Catamount Institute

More about us

A Natural Philosophy

Catamount Institute’s programs seek to heighten the community’s awareness of environmental and sustainability issues in order to inspire ecological stewardship. The organization acts as a catalyst for critical thinking and is devoted to connecting the "bookends of the community" with their natural world. From Schoolrooms to Boardrooms, we offer science-based programs that promote outdoor exploration, business efficiency, personal growth, and provide children the tools they need to experience their world with an enhanced sense of their surroundings.

The goal of our education programs is to address what author Richard Louv identified as “nature-deficit disorder” among our youth. Current research reveals the effectiveness of, and dynamic potential for, child-nature based programming, educational strategies, and recreational activities. Evidence indicates that children’s capacity for learning and overall physical, emotional, and psychological health are closely linked to time spent in nature. Additionally, environmental education contributes to lower rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and anxiety disorders, as well as improved aptitude retention for children living with attention and learning deficits. Striking improvements in standardized test scores and overall grade point averages, and increased skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making have all been attributed to science-based education where children spend significant time in nature, balanced with indoor classroom instruction.

Catamount Institute’s approach to transformational education emphasizes a cross-disciplinary approach to learning which incorporates elements of science, math, writing, art and recreation into curricula that is age/grade appropriate and in line with state educational standards. While our education programs target youth of all ages, our newest program, the Pikes Peak Sustainable Business Network (PPSBN), is a local “green chamber of commerce” that targets local businesses to create a culture change that results in a sustainable community. Catamount Institute, and our program the Pikes Peak Sustainable Business Network, are striving to promote and foster environmental stewardship...not only in our leaders of tomorrow, but in our leaders of today.

The Six "S" Philosophy  

Catamount Institute's basic philosophy provides the direction of our programs. Education, leadership development, and sustainability programs incorporate our Six "S" Model: