“It is such a fine opportunity for young people from an urban school setting to put aside their daily anxieties and problems and to have a chance to enjoy being a child in a safe, educational setting and to grow in new skills and knowledge.”

“I have never had a better time with my students. I saw teenagers who were in so much pain blossom as they opened themselves to the beauty of nature. I also saw a solidarity and team spirit develop amongst the students as they accomplished feat after feat and gained new knowledge.”

“As a fifth grade Science teacher, I really appreciated the lessons that the staff provided…The sheer beauty of the whole experience is that they didn’t even realize that they were “learning” since the lessons were so engaging and taking place in a natural environment…Many of my struggling students were able to integrate better with other students since the normal fears that they face in the classroom were removed…my week at Clear Creek was the best week that I have ever had as an educator.”

Following a sunset viewing activity:

“In the final glows / Sunset brings lots of beauty / And the moon rises”

“In the sunset sky / It’s hard not to cry / I am filled with joy”

“Thank you for giving us a lifetime opportunity…You have taught me skills I will need for the rest of my life.  I talked to my parents about what I learned and they are amazed!”