Outfit Expedition

Dive into a summer of Southwest fun with the Outfit Expedition! Outfit is a perfect experience for kids with a sense of adventure and willingness to try new things. Appropriate for anyone from complete camping novices to experienced outdoor adventurers, we will start the trek with a week at Basecamp followed by a few days exploring wild places of New Mexico. We will return to Basecamp for 2 days to close the trek, reflect on our time together, and enjoy a final campfire. By the end, trekkers come away with new friends, outdoor skills, great memories, and self-confidence after two weeks of independence and exploration. 

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. Basecamp will also be the perfect opportunity to learn outdoor living and camp craft skills before putting them into practice while camping, hiking, and exploring New Mexico. Each year the itinerary varies, though a sunrise summit of Mount Taylor is typically a highlight (although most trekkers don’t see it that way at 4 am, only afterwards)! See below for a sample itinerary. 

While on trek with us, participants will complete a project in a field they are interested in. These are meant to be opportunities to take advantage of the vast knowledge sets of our staff, dive deeper into a topic of interest, and to walk away from the summer having a tangible example of all that was accomplished. Examples of past projects include: building a latrine at basecamp, creating maps, conducting a stream study, creating a field guide, compiling an art portfolio, writing an original song, planning and leading activities for other trekkers, and many more. To help us prepare to facilitate these projects, we will send a survey for your trekker to complete. If they aren’t sure, that’s okay! Our staff are ready and excited to talk with them about their interests and figure out what makes sense. 

Day 1

Arrive and get to know everyone

Day 2-9

Basecamp Loop (Cottonwoods, one night supported backpack, solo)

Day 10

Explore Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness

Day 11

Rafting on the San Juan River

Day 12

Hike El Morro National Monument

Day 13

Caving in El Malpais National Monument