NEDERLAND - On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, students of the Chinook West High School at TEENS, Inc. met with representatives from several local organizations, including Cal-Wood Education Center, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and Timberline Fire Protection District (TFPD), for the annual Career Fair. 

Chinook West students enthusiastically went from table to table to learn about some of the opportunities that awaited them beyond high school. The students were inquisitive and sought to understand the inner workings of each organization, and to dissect the “pitch,” to ascertain what part of any of the presentations truly spoke to them as individuals. 

Cal-Wood showcased their variety of programs, offering environmental education through school programs, summer camps, wildlife research and fire restoration programs, family adventures for people from underrepresented communities, and special guided retreats. 

CPW had a lot to offer, including information on what it means to be a seasonal Park Ranger, and about all the different programs and events that take place at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, including historical presentations and hands-on wildlife education. 

TFPD spoke to the students about the importance of local service, and about the professionalism and commitment involved with being a firefighter.

Dr. Cory Meirs of the Nederland Veterinary Hospital talked about the noble pursuit of veterinary care, and The Mountain-Ear discussed the role of journalism in small town communities. 

Where There Be Dragons introduced the concept of exploring outside of one’s comfort zone through international travel, to engage in new experiences with other cultures by participating in either summer travel or a structured “Gap Year” program.

Colorado State University highlighted all that their courses in continued education can offer, including all the offered curricula for the many different areas of study, such as the Colleges of Natural Sciences, of Liberal Arts, and of Business. A representative also answered students’ questions about early preparation for college, and provided pamphlets on financial aid. 

The Career Fair gave Chinook West students the opportunity to visualize their future, either as a Park Ranger, a firefighter or EMT, a camp counselor or an outdoor educator, a traveler, a veterinarian, a community journalist, or a college student.

They were invited to look into and study any field that interests them, and the Career Fair gave them a wide range of options.