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: 🥾🥾🥾 (Adventurous) Embark on a thrilling journey through the breathtaking Gila Wilderness of New Mexico! This expedition combines ancient history, world-class stargazing, and deep-backcountry immersion, offering campers an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of the most remote landscapes in the United States. The Journey The Catwalk & Cosmic Skies: We begin by traversing the historic Catwalk Recreation Area, suspended over a dramatic canyon. We will also spend a night under some of the darkest skies on Earth at the Cosmic Campground. As an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, it offers an unparalleled, crystal-clear view of the Milky Way. Ancient Ruins: We will step back in time at the Gila Cliff Dwellings to stand within the 700-year-old stone homes of the Mogollon people. Middle Fork Backpacking: The heart of our adventure is a 2-night backpacking expedition into the Gila Wilderness. Camping along the Middle Fork, campers will navigate rugged terrain, cross pristine river systems, and master the arts of backcountry cooking and camp setup. We will even visit natural hot springs to soothe those tired legs! Throughout the trip, campers will develop a "Wilderness Toolkit," including: Navigation: Map reading and route finding. Stewardship: Deep-dive into Leave No Trace principles. Outdoor Leadership: Teamwork, safety procedures, and emergency preparedness. Physical Demands & Requirements This trip is designed for active individuals with prior camping experience who are ready to challenge themselves. Backpacking Journey: 3–5 miles in/out with 1,000+ft of elevation change. Stamina: Must be able to carry a 30–40 lb pack for extended periods over uneven terrain. Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are required. No flat-soled shoes or casual sneakers permitted. What’s Included We provide all the essentials: food, mess kits, tents, entrance fees, and transportation. Backpacks for overnight 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 this New Mexico adventure. Trip departs 9:00am Monday and returns 4:00pm Friday

Difficulty Rating: 🥾🥾 (Active) Ditch the desert heat and head into the cool, pine-scented forests of the Santa Catalina Mountains for the ultimate mountain adventure! Mt. Lemmon Bound Geocaching combines the thrill of backcountry exploration with the precision of GPS technology. Join us for a week of high-stakes "hide and seek" where you’ll master handheld GPS devices to track down hidden caches across the mountain. From programming coordinates to navigating rugged trails, you’ll hunt for "SWAG" (cool trinkets) and secret treasures left by explorers from around the world. Are you ready to find what’s hidden? Weekly Highlights Master Navigation: Use GPS units and coordinates to track down hidden "caches" tucked away among granite boulders and towering Douglas firs. Practice Stewardship: Learn "Cache In, Trash Out" (CITO) principles to ensure we leave the mountain cleaner than we found it. Whether reaching a rocky overlook to find a "micro-cache" or solving a multi-stage puzzle, this camp focuses on: Problem Solving: Decoding coordinates and using digital tools. Teamwork: Working together to find hidden containers in the wild. Environment: Identifying local flora and fauna in the high-altitude pine forest. Physical Demands & Requirements This trip is designed for those with beginning outdoor experience and good health. Daily Stats: 3–4 miles per day with 500+ ft in elevation change. Stamina: Low to moderate exertion; requires the ability to hike for short periods at a steady pace. Footwear: Supportive soled shoes are required (Hiking shoes and/or trail runners). No flat-soled shoes (like casual sneakers or sandals) are permitted. What’s Included GPS units are provided. A detailed supply list will be emailed before camp to ensure all explorers are fully equipped for the mountain terrain and cooler temperatures of Mt. Lemmon.

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) 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: 🥾 (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: 🥾🥾 (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: 🥾🥾 (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: 🥾🥾- 🥾🥾🥾(Adventurous) Imagine a hidden world where 1,000-foot orange cliffs tower over a sparkling stream that never runs dry. Welcome to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness—Arizona’s best-kept secret. This isn’t your typical dusty desert hike; it’s a multi-day "water-trek" through a lush jungle hidden inside a massive rock cathedral. In Aravaipa, there are no paved paths or signposts. To move through the canyon, you’ll become a true explorer. Splash Zone: You’ll hike right through the water, navigating sandy banks and crossing the creek dozens of times. The water is usually ankle-to-knee deep—perfect for staying cool! Hidden Side-Quests: Explore secret side canyons with "windows" in the rock and hanging gardens where water seeps directly out of the stone walls. Campsites Under the Stars: Sleep on sandy benches under ancient trees. With no city lights for miles, the stars are bright enough to cast shadows. Physical Demands & Requirements There is very little "elevation gain" (no huge mountains), but you’ll be walking on loose sand, slippery river rocks, and through thick brush. You will be carrying a pack that weighs between 20-40 pounds. It’s the perfect first multi-day trip for a 5th–9th grader. It’s tough enough to feel like a real accomplishment, but legendary enough that even experienced backpackers call it a bucket-list favorite! What’s Included We provide all the essentials: food, mess kits, tents, permits, and transportation. Backpacks for overnight 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 this awesome creek adventure. Monday is the prep day at CFHS in the Outdoor Office from 8:00am-12:00pm! Trip departs for the canyon on Tuesday at 8:00am and returns 4:00pm on Thursday.

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: 🥾🥾 (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

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: 🥾🥾 (Active) Five days. Three National Parks & Monuments. Countless memories. Join us for a whirlwind tour of Northern Arizona! From the cool waters of a White Mountain lake to the breathtaking rim of Canyon de Chelly, we’re hitting the road to see the best of the Southwest. This year, we’re blending rugged exploration with iPad photography, teaching campers how to capture the "golden hour" against ancient cliff dwellings and the vibrant hues of the Painted Desert. Between hiking the historic White House Trail and camping under the darkest skies in the country, your explorer will return with both outdoor stamina and a stunning digital portfolio of their journey. Trip Highlights Lakefront Adventure: Kick off the week at Fool Hollow State Park with an afternoon of lake fun among the ponderosa pines. Petrified Forest & Painted Desert: Walk through 225-million-year-old "crystal logs" and see the vibrant, multi-colored badlands of Northern Arizona. Canyon de Chelly Exploration: Experience one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in North America. We’ll hike the White House Trail to see ancient cliff dwellings up close. Navajo National Monument: A rare chance to see the massive Betatakin cliff dwellings from the rim and stay at one of the most scenic, remote campgrounds in the Southwest. Dark Sky Camping: Spend four nights under some of the darkest skies in the country—perfect for stargazing and campfire stories. Physical Demands & Requirements This trip is perfect for explorers who love being active and don't mind a little dirt on their boots!. While the daily mileages are not extreme, this is not a casual stroll. The itinerary requires steady footing and physical stamina especially for our White House Ruins Trail!. 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: 🥾🥾🥾 (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