About O'Toolin Around

In the heart of Colorado Springs, amidst the bustling corridors of Discovery Canyon Campus Middle School, the concept of “O’Toolin Around” was born.

Founded by Shawn O’Toole, a passionate educator and retired naval officer, our mission emerged from a simple yet profound desire: to keep the flame of curiosity burning bright in young minds during school breaks.

While leading a group of adventurous souls on a hike, Shawn shared his vision of a unique blend of activities that encapsulate the essence of exploration, learning and growth.

A parent’s remark, “you’re basically inviting kids to Tool Around with you,” sparked the name of our endeavor. Thus, “O’Toolin Around” came to life, offering a sanctuary for curiosity-driven exploration under the guidance of a certified teacher.

Why We Do What We Do. During every school break, thousands of unsupervised kids look to have fun during their time off. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of supervised activities available that are both educational and fun. O’Toolin Around bridges this gap, providing a haven where students can pursue their interests, learn new skills, embrace the great outdoors and have fun, all while under the vigilant eye of a Colorado Department of Education certified teacher.

Our Vision. We strive to ignite the spark of curiosity in students during school breaks, fostering a love for the outdoors, engineering and sports in a safe, educational environment. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore their interests, challenge their limits and achieve new levels of accomplishment, one adventure at a time.

Meet Shawn O’Toole. Shawn O’Toole, the heart and soul behind O’Toolin Around, is not just an educator. 

He’s a mentor, a guide and a fellow adventurer. With over 18 years of teaching experience and a 21-year tenure as a naval officer, Shawn embodies the core values of honesty, courage and commitment. His passion for working with middle school students and sparking their enthusiasm for learning is the cornerstone of our brand.

Our Unique Offerings. O’Toolin Around stands out with its eclectic mix of educational and recreational classes designed specifically for middle schoolers. From engineering projects that bring ideas to life to the exhilaration of climbing Colorado’s fourteeners, our programs are tailored to foster a love for learning and exploration.

Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

• Educational Engineering Classes. Utilizing tools like SketchUp, students design and build projects, transforming ideas into tangible creations.
• Basketball Open Gym. Under Shawn’s guidance, students learn valuable skills and drills to elevate their game.
• Outdoor Adventures. Whether it’s hiking up the majestic fourteeners or camping under the stars, we bring students closer to nature’s wonders.
• Special Holiday Class. Our gingerbread house building project offers a unique experience that is both fun and educational.

Join the Adventure. At O’Toolin Around we’re more than just a brand. We’re a community of curious minds, eager explorers and aspiring innovators. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, learning and endless adventure. 

Let’s ignite the spark of curiosity together.