Call of the Wild our 17-day community service learning program that takes place in the mountains of Colorado partners with a wolf refuge on a number of important conservation efforts, including observation and documentation, care and feeding of the 40 resident wolves. We top off the program with a fantastic whitewater rafting the Arkansas River and rock climbing along the Continental Divide with14,000 foot peaks as our backdrop. Click Read More to learn more about Call of the Wild, our summer program for teenagers that combines a passion for service and veterinary studies with a love of animals and a desire to spend a summer making a difference in the beautiful Wild West.

The penetrating stare of a wolf speaks not only of dominance over the pack, but also of power and mystery. In the intensity of a single gaze, we catch a glimpse of the untamed beauty of the wild. Sadly, in the United States, selling wolves and wolf-dogs as pets is big business; hundreds of these majestic creatures are abandoned when their owners can no longer provide the space and care they need.

Fortunately, in a remote area of Colorado, nestled between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Greenhorn Wilderness, is a very special community, Mission: Wolf. This refuge not only welcomes discarded wolves, but also provides nation-wide education regarding habitat protection. We are fortunate enough to spend nine memorable days assisting the staff in the care and feeding of the wolves.

Our journey begins in Colorado Springs. From there, we head to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, home of the tallest dunes in North America. For two days, these sand waves are our playground. Then it’s time for action! We set out on a full day hike, amidst 13,000-foot peaks to our next destination — Mission: Wolf.

Once at Mission: Wolf, we divide into different groups. We work deep inside the pens, under the watchful gaze of intensely-yellow eyes. We repair old fences and construct new pens for incoming wolves, restore habitat and master the challenge of feeding the 40 resident wolves. We assist in the observation and documentation of wolf behavior to make sure the animals are well-adjusted. Those of us working on the new barn lend our hands on the construction site; those with a knack for design might work on restoring the native landscape.

We also contribute to off-site projects. To help the staff get through the cold winter at Mission: Wolf, we gather firewood in the San Isabel foothills. At the Mission: Wolf farm, which provides a peaceful residence for geriatric and unwanted horses, we groom the horses or stack bales of hay for the winter. At sunset, we hike and explore the many rivers and streams that dot this remote area.

It is hard saying goodbye when our nine days at Mission: Wolf are complete, but our trip is not over yet. Our adventure continues on the Arkansas River, where we board rafts for two days of paddling down the first 60 miles of the 1,400-mile route to the Mississippi. We run Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Brown’s Canyon, considered by many to be one of the best sections of whitewater in the world.

Drying off, we head south to San Isabel National Forest for a full day of rock climbing. We learn basics such as footwork and technique, rope systems, anchors, rappelling and belaying as we climb on formations such as "Pumphouse" and "Almost-a-Tunnel-Rock." In the distance, the 14,000-foot peaks provide a majestic backdrop.

We spend our last day together on Cottonwood Pass, one of the most beautiful overlooks of the Continental Divide feasting and celebrating both our new “pack” of friends and the difference we made in helping preserve an endangered species.

Settling In

Arrival in Colorado Springs; orientation; day hikes at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Our Work

Nine day service project at the Mission: Wolf refuge; meet and interact with resident wolves; hike in the San Isabel National Forest.

Our Play

Two day whitewater rafting trip down the Arkansas River; one day rock climbing in the Collegiate Peaks.

El Fin

Final banquet at Cottonwood Pass; transfer to Colorado Springs; homeward bound.