GO Trek 1

GO! Trek invites 8-10 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.

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 1 spends ~ 6 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 1 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.

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. 8-10 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.
  • 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.
• 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.