Teacher Spotlight: Hunter Stafford’s Outdoor Leadership Program Inspires Students Beyond the Online Classroom 

At Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, online education goes beyond textbooks and computer screens. For Social Studies teacher and Outdoor Leadership instructor Hunter Stafford, learning is an adventure-one that takes students into the heart of Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes. 

Hunter is redefining online education with his transformative Outdoor Leadership Program. Each year, he leads high school students—many of whom have never had the opportunity to explore the outdoors—on life-changing adventures. From backpacking trips and wilderness first aid courses to a three-day snowshoe trek and exhilarating white-water rafting excursions, students experience firsthand the beauty and challenges of Colorado’s rugged terrain. 

More than just outdoor skills, the program fosters resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Students step outside their comfort zones, overcome social anxiety, and create lasting bonds with their peers. For many, it’s a chance to heal, grow, and gain a new perspective on their abilities and future career paths. 

Hunter believes that outdoor education is about more than just nature—it’s about personal transformation. “Outdoor Leadership at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado is a pretty cool place where kids of many different backgrounds and levels of comfortability in nature come together and spend extended periods of time in Colorado’s public lands,” Hunter shared. “The relationships, connection to nature, and confidence gained from these experiences will stay with each student in their own unique way for the rest of their lives.” 

Through these experiences, students not only develop a love for the outdoors but also explore potential careers in outdoor recreation, environmental science, and leadership roles. The skills they gain—problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork—are invaluable no matter where their future paths lead. 

With outdoor education gaining recognition for its benefits to youth mental health and personal development, Hunter Stafford’s program is making a tangible impact. His dedication to providing students with real-world, hands-on experiences ensures that learning at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado extends far beyond the classroom. 

If you’re looking for an educational environment that blends academic rigor with real-world experiences, Destinations Career Academy of Colorado is now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year! Don’t miss the opportunity to provide your student with a flexible, engaging, and transformative education. Apply today! 

For more information about Destinations Career Academy of Colorado and its innovative programs, visit the About Our School page.