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: 🥾(Foundational) Discover the diverse wildlife community of our local Sonoran Desert this summer! Campers will explore the unique and rather thriving ecosystem over the course of a weeklong summer experience. This camp is not only an exploration of our Tucson area but will also take campers to the Sky Islands of Mount Lemmon and Madera Canyon, with an included trip to the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum. Join us for a week of WILDLIFE! Weekly Highlights Mount Lemmon: Travel to our pine-covered Sky Island Retreat, a haven for both people and animals. Explore the trails, observe rare birds, and identify local wildlife Madera Canyon: Traverse the beautiful oaklands south of Tucson as we search for bears, squirrels, and hidden oases. Get ready for a day of fun hikes and outdoor adventure! Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum: Experience animals up close in this experience with an included animal show, plus time to tour the museum grounds. Bring your water bottle and a stronger thirst for knowledge. Physical Demands & Requirements This trip is designed for beginner level hikers, with participants interested in Wildlife. Hiking/Walking: Must be able to carry a small backpack with a water bottle. Experience on short hikes is recommended but not required. Supportive soled shoes (ie. gym sneakers) are required. No flat-soled shoes (like casual sneakers or sandals) are permitted. Closed-toe shoes are preferred on daily adventures. 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 This week we provide the essentials: entrance fees and transportation. Daypacks for daily use may be available upon request. Prior to departure, an itinerary and packing list will be emailed to ensure your camper is fully prepared for daily experiences.

Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾 (Moderate) Escape the heat and conquer the peaks! Join us for an epic mountain takeover as we head up to the "Sky Island" of Mt. Lemmon. This isn’t just a camping trip; it’s a week-long ascent into a totally different climate. We’ll spend Monday and Tuesday exploring lower elevations, then pack up to spend three days and two nights on Mount Lemmon. Join us in exploring rugged ridges and hidden forest groves that most people never see. The Mission Level up your wilderness IQ. You won't just be hiking; you’ll be: Botanical Scouting: Master essential knots, precision map-reading, and navigating by the landscape. Leadership in Action: Take the lead on the trail and make real-time decisions for your crew. Alpine Angling: Master the basics of mountain fishing at Rose Canyon Lake. Field Journaling: Document rare plant discoveries and wildlife sightings like a pro explorer. The Journey Madera Canyon: Trek through the oaklands and shrub biomes to explore Dutch John Spring, a lush oasis in the heart of the canyon. Mount Lemmon Overnight: From Wednesday to Friday, we make base camp at Showers Point Campground. From our retreat in the pines, we’ll launch summit hikes, identify high-altitude flora, and cool off by the water. Physical Demands & Gear This trek is designed for those with a foundation in camping and hiking. Mobility: Must be able to carry a daypack; prior experience on short hikes is preferred. Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are mandatory for rugged terrain. Weather Prep: We are chasing the shade, but the sun is strong. Campers must bring a water bottle (provided upon request), sunscreen, and a hat. What’s Included We provide all the essentials: food, mess kits, entrance fees, tents, fishing poles 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. Personal cooling accessories (like cooling neck towels or buffs) are highly recommended for our desert adventures! 9:00am – 4:00pm (Monday – Tuesday), Wednesday – Arrive at 9:00am for our overnights, return Friday at 4:00pm

Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾 (Active) Escape the desert heat and head to the cool ponderosa pines of Flagstaff! This five-day adventure is packed with volcanic exploration, astronomical wonders, and the iconic red rocks of the Verde Valley. From trekking through underground lava tubes to stargazing at the world-famous Lowell Observatory, campers will experience the very best of Northern Arizona’s natural and scientific history. Whether we’re exploring ancient pueblo ruins at Wupatki or enjoying a pizza party in the park, this trip is all about team building, discovery, and the great outdoors. The Journey Lava River Cave Adventure: Journey 3/4 of a mile underground into a prehistoric lava tube. It’s a "natural refrigerator" that stays 40°F year-round! Volcanic Landscapes: Hike the cinder fields of Sunset Crater and explore the massive ancient pueblos of Wupatki National Monument. Lowell Observatory: Visit the "Home of Pluto" for an evening of professional stargazing and deep-space discovery in one of the world’s first International Dark Sky Cities. Red Rock Detour: On our way home, we’ll swing through Sedona for breathtaking views and a stop at the lush oasis of Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Classic Camp Vibes: Nightly campfires, S'mores trail mix, card game tournaments, and a group pizza party at Thorpe Park. Physical Demands & Requirements High Elevation: Our adventures take place at approximately 7,000 feet. Because the air is thinner here than in Tucson, campers may find they tire a bit more easily; we will focus on taking it slow, taking plenty of breaks, and prioritizing extra hydration during our hikes. Volcanic & Underground Terrain: Navigating the Lava River Cave and Sunset Crater involves walking on uneven, loose volcanic cinders and jagged rock. This requires good balance and concentration. Camp Life Stamina: The week is packed with adventure, evening game nights, and a guided stargazing session under the clear mountain skies. Participants should be prepared for full days of group interaction and helping with camp tasks. What’s Included We provide all the essentials: food, tents, entrance fees and transportation. Prior to departure, a comprehensive itinerary and packing list will be emailed to ensure your camper is fully prepared for this Northern Arizona adventure. Trip departs 9:00am Monday and returns 4:00pm Friday

Difficulty Rating: 🥾 (Foundational) Ditch the heat and hit the heights! Mini Mt. Lemmon Bound is the ultimate "starter kit" for young explorers ready to master the mountains. We trade the desert dust for cool pine breezes, spending our mornings conquering scenic trails and building the skills of a true woodsman. The Morning Trek: Each day, we’ll tackle a new trail, gaining trail-cred as we learn: The Explorer’s Code: Master "Leave No Trace" to protect our forests. Wilderness IQ: Learn to read maps, identify local wildlife, and practice essential survival skills. Trail Stamina: Build confidence on 2–3 mile hikes through some of Arizona's most beautiful terrain. Afternoon Maker-Space: The adventure doesn’t stop at the trailhead! Afternoons are dedicated to "Basic Outdoor Skills" where you’ll transition from hiker to woodsman. Through hands-on workshops, campers will: Build Your Kit: Craft custom paracord survival bracelets and assemble a personal first aid kit to take home for your next adventure. Fire-Starting 101: Master the art of the "spark" as you learn to create emergency fire-starters from scratch. The Grand Finale: Celebrate the week on Friday with a legendary campfire cookout and a mountain of gooey s'mores!

Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾 (Active) Join us for an unforgettable five-day journey into the heart of Arizona's high country. Come immerse yourselves in nature, develop outdoor skills, and explore the diverse ecosystems of the White Mountains. Expedition Highlights Master the Catch: Campers will learn the fundamentals of fishing, starting with a hands-on lesson on how to set up a pole. Lake Exploration: We will visit some of the region's most beautiful waters, including Fool Hollow Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Big Bear Lake, A1 Lake, and Greer Lake for fishing and hiking. Wildlife Encounters: Experience a live Raptor Show at the White Mountain Nature Center and go behind the scenes with a tour of the Silver Creek Hatchery. Outdoor Skills: Campers will learn the responsibility of camp life, from setting up their own campground at Fool Hollow to participating in daily camp cleanup. High-Altitude Fun: The week is packed with adventure, including a visit to the Show Low Splash Pad, evening game nights, and a guided stargazing session under the clear mountain skies. What’s Included We provide all the essentials: food, tents, mess kits, entrance fees, fishing gear and transportation. Prior to departure, a comprehensive itinerary and packing list will be emailed to ensure your camper is fully prepared for this White Mountain adventure. Trip departs 9:00am Monday and returns 4:00pm Friday

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