Colorado Academy offers challenging and fun outdoor programming for students of all ages, which teaches outdoor skills and emphasizes teamwork, commitment, and tenacity. Learning outdoors is a hands-on way to study geology, history, geography, anthropology, natural history, and to steward the environment.
This fall, CA provides a variety of experiences—from survival skills to photography, fly fishing to mountain biking. Take a look at the Outdoor options, and sign up. Many programs fill up quickly. Trips are listed in order by date.
Please contact Abby Page, Director of Outdoor Education, for additional information. Please email Lisa Dean to request financial assistance.
Survive in the Wild
- Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022
- Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Location: CA’s Stamper Commons and Sculpture Garden
- Leader: Abby Page
- Division: Middle School – Grades 5-8
- Cost: $25
- Register: Here
- Max Participants: 25
- Waiver: Please sign this online waiver to participate
Do you think you have what it takes to survive in the wild? How many types of shelter can you build? Could you start a campfire in less than five minutes? Could you give first aid if someone was hurt? Come test your skills and learn some new ones! The event will conclude with a survival scenario, and the winning group will receive a prize! Event is open to Grades 5-8.
On-Campus Camping
- Date: Saturday, September 17-Sunday, September 18, 2022
- Time: 3 p.m. Saturday-10 a.m. Sunday
- Location: CA’s Dos Chappell Trail (behind the baseball field and near Woody’s Pond)
- Leaders: Abby Page & Forbes Cone
- Division: Lower School – Grades K-2
- Cost: $40
- Register: Here
- Max Participants: 15 Families
Lower School families of Grades K-2, join us for food, games, and campfire fun! Bring your own gear, or rent from us! Dinner and breakfast will be provided, along with games and a chance to explore the area around Woody’s Pond. Learn everything from how to set up a tent to cooking off the grid. At least one parent is required to attend with their child.
Fall Colors Hike
- Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
- Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Location: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Leaders: Lisa Dean & Chris Hertig
- Division: Lower School – Grades 3-5
- Cost: Free
- Register: Here
- Max Participants: 12
Third, Fourth & Fifth graders are invited to join Mr. Hertig and Mrs. Dean for a great day hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. We will do a three- to four-mile hike through the beautiful aspens in the foothills west of Golden. If you can play at recess, you can do this hike. Join us Saturday, October 1 for a great day of hanging out with friends, enjoying the fall air and changing leaves. Sign up now, as we only have space for 12 participants!
Outdoor Photography Crash Course – Middle School
- Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
- Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Location: CA Campus
- Leaders: Abby Page & Karen Donald
- Division: Middle School – Grades 6-8
- Cost: Free
- Register: Here
- Max Participants: 12
In preparation for CA’s October Outdoor Photography Contest, come receive formal instruction on how to take the best outdoor shots from our very own Ms. Donald! Use only your smartphone to capture the best our natural world has to offer.
Outdoor Photography Crash Course – Upper School
- Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
- Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Location: CA Campus
- Leaders: Abby Page & Karen Donald
- Division: Upper School – Grades 9-12
- Cost: Free
- Register: Here
- Max Participants: 12
In preparation for CA’s October Outdoor Photography Contest, come receive formal instruction on how to take the best outdoor shots from our very own Ms. Donald! Use only your smartphone to capture the best our natural world has to offer.
Treehouse Adventure Park Day
- Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
- Time: 12:00-4:30 p.m.
- Location: Treehouse Adventure Park (Bailey, CO)
- Leader: Abby Page
- Division: Lower School – Grades K-5
- Cost: $45
- Register: Here
- Waiver link: (Required for each participant) https://go.theflybook.com/manage/RFBTXN#/lite
- Max Participants: 30
Climb, swing, zipline, and soar at the famous Treehouse Adventure Park in Bailey, CO. Explore the park with your friends and family on October 22, from 12-4:30 p.m. with the group discount rate of $45/climber. Parents are welcome to climb (separate fee; buy tickets online or at the park) or walk around the grounds below at no cost! The park has nine courses and offers self-paced climbing and exploration with staff members nearby for guidance. Climbers must be 7 years old or more and weigh at least 40 lbs. Transportation and food not provided.
Outdoor Rock Climbing
- Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
- Time: Full day
- Location: TBD (guided by Colorado Mountain Club)
- Leader: Abby Page
- Division: Upper School – Grades 9-12
- Cost: $50
- Register: Here
- Max Participants: 12
Come and scale outdoor rock faces in our local parks! This day is guided by Colorado Mountain Club who will provide gear and instruction. Location TBD; transportation available upon request
Mountain Biking
- Date: Sunday, November 6, 2022 (NEW DATE)
- Time: Full day
- Location: Staunton State Park
- Leaders: Forbes Cone & Sydney Finkbohner
- Division: Upper School – Grades 9-12
- Cost: $10
- Register: Here
- Max Participants: 12
Staunton is one of the newest Colorado State Parks and offers miles of biking trails that wind through high grassy meadows and under towering granite cliffs. This is a great trip for intermediate bikers and you will learn some simple bike maintenance, like repairing and changing a tube. You will need to provide your own bike and bring a helmet, an extra tube, two water bottles, and a snack. If you want to rent a bike, check out the Golden Bike Shop. Cost for park admission. We will meet in the main parking lot and divide into groups. See you there!
Fly Fishing on the North Platte
- Date: Sunday, December 4, 2022
- Time: Full day
- Location: Bailey, CO
- Leaders: Stuart Mills & Matt Olmstead
- Division: Middle and Upper School – Grades 6-12
- Cost: $50, includes transportation, waders, rods, and flies
- Register: This trip is full.
- Max Participants: 12
Whether you’re an expert angler or new to fly fishing, come join us on Sunday, December 4, for a trip up to Bailey and a chance to get out on the water. We’ll meet at CA by the Pre-K house at 8 a.m., ready to go with warm layers, two full water bottles, sunscreen, and a sack lunch. Learn how to cast, find the best spot, and reel them in!