Creative Arts
As a way to help boys express their creativity, CBRYC offers a variety of artistic activities, including painting, ceramics, paper making, and photography, to name a few. When available, CBRYC retains the services of an Artist in Residence to bring new artistic opportunities to campus. In 2002, a master ceramist spent two weeks on campus and showed the boys how to glaze clay pieces with the ancient Japanese art of raku. In 2001, CBRYC hosted a contemporary pianist who used the medium of music to help boys express their feelings and gain an appreciation for the arts. In 2000, a nationally acclaimed paper maker spent two weeks on campus demonstrating how paper is made and engaging the boys in paper-making projects of their own.
Outdoor Education
CBRYC's Thunderbird Ranch, located near Cotopaxi, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and nature hikes. Youth visit Thunderbird Ranch for four-day trips over the summer. Not only are these visits fun, but boys also learn valuable lessons in teamwork and outdoor survival. For youth from the innercity who have never experienced the wonders of nature, these trips can be life-changing experiences. The boys fish, hike and picnic at sites near La Junta.
Recreation
Through the recreation program at CBRYC, boys participate in physical activities that promote fitness and sportsmanship. CBRYC offers physical education classes during the school day as well as recreational activities in the afternoons and evenings. Led by a certified recreation supervisor, activities include weight lifting, table games, athletic tournaments, swimming, and teams sports such as basketball, volleyball and softball.
Through the recreation program, boys learn teamwork, self-control, and how to interact with peers and staff. In addition, they improve their physical fitness and increase their self-esteem by developing their athletic skills. CBRYC's recreational facilities include a softball diamond, outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, and an indoor gymnasium and activities center.
Boy Scouts
CBRYC is proud to have its own Boy Scout troop. The troop meets weekly and promotes citizenship, character building, and personal fitness. By earning merit badges, youth gain experience in a variety of subjects such as cooking, camping, and community service.
The Scouts also take monthly trips off campus. These getaways can include fishing and camping excursions as well as sightseeing tours in Denver and Colorado Springs. The troop was featured in Boys’ Life.
Public Service
Individual youth may participate in community service organizations, as an identified part of their Master Treatment Plan. This may include court ordered community service. CBRYC has found that participation in our communities and learning of advocacy expands the youth’s awareness of both themselves and their world.