Spark Curiosity.
For nearly a century, we've been exploring the Southwest and learning from its landscapes, cultures, and communities. Our blog shares reflections from the trail, insights from educators, and voices from our alumni network. Dive into our articles to discover what makes The Gulch experience life changing and unforgettable.
Why We Still Send Our Children into the Wild: Evidence Over Amplified Fear
By Jordan Stone, Executive Director, Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions I first arrived at Cottonwood Gulch in 2007 as a road cook for our Prairie Trek expedition. That summer job, so long ago now, became a calling that has spanned nearly two decades, culminating in my leadership during our centennial year. Now, each day, working as the…
What Sliding-Scale Tuition Really Means for Families (And Why It Works)
Parents searching for the right summer experience for their children often face a difficult balance. They want a program that delivers real growth—confidence, independence, friendship, and connection to nature—while fitting within their family’s budget. At Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, our model of sliding scale tuition outdoor programs, known as “Pick Your Price,” was created to help…
The Importance of Early Childhood Socialization Away From Home.
The fact is, research supports the socialization in outdoor learning programs during a child’s formative years. Even the most loving and attentive parents sometimes forget the importance of early childhood socialization away from home. Parents want the best for their children’s social and emotional growth. While home provides essential love and security, it’s also crucial…
Summer is almost here, but there is still time to make an impact in our community!
Last chance for the Silver Buckle Award nominations, Silent Auction contributions, and Scholarship donations! 2026 Silver Buckle Award Nominations end May 31st! There are only a few more days left for you to let us know who you think should win our 2026 Silver Buckle Award! Nominations close at 11:59pm on May 31st! Don’t miss…
How Cottonwood Gulch Makes Summer Adventure More Affordable for Families
For many families, finding the right summer program for children or teens involves balancing two important questions, insofar as finding an affordable summer program for kids: Will this be a meaningful experience? And can we realistically afford it? At Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, accessibility has long been part of the answer. Through a combination of sliding scale…
How Wilderness Adventure Helps Teens Become Leaders
Leadership is often talked about in classrooms, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. What’s often left out of the conversation is how leadership wilderness programs for teens helps them become tomorrow’s leaders. Some of the most meaningful leadership lessons happen far from screens, schedules, and everyday routines. They happen while navigating a trail with a group.…
The Benefits of Real Adventure: Why Wilderness Immersion Matters for Kids
Today’s children and teens are growing up in a world that is more connected than ever before. In many ways this affords them advantages in learning and exposure to a world of far greater scale than their forebears. But, there’s also a downside to this all-encompassing digital reality. For this reason we feel Cottonwood’s Summer…
Which Summer Trek Is Right for Your Teen?
Last post, we shared an article written by an alum discussing how time in the wilderness can shape a life. Summer treks for teens is a personality-shaping event for young people. For many families, that kind of experience is exactly what they are looking for in a summer program. The question that often follows is…
Call to action for our silent auction!
As part of our 100th Anniversary celebration, please consider contributing items or experiences that can be auctioned during the weekend event. The proceeds from the auction will be used primarily to support our scholarship program. We are seeking donations of both items (e.g., artwork, jewelry, Cottonwood Gulch memorabilia) and experiences (e.g., vacation homes, guided tours,…
How Wilderness Can Change a Life: A Story of a Cottonwood Gulch Summer Camp Experience
Every so often, a story captures what makes a summer experience truly meaningful. A recent feature in Tumbleweeds Magazine explores exactly that, a Cottonwood Gulch summer camp experience seen through the lens of fond memory. In the article Wilderness Changed My Life, the author reflects on their time in the Southwest and how immersion in…
Steps to Register for a Summer Trek: A Complete Guide for Cottonwood Families
Signing your child up for a summer camp or outdoor trek is an exciting step to gearing up for a successful summer of adventures! Whether your trekker is a first-time participant or returning for another season with us at Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, understanding the summer trek registration steps can make everything feel more manageable. At…
Summer Treks Are Filling Up: Don’t miss out!
It’s not too late to sign up for your trek summer adventure! But move quickly- Treks are filling up, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on the wonder of a Gulch trek this year. Head to our website and sign up for community, challenge, and many a magical Gulch campfire under…
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