Cairn Student of the Month: Ben Papadopoulos
Alex Schupp • November 13, 2014
Cairn Student of the Month: Ben Papadopoulos
Between September and April, 30 Cairn students meet monthly with adult mentors and special guests to participate in volunteer outdoor stewardship projects, environmental education, outdoor adventures, and leadership training.
Ben Papadopoulos initially found VOC through his brother, who had previously participated in the Cairn Youth Program. Although Ben didn't know too much about it at the time, he was intrigued, and so followed up at his school's volunteering fair. "VOC immediately stood out to me. I've spent most of my life hiking, camping, and mountain biking in Colorado, and because of that I've always treasured our state's natural resources," said Ben. "Because Cairn helps maintain what I grew up exploring, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I think it's absolutely essential that a community role in environmental stewardship is emphasized."
Ben's favorite part of being a Cairn student is being able to work with a diverse group of people toward a common goal. "Cairn projects are an awesome way to build awareness and help stimulate a prolonged interest in maintaining Colorado's natural resources. It's also incredible to see how much can get accomplished, even with just a small group. The technical skills Cairn teaches, along with the educational aspects of the projects really make each project unique and impactful," said Ben.
Ben is currently a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at George Washington High School. His interests lie with just about anything in the outdoors. Ben has completed a full season with the Cairn Youth Program, and is currently participating in his second season while taking on more leadership responsibilities, including helping plan a January project in partnership with Denver Water.
Learn more about VOC's Cairn Youth Program.
Grossman Scholar Kace reflects on their path in conservation biology and how VOC’s scholarship is helping them pursue hands-on research and fieldwork at CSU.
After three meaningful decades, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) will be saying goodbye to our longtime home at the Dos Chappell Bathhouse in Denver's beloved Washington Park. In the early 1990s, VOC signed a 30-year lease with the City of Denver to transform the historic bathhouse in Washington Park into a headquarters that could support our growing mission. With generous support from our community, we launched a capital campaign and raised $700,000 to complete the initial renovations, which were finalized in 1996. Altogether, including the original renovations, VOC has invested more than $1 million in improvements and ongoing maintenance, creating a space that is enjoyed by our staff, volunteers, and the broader Washington Park community. In 2000, the building was renamed in honor of Dos Chappell, VOC’s former Executive Director (1988–1999), whose vision and leadership left a lasting legacy on our organization and Colorado’s outdoor stewardship movement. This space has been more than just an office—it’s been a gathering place, a launchpad for thousands of volunteers, and a visible symbol of our commitment to caring for Colorado.
Hi! My name is Cecilia Huber,
Hello, my name is Nic Woods.
Hello, my name is Jovanna Fierro,
Cairn Students Complete Their Final Project
Hello! My name is Lydia Meakins,
Hello! My name is Oliver Smock,
Hello! My name is Lucia Keller-Otto,
Cairn Participants Conduct a Site Visit and Learn What It Means To Be a Crew Leader
