In the foothills of Evergreen, a bell tolls at noon. Up they come, these young pioneers. It's lunch time at Jeffco Outdoor Labs, a program that has been a part of the Jefferson County school district since 1957.

A former homestead, Jeffco Schools bought the property in the 1950s and has since turned it into something of a wilderness camp for students.

Students hiking at Jeffco Outdoor Labs. CBS

"They had the foresight to invest in this amazing property to foster outdoor education," said Principal Becky Paschke, in her first year on the job.

Typically, sixth-grade-aged students from around the district can be involved in the program. They are bused up to the camp for a few days, learning during the day, eating meals together, and staying overnight. For many, it's their first time bein

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