GCO Monthly Newsletter

And we're back! We hope that you all had an amazing summer with lots of quality time spent outdoors. We definitely did! From rafting to fishing to hiking 14ers and everything in between, it's been a great couple of months. Things are moving fast and furious with the beginning of the school year and we can't wait to share all the amazing outdoor experiences and adventures on the horizon. Keep an eye out and we'll see you out there!

We all grow better outside.

Garfield County Outdoors (GCO) is a collaborative initiative that connects youth and families to the outdoors. ALL programs are FREE and transportation and gear is provided when possible. GCO is part of the Re-2 and Garfield 16 School Districts and communities (New Castle, Silt, Rifle & Parachute).

The end of the school year saw a variety of trips and programs to get students and families more connected to their backyard spaces.

Our annual 5th grade camping trip had to make last minute adjustment and was located at the field of the District Administration Building. While the change came as a sudden surprise, the stoke was higher than ever. Students got to climb the challenge course and try their hand at archery while at camp. Each day also bright new adventures like hiking and fishing at Rifle Falls.

Our 2nd annual Parachute Pond Fishing Derby was a big success. Over 60 participants tried their hand at casting for the biggest catch of the day, with the largest fish coming in at 14 inches. Thank you to CPW for donating rods and reels to each kid without one, Parachute branch Library, Alpine Bank for the fantastic lunches, and the Town of Parachute.

Summer break might have come and gone but in Garfield 16, outdoor learning takes no time off.

Our Cardinal Camp summer program consists of week-long camps for students in grades 1st-3rd and 4th-6th and included the camp, Outdoor Explorations. Each age group was offered a week of adventure through exploring topics like hiking, camping/survival, animal exploration and fishing. Students made trips to local waterways including Rifle Falls and Parachute Pond.

We're ready and raring to go at Re-2! After a great summer with lot's of time outside, we are jumping right into things with the start of the school year. First on the docket, will be some 5th grade rafting trips on the Colorado River with Defiance Rafting! There's so much more in the works from trips to Mt. Elbert to Rifle Mountain Park to Colorado National Monument. We can't wait to get our youth out and share the adventures with you all. Stay Tuned and we'll see you out there!

River Stop Interpretive Center at 200 Lions Park Circle is open T, W and Th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September. We encourage kids of all ages (2-92!) to come by to see our mural painting progress, experiment with hydrology and fluvial zones in our interactive stream table, and learn about local watershed flora and fauna.

Garfield County Outdoors is a proud Generation Wild community and is made possible through the generous support of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).