Kids learn to build a shelter during the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District's winter break survival skills camp on Jan. 2. Credit: Chris Koeberl
This article was originally written by Chris Koeberl and published by the Clear Creek Courant on January 4, 2024.
A week-long series of classes organized by the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District teaches kids 5 to 15 years old how to survive in the mountains that surround Idaho Springs.
CCMRD Wilderness Survival Specialist Roary Archibald used real-life experience and hands-on learning techniques to teach the students.
“The way I teach wilderness skills is kind of what could happen in a short-term hike or short-term survival situation,” Archibald said.
“I prioritize things in a certain order by saying, ‘Shelter, water, fire, food.’ Exposure to the elements is what kills people the quickest,” he continued.
Building a warm and wind-resistant shelter was the lesson on Jan. 2 as students gathered branches, twigs and evergreen needles to create shelter without tools, instead using what nature provides.
“It’s definitely hard… but as long as you have a good working spirit you can get things done and you can encourage others to continue working,” 10-year-old Nicholas Perrone said as he dragged evergreen branches down the mountain behind the Forest Service on Highway 103 in Idaho Springs.
“We are doing a survival skills camp and that is to prepare kids for living in the mountains. We are surrounded by national forest and most of these kids don’t have these skills,” CCMRD Director of Child Care and Youth Programming Caitlin Morris said.
“Our main philosophy is ‘leave no trace’ and so we try to follow those principles but it’s also teaching fun skills in a fun way,” Morris continued.
The week-long series of classes encompassed advanced shelter construction, plant identification, fire-making techniques, water purification and animal tracking.
“I feel like we are making a difference with these kids in getting them out and getting them involved like I do love that we can pass that on to our kids,” Morris said.
“These were the skills that everybody’s great grandparents had. They knew, they possessed and they probably practiced,” Archibald said.
10-year-old Nicholas Perrone takes part in winter survival skills camp in Idaho Springs Jan. 2. Credit: Chris Koeberl
Established in 1979, the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District (CCMRD) is a special recreation district located in the historic mining center of Colorado covering roughly 45 square miles and includes the mountain communities of Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Empire, Dumont, Downieville, Lawson, Silver Plume and Floyd Hill as well as surrounding rural areas. The District strives to work cooperatively with other government and nonprofit organizations to enhance the quality of life for residents of Clear Creek County through innovative recreation programs, service, events, and facilities, funded by a small mill levy.