Editors: The Wilderness Adventures class is filled to capacity, but reporters and photographers are welcome to visit. The class meets July 17-21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Bridge School, 6717 South Boulder Road.
Justin Colonna, the University of Colorado at Boulder student who died in a snowstorm in December 1999 while hiking near South Arapaho Peak, has a new class dedicated to his memory.
Wilderness Adventures, a week-long class offered by CU-Boulder聮s Science Discovery program, is for middle school students who want to learn about the wonders of the outdoors and the skills needed to travel safely in wilderness areas.
The idea for the class came about almost immediately after Colonna聮s death, according to Ellen Brock, associate director of the Science Discovery program. Colonna worked as a teaching assistant with Science Discovery during the summer of 1999 and made an immediate impression on those he worked with.
"Justin was the most enthusiastic and compassionate student I have ever worked with," Brock said. "He loved every minute of his job, and was loved by the staff, students and parents. We all just wanted to do something in his memory."
During the class kids will learn how to find their way safely through difficult terrain using a map and compass and how to avoid common mistakes. They also will learn how to build shelters, track animals, walk like coyotes, identify plants and more, according to Brock.
Proceeds from the class will be donated to the Justin Colonna Memorial Fund for survival education and equipment.
CU-Boulder聮s Science Discovery program has offered unique ways for children to learn about science since 1983. The program offers classes during the school year and in the summer for students across Colorado ages 4 to 16 in all fields of science.