Our mission is to lead youth to Christ through creation and the sacraments. We offer an opportunity for students to get out of the classroom and into the outdoors. Our goal is not only to create leaders who understand, care, and are good stewards for our environment but also to know they are loved.
"The John Paul II Adventure Institute is an apostolate that operates in the Archdiocese of Denver and has my full support. The Institute uses the inspiring surroundings of the Rocky Mountains and diverse outdoor activities to teach people about the Catholic faith, with an emphasis on reaching young people. John Paul II Outdoor Lab, a division of the Institute, offers environmental education to students in the context of the Catholic worldview, showing how faith and science properly relate. At the request of our Catholic school principals, John Paul II Outdoor Lab is currently working with the majority of our Catholic middle school students in the Archdiocese of Denver."
--Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L., Archbishop of Denver
"Thank you so much for our wonderful Outdoor Lab trip. Our class learned so much and it's amazing how much closer we are now. Thank you being such great leaders! You taught me a lot and now I feel prepared for what life brings me. I feel like I can accomplish anything with God in my heart. Thanks for teaching me about Adoration-I think that was my favorite part. Thanks again for such a great trip and being such great leaders."
- 7th grade participant
JPII OUTDOOR LAB MISSION STATEMENT
To inspire youth to an authentic relationship with Christ, themselves, others, and Creation by the union of faith and science through environmental science programs, outdoor expeditions, and Catholic leadership retreats.
JPII Adventure Institute Background Statement
In addition to more than 8000 youth who have participated in our programs since 2007, nearly 1100 youth currently participate in our programs annually, for a total of about 6000 participant days! This is no small accomplishment since our program has been forced to relocate twice during this time. The first move was due to devastating fire at St. Malo Retreat Center causing us to relocate our operations to another camp site. In September, 2013, JPII Outdoor Lab was again forced to move because of the historic flood. In spite of these challenges, we continue to thrive. JPII OL enrollment increases each year with new Catholic and private schools joining the list of schools choosing make the JPII Outdoor Lab experience an integral part of their science, youth leadership, and confirmation curricula. The JPII Outdoor Lab programs is currently located at Tomahawk Ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Organization name
John Paul II Adventure Institute
other names
JPII Outdoor Lab
2009
Tax id (EIN)
26-4365733
Category
Youth Development
Address
c/o Annunciation Heights 7400 Hwy 7Mailing
PO Box 926Boulder County, CO, US
Larimer County, CO, US