From Zoom to Zip-Lines: Colorado Preparatory Academy Students Launched the School Year at AMP Camp  

When people think of online school, they often picture laptops, logins, and Zoom screens. But for nearly two dozen students at Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA), the 25-26 school year kicked off with zip-lines, canoes, and campfires instead. 

Students from across the state gathered in person for the school’s Ambassador Mentorship Program Camp (AMP), known affectionately as AMP Camp. AMP is a student leadership program where students mentor each other, forge friendships, and help navigate the online system. AMP Camp at Camp Shady Brook, is an annual CPA tradition and retreat held at Camp Shady Brook in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. For many of these fully online students, it was their first opportunity of the year to connect face-to-face with peers who usually appear in virtual classrooms. 

Leadership in Action  

Instead of logging into lessons, students strapped into harnesses and soared through the trees on zip-lines. They rappelled down rock walls, paddled canoes and kayaks across mountain waters, and took on team-building challenges designed to strengthen communication and leadership skills. Every activity was intentionally crafted to push students outside their comfort zones while reinforcing the confidence and independence they build throughout the school year. 

AMP Camp is an annual tradition and a highlight of Colorado Preparatory Academy’s AMP leadership program, which empowers students to serve as leaders within the school community. Throughout the year, these ambassadors help welcome new families, support peers, and represent the school at events. The annual camp provides the foundation for leadership by fostering trust, collaboration, and meaningful relationships. 

Real-World In-Person Connection 

Evenings brought a different kind of growth. Students gathered around campfires to share stories, roast s’mores, and reflect on their experiences. Laughter echoed through the mountain air as friendships formed naturally. For students who spend much of their academic time online, these in-person moments are powerful reminders that community extends far beyond a screen. 

Parents often ask whether online education can provide social connections and real-world experiences. AMP offers a clear answer. Colorado Preparatory Academy combines the adaptability and personalization of online learning with intentional opportunities for students to engage, explore, and lead. 

Setting the Tone for the Year Ahead  

By trading Zoom for zip-lines and computers for canoes, these students demonstrated that online education is not limited by a screen. It is dynamic, adventurous, and deeply connected to real-world growth.