Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾(Active) Are you seeking a weeklong summer camp where you can learn not only about water in our area but experience it for yourself? Sonoran Waterways does exactly that. Campers explore the vital water systems of the region while staying cool through local water parks and natural retreats. Water is vital to the Sonoran Desert—join us as we soak up the experience this summer! Weekly Highlights Tres Ríos & Agua Caliente: Learn the history and science behind two of our region's most ancient water sources. Kino Environmental Restoration Project: Explore KERP with adventure guides to discuss native ecosystems, urban stormwater, and flood control. Sweetwater Wetlands: Discover the wonders of Sweetwater, a vital water reclamation site and wildlife refuge. Mount Lemmon & Rose Canyon Lake: Escape the heat with an overnight camping trip at Rose Canyon Lake. Campers will experience the great outdoors firsthand while fishing and exploring the cooler mountain climate. Physical Demands & Requirements This trip is designed to explore water, campers should be comfortable and confident in and around water. Hiking/Walking: Must be able to carry a small backpack with a water bottle. Experience on short hikes is recommended but not required. Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are required for walking. Closed-toe shoes are preferred on daily adventures. Clothing: Water activities will be offered, please bring an appropriate swimsuit and change of clothes daily. Heat: Because summer programs are subject to seasonal heat, all campers are required to have a water bottle. If a student does not have one, we can provide it upon request. Please bring sunscreen and a hat! What’s Included We provide the essentials: food, entrance fees, transportation, and camping gear for our overnight stay. Backpacks for daily use may be available upon request. Prior to departure, a comprehensive itinerary and a detailed packing list (including overnight essentials) will be emailed to ensure your camper is fully prepared. Personal cooling accessories (like cooling neck towels or buffs) are highly recommended for our desert adventures! Monday-Wednesday 9:00am-4:00pm, Thursday – Arrive at 9:00am for our overnight, return Friday at 4:00pm

Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾 (Active) Join us for an unforgettable subterranean adventure this summer! Cave Camp offers a unique opportunity to swap the Arizona sun for the cool, mysterious world beneath our feet as campers embark on daily expeditions to explore the most fascinating geological wonders of Southern Arizona. During this program, campers won’t just "visit" caves—they will become junior speleologists. Campers will explore Southern Arizona’s most iconic cave systems, including the rugged "wild" passages of Peppersauce Cave and the world-renowned formations of Kartchner Caverns. Throughout the week, we will master the science of speleology, the "Rule of Three" safety protocols, and the essential ethics of Leave No Trace (LNT) conservation. Each day balances hands-on discovery with technical skill-building, offering a unique opportunity to witness "live" geological wonders while learning to protect these fragile environments for generations to come. We will head out to a new location every day; our "itinerary of icons" includes: Peppersauce Cave (Oracle) Cave of the Bells (Madera Canyon) Kartchner Caverns (Benson) Colossal Cave (Tucson) Coronado Cave (Hereford) This camp is for explorers who don't mind getting a little dirty! Caving is a full-body workout, and while we aren't hiking 10 miles, you will need: Agility & Mobility: Ability to crawl on hands and knees, navigate low ceilings, and squeeze through tight spaces (especially in "wild" caves like Peppersauce). Steady Footing: You’ll be walking on slippery, muddy, or uneven cave floors where balance is key. Comfort in the Dark: Explorers must be comfortable in enclosed, dark spaces for extended periods while relying on headlamps. What’s Included We provide all the specialized gear and logistics necessary to transform your camper from a hiker into a junior speleologist. Each adventure includes round-trip transportation to our daily locations, as well as high-quality safety equipment such as caving helmets and high-lumen headlamps. All site admissions are covered, alongside guided instruction on essential cave safety—specifically the "Rule of Three"—geological science, and Leave No Trace (LNT) conservation ethics to ensure our explorers protect these fragile underground environments.

Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾🥾 (Strenuous - Advanced) Test your skills, and get ready for a weeklong summer experience of hiking. Each day will feature a different hike designed to push your body and explore different trails away from the heat. Adventure Guides offer a structured schedule of Sky Island locations, where the key focus is safety while providing the opportunity to build resilience. Come prepared to hike beautiful trails around Tucson! The Journey Madera Canyon: South of Tucson, Madera Canyon offers two of our hikes which we will explore. There may be water, wildlife, and a tap into adventure. Mount Lemmon: Our backyard, three hikes will be offered on Mount Lemmon. Prepare for the difference in elevation and get ready to hike through the pines. Physical Demands & Requirements This trip is designed for daily hikes and experienced participants, come physically prepared! Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are required for trip attendance. Hiking/Walking: Must be able to carry a backpack with a water bottle refill. Experience on longer hikes is recommended but not required. Heat: Summer programs are subject to summer temperatures and weather, campers must have a water bottle which can be provided upon request. Please bring sunscreen and a hat. What’s Included We provide all the essentials: food, entrance fees, ways to cool off and transportation. Backpacks for daily use may be available upon request. Prior to departure, a comprehensive itinerary and packing list will be emailed to ensure your camper is fully prepared for daily experiences. Highly recommended equipment includes a way to keep yourself cool. Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm

Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾 (Moderate) Get ready for a hands-on week of adventure, teamwork, and essential outdoor skills! This immersive Outdoor Skills Camp is designed to build confidence, creativity, and a strong connection to the natural world. Campers will learn how to prepare for, travel through, and care for wild places—culminating in a multi-day camping experience on Mt. Graham, the tallest mountain in Southern Arizona! The first half of the week focuses on skill-building and preparation through day excursions to Mt. Lemmon. Campers will practice core outdoor skills, learn how to pack and prepare for a camping trip, and work together as a team. Wednesday through Friday, we’ll put those skills into action during a two night camping adventure on Mt. Graham, where campers will set up camp, cook meals, explore high-elevation forests, and enjoy unforgettable mountain nights under the stars. Daily Excursions & Highlights: Mt. Lemmon (Monday–Tuesday): Learn and practice essential outdoor skills through short hikes, group challenges, and hands-on activities. Campers will focus on gear prep, navigation, Leave No Trace principles, and teamwork while preparing for our camping expedition. Mt. Graham Camping Trip (Wednesday–Friday): Camp at high elevation in a beautiful mountain environment. Campers will set up tents, build campfires, cook meals, hike forest trails, stargaze, and explore Riggs Lake while practicing the skills they’ve learned throughout the week. You will sharpen your skills in: The 10 Essentials: Understand exactly what to pack, why it matters, and how to stay prepared for any outdoor adventure. Leave No Trace & Stewardship: Master the art of caring for natural spaces and minimizing human impact on the trail. Navigation Skills: Learn to use GPS units and topographic maps to navigate the wilderness with confidence. Camp Craft: Practice essential survival skills, including shelter building, knot tying, fire starting, and outdoor cooking. First Aid Basics: Learn how to identify and respond to common outdoor injuries and emergencies effectively. Botanical Discovery: Identify native plants and uncover their fascinating medicinal and edible uses. Team Building: Build trust, communication, and resilience through group challenges and shared responsibilities. What’s Included We provide all the essentials: food, mess kits, entrance fees, tents and transportation. Daypacks are available upon request. Prior to departure, you’ll receive a comprehensive itinerary and packing list to ensure your camper is ready for the ascent. 9:00am – 4:00pm (Monday – Tuesday), Wednesday – Arrive at 9:00am for our overnight, return Friday at 4:00pm