Snowshoeing

Explore the winter terrain on snowshoes while learning about the science behind the snow and winter weather.

Cross Country Skiing

Learn the basics of cross country skiing during the winter season.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

We start by learning how to paddle forward, backward, and techniques for turning. Once the basics are done, we allow for free paddle within boundaries and group games.

Hiking

The group will challenge themselves on a day hike through State Forest State Park while learning about the surrounding environment first-hand.

Forest Ecology

Students will observe the many intriguing organisms that are native to the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado and will understand how their unique traits help them survive and reproduce in their environment. During the winter, students will investigate how specific traits help animals survive in a cold and snowy environment. As State Forest State Park is considered the moose capital of Colorado, students may even get to see moose or other wildlife firsthand!

Snow Science

Deep in the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado, the location of State Forest State Park provides the perfect outdoor winter classroom to study the snow. Students will explore how the snow crystals in the snowpack change to produce avalanches. Students will dig snow pits and use scientific tools to gather data about the snowpack and weather. Students will also safely observe avalanche terrain and combine these observations to predict where avalanches are most likely to happen, and what effect they have on Colorado communities.

Geology

Students will explore the earth’s geologic processes through place-based hands-on activities. Students will find and identify Rocky Mountain rocks and minerals to infer how they were formed and transported. Students will dig into the history of the Rocky Mountains and how the State Forest State Park landscape has transformed to make the mountains seen today.

Aquatic Ecology

In the many lakes, rivers, and streams found in State Forest State Park, students will examine how all things in aquatic ecosystems are connected. Through chemical, biological, and physical water testing, students are introduced to the aquatic environment. Students will search for aquatic macroinvertebrates, measure the rate at which a stream flows, and test for chemical levels in the water.

Rustic Cabins

The cabins offered here are heated and open-year round.

Bockman Campground

The Bockman Campground is available in the non-winter seasons.

After the day's activities are complete and dinner is cleaned up, the group will participate in our evening programs. This may include astronomy, night hikes, team building exercises, or a camp fire (depending on the fire ban status).