Outfit Expedition

Summer Trek

DETAILS

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Overview of 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.

 

 

Age Range: 10-12

Gender: All welcome, Male, Female, Non-binary

Min Group Size: 8

Max Group Size: 20

Instructors: 3

Elevation: 5,000 to 11,000 feet

17 Days on Trek

Cost: $3,595

June 22 - July 8, 2024

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July 20 - August 5, 2024

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Trek Details

This trek will encourage trekkers to explore, create, learn, listen and play. Here are the details!

People: Who we are

Our Outfit Expeditions invite 10-12 year olds into the outdoors. For those younger trekkers seeking an
introduction to camping, a connection with nature, and a meaningful place within their community, Outfit
offers a “foundation of firsts.” We invite trekkers who are interested in learning more about themselves and
the world around them.

  • Self-Discovery: Outfit trekkers are experiencing their first Gulch-supported camping experience,
    spending significant time away from home and truly learning about who they are and who they may
    want to become.
  • Willingness to Try: Outfit trekkers are willing to try. Whether new activities, new places or new
    foods, they are excited to participate in a community that encourages them to be their authentic
    selves and show up for each other.

Places: Where we go

Outfit spends ~ 2 weeks divided up between Basecamp and the road. This is the first age group that the
Gulch takes out on a road loop, initiating that spark of wonder that comes with visiting and caring for new
places.

  • Basecamp: Outfit spends ~ 10 days at our Basecamp. This time is dedicated to strengthening a
    trekker’s relationship with our Basecamp, Cibola National Forest and the Zuni Mountains. When
    there is a strong place-based relationship and a deeper understanding of how to be mindful in the
    outdoors, trekkers can be better prepared to venture forth into any community, wild or urban.
  • On the Road: Outfit spends ~ 5 days on the road, learning camping skills, visiting Gulch community
    members and developing a connection to the areas around Basecamp including the Malpais, Mt.
    Taylor, and the surrounding Zuni Mountains.

Projects: What we do

The Outfit Expedition offers 10-12 year olds the opportunity to spend concentrated time at Basecamp, out
on the road, and with each other. 2 weeks away from home allow Outfit trekkers to discover those sparks of
independence, accountability within a community and growth as they transition to a more mindful
adolescence. Outfit asks “What do I want to discover? What new skills do I want to learn?” and the Gulch
provides a supported space to find those answers.

  • Technical Skills Development:
    • Frontcountry skills: Trekkers will learn to camp on a Gulch-supported road loop. They will
      grow to feel comfortable sleeping in tents, setting up/taking down camp, working on
      “details” while on the road and practicing Leave No Trace principles.
    • Basecamp: Outfit trekkers will develop a deep understanding of Basecamp’s inner workings.
      They will master Basecamp’s “details,” know what is required to pack a daypack, and feel
      comfortable navigating throughout the property.
  • Planting Seeds of Curiosity and Self-Discovery: 
    • Com assisted 1-night Backpack: Trekkers will experience a taste of backpacking, with a
      supported overnight in the field. This would be a fully supported experience with gear
      available via a com and staff guidance and leadership.
    • Rock climbing day: Trekkers will experience a rock climbing day trip with the Climbing
      Specialist and Wild Country Trek- challenging their personal comfort zones and learning
      from older trekkers and experts.
    • Cottonwoods programming: Outfitters will attend Cottonwoods regularly, learning about a
      variety of topics from our Basecamp Specialists, including ecology, visual arts, forestry,
      poetry, woodworking etc.

June 22 - July 8, 2024

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July 20 - August 5, 2024

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More Information

Trek Log

Weber Salmanson

“We did nothing all day but night was very eventful to say the least. A big storm with lightning and hail
came. That’s it.”

July 13th

Soren Stevie

“The day started by breakfast. It was sausage and eggs. We did details then Cottonwoods. I choose hiking for fossils. I found a whistle? Train connector. Then we had lunch, details, then siesta, which we used to play Gaga Ball. During Gaga Ball, I got first and took out Leo. We did Cottonwoods again and I finally got to do metal working!! I made one copper ring but then I cut it in half so now I have two. We ate dinner, did details. Then we played games and had a Nalgene fire. Now we are taking ownerships. Currently the sunset looks really nice.”

July 12th

Sonora Smith

“Today we did a walk of Basecamp even though I’’ve been here before. It was so hot and everyone was walking so slow. After that we went to Cottonwoods. I picked one with Jess to do art. Then we took a shower and played a game. We had an open camp fire in the Cha’oh. Then we hiked to Outfit and decorated our cabin.”

July 11th

Resources for Parents

Within Your Itinerary You Might

The trek itineraries vary year to year, depending on permits and staff expertise

  • Meet with a musician
  • Visit an Amphitheater
  • Take some Day hikes
  • Meet with an instrument manufacturer
  • Visit music festival
  • Visit Hispanic Cultural Center and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
  • A Sunset hike
  • Basecamp Loop (Cottonwoods)
  • Visit Zuni Pueblo to meet musicians and artists
  • Meet with an artist 
  • Visit Georgia O’Keefe Museum and other local art based museums  
  • Visit Taos Earthships
  • Explore Lavender Farm
  • Day hike Canyon de Chelly
  • Day hike El Morro National Monument

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*All locations and itineraries are subject to change given permitting and fire restrictions.