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: 🥾 (Easy) Step into a week-long exploration of Southern Arizona’s extraordinary plant life! From shady mountain forests to lush desert canyons, this immersive camp session invites campers to uncover the ecological diversity, cultural history, and edible treasures of the Sonoran Desert. Through hikes, hands-on activities, and exciting excursions, campers will learn how plants grow, survive, and sustain life in the Sonoran Desert. Weekly Highlights Mt. Lemmon & Madera Canyon: Discover how plants change from desert to forest on short hikes though the sky islands. Sabino Canyon: We will take the canyon tram tour and learn about unique, water-dependent habitats within the desert. Mission Garden: Explore fruit trees, crops, and edible native plants and discover how people have grown food in the desert for thousands of years. Sonoran Desert Museum: See desert plants from all over the region and learn their amazing survival tricks. Campers will unearth: Botanical Blueprints: Unlock the secrets of Sonoran flora and learn to identify the unique "personalities" and survival traits of our local desert greenery. The Living Pantry: Trace the fascinating history of desert plants as ancient and modern sources of food, medicine, and craftsmanship. The Invisible Harvester: Master the art of ethical foraging and learn how to gather desert bounty while keeping the ecosystem thriving. Nature’s Blueprint: Connect the dots between water, heat, and height to see how the landscape dictates exactly where plants choose to grow. Physical Demands & Requirements This trip is designed for beginner level hikers, with participants interested in plant life. Hiking/Walking: Must be able to carry a small backpack with a water bottle. Experience on short hikes is not required. Footwear: Closed toed shoes are required for hiking. 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. What’s Included We provide transportation, entrance fees and snacks. 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.

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