Development
The fact is, research supports the socialization in outdoor learning programs during a child’s formative years. Even the most loving and attentive parents sometimes forget the importance of early childhood socialization away from home. Parents want the best for their children’s social and emotional growth. While home provides essential love and security, it’s also crucial…
Leadership is often talked about in classrooms, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. What’s often left out of the conversation is how leadership wilderness programs for teens helps them become tomorrow’s leaders. Some of the most meaningful leadership lessons happen far from screens, schedules, and everyday routines. They happen while navigating a trail with a group.…
Today’s children and teens are growing up in a world that is more connected than ever before. In many ways this affords them advantages in learning and exposure to a world of far greater scale than their forebears. But, there’s also a downside to this all-encompassing digital reality. For this reason we feel Cottonwood’s Summer…
Last post, we shared an article written by an alum discussing how time in the wilderness can shape a life. Summer treks for teens is a personality-shaping event for young people. For many families, that kind of experience is exactly what they are looking for in a summer program. The question that often follows is…
In just two months, the Gulch has kicked off a strong start to 2026 with new treks, new staff, and an abundance of community partnerships. From prescribed burns with snow on the ground, to schools experiencing oddly warm temps on February day trips, we have been thrilled to get outside and connect with our community.…
Cottonwood Gulch Annual Appeal: Why the Trek Still Matters The Cottonwood Gulch annual appeal arrives at a meaningful moment as we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026. Over the past year, our Director has traveled across the country, from Santa Fe to Boston, reconnecting with alumni and listening to why the Gulch…
We are very excited to share our 2024 Annual Report with you! Paper copies of the report will be arriving in your mailboxes soon, but here is a sneak peak at our impact in 2024. This year we got to watch a number of fresh faces experience the Gulch for the first time through our school programs…
“There is life everywhere, and beauty. The wetlands are important for wildlife, and in turn important for humans. Going outside helps show people that even when things are tough, you will get relief.” — eCademy student Donate Today In 2023, Cottonwood Gulch provided outdoor learning adventures to students in 30…