camp in Great Sand Dunes National Park to explore both painting and night photography. During the day, we hike into nature with our easels on our backs and find inspiration in rivers, mountains, and sand. In the center of an International Dark Sky Park, we use DSLR cameras to capture some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world, experimenting with LED light wands and dramatic costumes while recording the breathtaking landscape. This outdoor experience pushes your creative boundaries and invigorates your spirit.
Chip Off the Ol’ Block
- Trip Leaders: David Jones & Kim Greeley
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 4 days)
- Location: Marble, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Medium Intensity (Moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
- Vendors: Beaver Lake Lodge and Cabins; Greg Tonozzi, Marble Sculptor
The tiny town of Marble, Colorado, located at the southern end of the Crystal River Valley that runs north to Carbondale, was once a bustling marble-mining community whose quarries produced much of the marble that was used in government buildings in Washington, D.C., the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and statues all over the world. More recently, Marble has become an active artists’ colony, with several marble sculptors designing works of art from the marble quarry. Under the instruction of a local sculptor (who has been described to us as “an eccentric mountain gnome”), we learn the art of marble sculpture. During our four days in Marble, all participants create their own marble sculpture to bring home. There are also some strolling/hiking opportunities in this gorgeous valley, some “play-time” with canoes and paddle boards on the town lake in the afternoons after sculpting, and relaxing time around the lodge bonfire at night with s’mores. The group cooks meals each night in the lodge kitchen/family room, with one night “out on the town” at a local restaurant!
CSU Drone Week
- Trip Leaders: Márcio Forléo & Kyle Gillette
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendor: Colorado State University
Join us for an immersive, hands-on one-week drone training program led by experts from Colorado State University’s Drone Center. Designed for high school students interested in aviation, engineering, environmental science, and the applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), this program offers a unique opportunity to explore drone technology. Participants learn the fundamentals needed to prepare for the FAA Part 107 certification, gain hands-on flight training using state-of-the-art drones, and discover real-world applications in fields such as environmental research, search and rescue, filmmaking, and agriculture. The program also covers drone mechanics, sensors, and mission planning, culminating in mission challenges that test students’ flight and problem-solving skills. This experience provides valuable exposure to university-level instruction, STEM skill development, and career pathways in drone technology. No prior drone experience is required—just a passion for learning and exploration.
Exploring the Canyonlands
- Trip Leaders: Mike Davis & alumni
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 5 days)
- Location: San Rafael Swell, UT
- Trip Dates: Wednesday, May 28-Sunday, June 1
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: Mike Davis Adventures!
This is a physically demanding Interim experience that takes you into the heart of wilderness in southeastern Utah. This involves scrambling and climbing over difficult terrain, as well as rappelling off cliff faces. While Canyonlands and Moab are popular spots for exploring the Utah desert, far fewer hikers venture to the San Rafael Swell, home of slot canyons and rock art.
Just west of Green, Utah, the San Rafael is a dramatic rock formation. Students learn important technical skills when traveling in canyon country, including navigation and survival skills. We camp in the remote backcountry. This is a unique trip that is as inspiring as it is challenging.
Fastpacking Adventure
- Trip Leaders: Steven Langford, Michael Huntington, & Gretchen Weber
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 5 days)
- Location: Grand Canyon, AZ
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Saturday, May 31
- Level: HIGH Intensity (High intensity; 10+ miles per day with weight)
- Vendor: None
***This is a high-intensity Interim for students who have backpacked before and desire to push themselves physically and mentally.
Do you daydream about desert sunsets and wide-open spaces? Do you have experience carrying a backpack and want a new destination with a new challenge? Then this may be your dream Interim.
During our 5-day trip we drive to our destination in the Utah desert. Our bags are light-ish compared to traditional overnights as we seek a pace of “light and fast,” opting for quick, easy meals and shelters while experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. Our days are long, while the early summer heat comes on around mid-May, and we travel over the rugged, arid landscape of high desert.
When choosing this Interim, we ask that you take on pre-trip physical preparation and are capable of carrying 40-lb. packs for long distances. This time of year can fluctuate from intense desert heat to potential desert thunderstorms, so we always keep a keen eye on weather forecasts. Bring your sunwear, bring your hats, and get ready for a trip to remember.
Flavor Explosion: From Basic Ingredients to Gourmet Creations
- Trip Leaders: Sandy Valerio & Valerie Maté-Hunt
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendor: Witherspoon Cooking Group
Ready to take your cooking skills to the next level? Join us for a hands-on culinary adventure that can transform you from a microwave master to a kitchen wizard! Led by the talented instructors at Witherspoon Cooking Group, this trip is all about exploring the art of cooking with simple ingredients, turning everyday staples into mouth-watering masterpieces.
Over the course of the trip, you dive into the fundamentals of cooking while learning tips and tricks to elevate your dishes. Whether it’s creating vibrant sauces, crafting the perfect pasta, or mastering the art of seasoning, you gain the skills and confidence to impress your friends and family with gourmet meals.
Under the guidance of Witherspoon’s expert chefs, you work together to prepare a variety of dishes that are not only delicious but also easy to recreate at home. From flavor-packed appetizers to indulgent desserts, you discover how to make each meal an experience, not just food.
Get ready to ignite your passion for cooking, discover the joy of experimenting with flavors, and most importantly, learn how to turn basic ingredients into extraordinary creations. By the end of this trip, you have all the tools to elevate your culinary game—and leave frozen snacks in the dust!
Fly Fishing the Front Range
- Trip Leaders: Stuart Mills & Jordon Mills
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 4 days)
- Location: Elevenmile Canyon, CO; The Dream Stream
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Medium Intensity (Moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
- Vendor: None
“I am haunted by waters…” -Norman Maclean
Do you like to commune with nature? Do you like the sound of a river flowing past you? Do you like to find yourself alone with just your thoughts in the solitude of the Rockies? Or maybe you just want to look like Brad Pitt landing the huge trout in A River Runs Through It. If any of these things appeal to you, then this is the ideal Interim for you.
We practice casting and tying on flies. We talk about river etiquette and the nuances of river current. We fish the South Platte River in majestic Elevenmile Canyon, angling for beautiful brown and rainbow trout. We also fish the “Dream Stream,” one of the most famous stretches of gold medal water in the American West.
We set up camp on the South Platte River in Elevenmile Canyon. There are deer and elk aplenty in this area of Colorado, so we should be able to see much more than the fish we catch (and release!). Come and you too will be “haunted by waters…”
Foodie Heaven
- Trip Leaders: Camille James & Careen James Barnett
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendor: Create Kitchen
Indulge in a delicious culinary experience, develop lifelong skills and experience the joy of cooking, and eating, a wide variety of impressive wholesome meals. You learn to prepare gourmet meals and basic techniques for cooking that give you the edge in the kitchen. Our program teaches you how to prepare dishes from five continents. You receive a complete collection of all the recipes you learned, so you can recreate your culinary masterpieces at home and impress your friends and family with your newfound expertise. Get ready to cook, eat, and experience the joy of creating unforgettable meals!
Hitting the Trail: Adventure Awaits in the Front Range
- Trip Leaders: Lisa Boes & Suzie Jekel
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: None
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as we explore the breathtaking beauty of the Front Range! Over the course of four exciting days, we tackle 5-10 miles of scenic trails each day, immersing ourselves in the stunning landscapes that Colorado is known for. As we hike, we take in panoramic views of majestic peaks, serene forests, and wildflower-filled meadows, all while enjoying the fresh mountain air and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers.
After each day’s hike, we unwind and rejuvenate with a short yoga class, designed to stretch and relax our muscles after the day’s journey. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this trip is about more than just the miles; it’s about connecting with nature, your body, and your fellow explorers. Come ready for stunning vistas, physical challenges, and a sense of accomplishment, as we discover the magic of the Front Range together!
This is not just another hike—it’s an opportunity to reset, recharge, and fully embrace the spirit of adventure. So lace up your boots, breathe in the mountain air, and get ready for an experience that leaves you feeling both physically empowered and mentally rejuvenated!
Makers Market: Local Art & Creation
- Trip Leaders: Kait Kozak & Alecia Maher
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendors: Various
Step into the world of handmade artistry! During this immersive week, students explore the vibrant world of local makers, learning hands-on skills in glassblowing, ceramics, and jewelry making. Guided by expert artisans, they shape molten glass into stunning pieces, mold clay into functional ceramics, and design unique jewelry using professional techniques.
Beyond the studio, students venture into Denver’s RiNo Arts District, a hub of creativity filled with murals, galleries, and independent shops. They meet local artists, discover the business of craft, and see firsthand how art shapes a community.
By the end of the week, students have created their own handmade goods, developed new artistic skills, and gained a deeper appreciation for the maker movement. Whether they dream of being designers, artisans, or simply love working with their hands, this experience inspires creativity and craftsmanship in a whole new way!
Mindful Motion: A Week of Adventure & Yoga
- Trip Leaders: Jane Kelly & Stephanie Turner
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Medium Intensity (Moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
- Vendors: Various
Start each day with movement and mindfulness as we rotate through yoga, tai chi, and stand-up paddleboarding. Some mornings begin with the grounding movements of tai chi, focusing on balance, breath, and flow, while others start with energizing yoga sessions to build strength and flexibility. On paddleboarding days, students take to the water, practicing balance and core stability while gliding across the lake.
Each afternoon, we hit the trails for scenic hikes, exploring stunning landscapes, gaining elevation, and immersing ourselves in nature’s beauty. Students make their own yummy, healthy lunches, along with discussing the nuances of nutrition!
This week is designed for students looking to recharge, challenge themselves, and find balance through movement and the outdoors. No prior experience is necessary—just an open mind and a love for adventure!
Peeps Can Climb: Shelf Road
- Trip Leaders: Brian List & Corey Lans
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 4 days)
- Location: Cañon City, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Get ready to persevere up some peaks via rocky crags. Prepare your plate for some gourmet campfire cooking—pasta and peach cobbler, anyone? Established as one of the very first sport climbing spots in the USA in the 1980s, Shelf Road is famous for vertical limestone walls. Come climb and be part of its vivid history. No climbing experience is necessary, and experienced climbers can push their limits with various single-pitch routes. Hope to see you there!
Raft the Colorado
- Trip Leaders: Leo Procise, Abigail Smith, & Madison Slater
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 4 days)
- Location: Fruita, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: Rimrock Adventures
Don’t miss out on this iconic rafting trip on the Colorado River, winding through the Ruby and Horsethief Canyon sections, beginning in Fruita, Colorado and ending across the border in Utah. This river float experience offers the group the opportunity to relax and engage, as we explore stunning sandstone canyon walls, sandy beaches, and embark on short day hikes in the backcountry. If water levels permit, we have stand-up paddle boards and two-person duckies for students to explore the river alongside our main rafts. We camp each night along the river, with a layover day strategically placed in the middle of the trip at the famous Black Rock campsites. Food and rafting education are provided by our Rimrock Adventures guides. All students are expected to assist with meal preparation and breakdown, along with general campsite and trail maintenance. Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable in the water (lifejackets are mandatory while on the water). No prior rafting experience is necessary to sign up.
Reel to Real: Film Studies
- Trip Leaders: Ross Holland & Elliot Chase
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendor: Alamo Cinema
You may love going to the movies, but you probably don’t have a real vocabulary with which to talk about, analyze, or critique them. After introducing students to the language of film (shot types, camera movement, editing, etc.), we visit local cinemas to watch both classic and contemporary films. We conclude by producing short “explainer” videos on our favorite movies.
Ride the Wild: Horsepacking
- Trip Leaders: Ali Kittle & Abby Page
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 5 days)
- Location: Pagosa Springs, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Saturday, May 31
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: Colorado Pack Company
Saddle up for an unforgettable five-day adventure in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where students immerse themselves in the world of horses, mules, and backcountry travel. Staying at a rustic basecamp, students spend their days learning essential skills for working with pack animals and riding in the rugged terrain of the San Juan Mountains.
Throughout the week, students gain hands-on experience in horsemanship, trail riding, and packing techniques—learning how to properly load and secure gear for backcountry trips. They also try their hand at blacksmithing, working with a professional farrier to understand the craft of horseshoeing and metalwork. Each day builds on their skills, culminating in a deeper understanding of what it takes to care for and travel with horses in the wilderness.
Evenings at basecamp are a time to relax, share stories around the fire, and soak in the beauty of the mountains. This immersive experience is perfect for students who love the outdoors and want to build confidence in working with horses and mules.
Important Information:
To participate in this trip, students must be comfortable around horses and have completed at least one trail ride prior to the trip.
River Riders
- Trip Leaders: Tim Hatlee & Sydney Finkbohner
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 5 days)
- Location: Gunnison, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Saturday, May 31
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: Centennial Canoe Outfitters
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we head down to Gunnison, Colorado, for an unforgettable canoe trip in one of the most breathtaking regions of the state. Surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, this is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.
Over the course of this three-day, two-night adventure, you paddle through stunning landscapes, explore hidden coves, and enjoy the thrill of canoeing through calm waters, all while working together as a team to navigate the river. As we journey down the river, you learn valuable outdoor skills, including canoeing techniques, water safety, and wilderness camping essentials.
Prepare yourself for plenty of physical activity, with full days spent on the water and short hiking excursions to take in the surrounding views. Expect sunshine and adventure at every turn, as we explore the natural wonders of Gunnison and enjoy outdoor meals together under the open sky. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to canoeing, this trip offers a chance to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and have fun with friends in one of Colorado’s most scenic locations.
This is a true outdoor experience—perfect for anyone who loves adventure, teamwork, and exploring the beauty of the great outdoors.
Rivers & Roads: Beginner Fly Fishing & Front Range Hiking
- Trip Leaders: Haley Helvey, Hilary Burke, & Katherine Snow
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Front Range, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Hybrid Intensity (Moderate activity up to 3 hours per day with some days of high exertion)
- Vendors: Various
Join us for a trip split between learning to fly fish and exploring the Front Range of Colorado on foot! We have partnered with local fly-fishing guides who provide the gear and instruction for two days—taking us through the basics of casting and reading the water and providing support as we learn. To break up the days of getting our feet wet fly fishing (literally!), we also spend two days hiking alongside rivers, enjoying the rushing water from a different vantage point. Join us for a memorable week!
Sugar Rush: Baking
- Trip Leaders: Allie Bronston & David Colodny
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendors: Uncorked Kitchen & local bakeries
Are you a Great British Bake Off fanatic? Have you ever wanted to bake your own bread or make delicious confectionary creations? We spend the mornings enjoying tours of local bakeries, including Rebel Bread and Rosenberg’s Bagels and learning about the Denver bakery industry behind the scenes. After lunch each day, we are in the kitchen with a pastry chef at Uncorked Kitchen who teaches the skills that you need to bake incredible treats, including cookies, pies, cream puffs, custard, and bread. We head back to campus many days with treats to share at home! Join us for a wonderful week of learning and tasting!
Summer Camp Throwback!
- Trip Leaders: Jared Katzman, Melissa Zaremba, David Smith, & Octavia Betz
- Trip Type: Away (away from Denver for 4 days)
- Location: Granby, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendor: YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch
Get ready for four unforgettable days of adventure, challenge, and fun in the Colorado Rockies! Students stay in a cozy lodge-style bunkhouse at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch, enjoying hearty meals in the dining hall before heading out for action-packed days.
Each day is filled with exciting outdoor activities, including archery, high ropes course challenges, and scenic mountain hikes that explore the beauty of the Rockies. Students also tap into their creative side with hands-on craft projects led by experienced instructors.
After a day of adventure, the fun continues into the evening with swimming at the indoor pool and roller skating at the YMCA rink—perfect for winding down with friends and making lasting memories.
This four-day retreat is the perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and exploration, offering students a chance to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and have an unforgettable time in the mountains!
Theaterpalooza
- Trip Leaders: Maclain Looper & Kenneth Usongo
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Medium Intensity (Moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
- Vendor: Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Have you ever wanted to get behind the scenes and explore every facet of theater—from the writing side all the way to set construction and lighting design? In one week we give you a taste of as many components of the total experience as we can fit into the days, including writing your own play, designing a set, choreographing a dance or fight scene, and collaborating with other creative people. Visits to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and other local theaters are part of the plan. This Interim is ideal for those students who have an interest in theater but for whatever reason have not been able to pursue that interest to the full extent. We also welcome theater veterans; your previous experience will help the group, and we guarantee new and unique opportunities for you as well. All the world’s a stage!
Throwing Rocks at Houses: Curling
- Trip Leaders: Michael McLaughlin, Liza Skipwith, & Amanda Zranchev
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Rock Creek Curling, Lafayette, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Medium Intensity (Moderate activity up to 3 hours per day)
- Vendor: Rock Creek Curling
Miss the magic of the Winter Olympics? Learn about the Manitoba tuck, throw some rocks at houses, and compete in the growing sport of Curling. With roots dating back to 16th century Scotland, this Winter Olympics Sport is sweeping the world by storm. Go from complete novice to tournament-ready in a four-day program of skill development and teamwork on ice. Join the ranks of legends John Schuster & Colleen Jones and compete in teams of four, being careful to avoid burning stones along the way to podium glory.
Ukulele Building
- Trip Leaders: Emily Pérez & Liang Chen
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates:Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendor: Orthwest Studios
The mighty ukulele is one of the most versatile, portable, and fun instruments around. Whether or not you know how to play a ukulele (or any stringed instrument) this is your chance to hone your woodworking skills and learn more about how instruments work by building a ukulele to call your own. We will work with an expert luthier (stringed instrument builder) on campus to complete a playable, concert-sized ukulele from raw materials and some parts prepared in advance.
Up in the Air!
- Trip Leaders: Martha Smith & Alex Castro
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendors: Various
Get ready for a week of high-flying excitement as we explore the many ways to get “Up in the Air” around Denver! This action-packed trip has you soaring, climbing, and leaping to new heights as we partner with some of the best local adventure experts to push your limits and have a blast. If you are hoping for variety, this is the interim for you!
You start your adventure with climbing at Movement Gym. Get vertical, try your hand at bouldering, all with guidance from the expert climbers at Movement. Day two includes aerial trekking at Sky Treks, where we all take on the heights, where you face fun challenges, and develop your teamwork skills! The afternoon of day two gives “Up in the Air” new meaning as our way out is up in the air—Escape Room for the win!
Finally, two days at Denver Circus Collective has us flipping, swinging, and spinning, learning the incredible art of aerial silks, trapeze, and acrobatics. Get ready to defy gravity and feel the thrill of performing high above the ground!
Week of Movement: Let’s Move!
- Trip Leaders: Sonia Arora & Venetia Sampson
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: High Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day with periods of intense exertion)
- Vendors: Various
Jump into a week of non-stop movement and excitement as we explore the world of physical expression! Join us on a journey where each day is a new adventure, visiting local studios that specialize in everything from dance and circus skills, parkour and martial arts, to ropes courses and escape rooms! Whether you’re grooving, defying gravity, climbing, or working together to flee an escape room, there’s something for everyone. Our expert instructors and passionate guides lead you through a week of discovery, helping you unleash your inner mover, roller skater, and shaker. Come ready to jump, spin, reach, and balance your way through a week that promises lasting memories.
Wilderness First Aid
- Trip Leaders: Mike Stanitski, Liz Sarles, & Vincent Trinquesse
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Denver, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Hybrid Intensity (Active 5+ hours per day in the outdoors with periods of intense exertion and some days low intensity)
- Vendor: Desert Mountain Medicine
We spend the first three days of the week with Desert Mountain Medicine, earning Wilderness First Aid certification and gaining essential skills to handle injuries, illnesses, and other emergencies in the outdoors. With certified instructors from DMM, you learn how to respond to wilderness-specific medical situations and take care of yourself and others in the backcountry. We spend the remaining day hiking on trails in the Front Range, enjoying the outdoors and hopefully not needing to use any of your newly acquired WFA skills.
Wonderful World of Glassblowing
- Trip Leaders: Andrea Eckler & Jonathan Scholl
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Lakewood, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendor: The Furnace: A Glassworks
The art of glassblowing is a fun and challenging adventure in which students can shape objects to their desire, exploring various shapes and vibrant colors to make their visions come to life. Students work one-on-one with professional glass blowers to learn to heat and shape molten glass and to understand the intricacies that are involved in safely creating beautiful works of art. Glass blowing has been practiced for centuries by many cultures, from ancient Romans to modern times. Glass can take many forms, from functional objects like drinking glasses to complex sculptural pieces. Join us and add your artistic twist to history.
Woodworking & Modern Design
- Trip Leader: Jonathan Ender
- Trip Type: Local (Denver-based all week)
- Location: Lakewood, CO
- Trip Dates: Tuesday, May 27-Friday, May 30
- Level: Low Intensity (Sitting, standing, light walking)
- Vendor: Woodwork Studio
During this hands-on and creative Interim, participants design and build their own cutting board, along with another project to take home at the end of the week. Through the design process, participants learn how to use a variety of tools and techniques used in woodworking that they can apply to their own projects. You also take a trip to the lumber yard to select wood for your projects and learn about various aspects of lumber and what the selection process entails.