Join us for 7 fun-filled days based at Basecamp! Each day you will wake up in rustic, open air cabins surrounded by nature in a Ponderosa and Juniper forest. Some days, we will pack up and take off for an adventure like caving, rock climbing, or hiking to explore New Mexico and learn new skills. Other days, we will stay at Basecamp to take advantage of all the knowledge that Cottonwood Gulch staff have to offer. Each evening there will be a delicious dinner, games, and campfire activities. Prepare yourself for a star-filled sky, new friends, and an exciting week of learning new things.
While at Basecamp, trekkers will have the opportunity to learn new skills like metalsmithing, animal tracking, plant identification, mountain biking, farming, cooking, music, and rock climbing. The exact specialties of our staff vary from year to year, but we always have an incredibly talented and knowledgeable team that is excited to introduce trekkers to new skills as well as offer deeper exploration for those already familiar with a topic. Each year the itinerary varies; see below for a sample itinerary.
GO Trek is a great way to get to know what a Cottonwood Gulch summer is like and can serve as a prelude for Outfit Expedition (10-12 year old) or Wild Country Trek (13-14 year old).
Age Range: 10-12
Gender: All welcome, Male, Female, Non-binary
Min Group Size: 8
Max Group Size: 16
Instructors: 3
Elevation: 5,000 to 8,000 feet
7 Days on Trek
Cost: $1,150
7/10 - 7/16
Enroll Now
Ages: 10 – 12 Only
8/3 - 8/9
Enroll Now
Ages: 10 – 12 Only
Skills Outcomes
Grow and strengthen these skills
Leadership
Camp Craft
Outdoor Living
Communication
Community Living
Leave No Trace Awareness
Trek Details
People: Who we are
GO! Trek invites 10-12 year olds to our Basecamp to spark a connection between them, the Gulch, and the
outdoors. GO! trekkers are welcomed to experience the essential value and innate joys of discovering our
place within our environment, our community and ourselves.
- Self-Discovery: GO! Trekkers are the youngest trekkers at the Gulch. This experience is for kids
looking to learn about who they are in connection with the outdoors. It is an opportunity for youth
to discover what they enjoy and what they can share with others in regards to simply going outside
and exploring the spaces around them. - We Can!: GO! trekkers can do it. We know they can. Being away from home can be a huge challenge,
and we know that GO! trekkers will rise above and beyond. With guidance from staff, older trekkers,
and visiting experts/educators, GO! trekkers will grow and learn to be more resilient, capable young
people.
Places: Where we go
GO! Trek spends every night at Basecamp as an structured introduction to living in the outdoors. Most days
are spent at Basecamp, getting to know the area and exploring the acres of forests, stream beds, mesas and
open fields.
- Basecamp: GO! Trek 2 spends 7 days at our Basecamp. This time is dedicated to introducing a
trekker to our Basecamp. As trekkers get to know Basecamp- the Mesa, the Cha-oh, the Nature Arts
Workshop, the Mess hall, the Museum- they will develop a relationship to place and nurture an
independence that comes with familiarity as they navigate the area. - Day Trips: GO! Trek 2 goes on several day trips within a short driving distance from Basecamp.
These locations include El Malpais, El Morro, Bluewater Lake, and other nearby areas within the
Zuni Mountains.
Projects: What we do
GO! Trek asks “ How do I live comfortably in the outdoors?”
This trek revolves around access to an outdoor experience and gaining confidence in the basic understandings
required to move through those experiences. 10-12 year old’s will spend 6 days building up the skills necessary
to feel more comfortable outside and to begin to learn the values.
- Technical Skills Development:
- Outdoor comfort: Trekkers will learn to be prepared with the basics for an outdoor
excursion. This includes:- Outdoor health and safety; learning about hydration, sun-protection, finding shelter,
etc. - Learning to pack a daypack.
- Learn to set up a tent.
- Learn the basics of Leave No Trace principles.
- Outdoor health and safety; learning about hydration, sun-protection, finding shelter,
- Basecamp: GO! Trek will develop an initial understanding of Basecamp’s inner workings.
They will learn to participate in Basecamp’s “details,” and start to feel comfortable navigating
throughout the property. - Sleeping Outdoors: Trekkers will sleep in cabins throughout the week, and camp in a tent on
the last night. This provides a scaffolded experience to gain comfort sleeping away from
home.
- Outdoor comfort: Trekkers will learn to be prepared with the basics for an outdoor
- Fun in the Outdoor Classroom:
- Cottonwoods programming: GO! trekkers will attend Cottonwoods regularly, learning about
a variety of topics from our Basecamp Specialists, including ecology, visual arts, forestry,
poetry, fort-building etc.
- Cottonwoods programming: GO! trekkers will attend Cottonwoods regularly, learning about
Trek Log
Resources for Parents
Summer 2023 Itinerary
The trek itineraries vary year to year, depending on permits and staff expertise