Flowstone's mission is to foster a more creative, sustainable and equitable world by empowering underserved youth through unique educational experiences.

 Despite the efforts of great teachers around the country, research by Yale University found that high school “students see school as a place where they experience negative emotions.” Citing being bored, tired and stressed; students are absorbing what most adults probably feel on daily basis. Other studies report that students do not feel that what they are learning in school adequately prepares them for the future. Furthermore, students who come from low-income or otherwise marginalized backgrounds often experience this more than their affluent counterparts, without any means to enrich their situations. But we are determined to change this!

We know that students who travel are more compassionate, show high levels of personal growth, independence and perform better academically. Further studies report that students tend to be more interested in extracurricular activities, which also offer the benefits of greater character development and improved self-esteem - all precursors to a successful and contented life.

Flowstone is proud to offer Colorado kids both the opportunity to travel and attend a myriad of extracurricular workshops hosted by licensed teachers, all for little or no cost. Nobody should miss out on the opportunity grow just because they can't afford it.

All Flowstone programming supports creativity, sustainability and social equity. We do this by exploring and teaching children about the intersection of humanity, art, history, and the environment. 

Our goal is to provide educational opportunities that transcend the classroom and fill in some points of disconnect between schools and students.  We do this through our monthly workshops , and our summer programs Camp Glory View and the Denver Art Experience , and Seasonal Art Contests and a Youth-Created Publication.

Unique Educational Experiences

Our workshops offer students ages 10 - 17 an opportunity to dive deep into topics like Filmmaking & Screenwriting, Foraging, and Dance & Movement. With over sixty workshops being developed, there really is something for everyone.  All of the 5E+ workshops are taught by licensed teachers and offer a truly enriching experience for kids. While we ask for donations, no student will ever be turned away because of an inability to pay. We also offer transportation for students who may have trouble getting to the workshops. We are currently only offering workshops in Southwest Colorado, but are seeking teachers all over the state who want to share their creative passions with students outside of the traditional classroom.

Camp Glory View & The Denver Art Experience

By taking small groups of  rural and urban students ages 12 -17 on regional week long excursions for once in a lifetime experience, we believe that we are helping to create future leaders and change makers. Mark Twain said it best, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

But it's not just about taking a road trip and not being home for week. Students will participate in a variety of activities that not only serve to strengthen their character, but also to strengthen our communities and the world at large. 

Amplifying Youth Voice & Talent

Art  and self-expression are at the heart of being human. We want to foster the love and appreciation of both. To this end, we are excited to announce our first EVER art contest open to all Colorado students ages 8 - 17. Each season we will present a new theme, quote or idea that lends itself to a more creative and sustainable world - and students are encouraged to use their artistic talents to express what the theme, quote or idea means to them.  Winners will receive $100 and their art will be printed on an 11 x 17 glossy poster to be distributed at hundreds of locations across Colorado. We are also thrilled to give students, ages 10 -17,  the opportunity to use their voice by publishing articles on what matters to them.  To see contest rules and article submission guidelines, click HERE.