Trek Details
People: Who We Are
Our Outfit Expeditions invite 10-12 year olds into the outdoors, surrounded by a supportive community . 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 to experience the Gulch and the American Southwest.
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 what their interests are.
Willingness to Try: Outfit trekkers are encouraged to try new things, and are exposed to a breadth of interesting opportunities. Whether new activities, new places or new foods, Outfitters are encouraged to participate in a community that enables them to be their authentic selves and show up for each other.
Places: Where We Go
Outfit spends most of their time getting into the routine at basecamp, then goes on a multi-day galavant of the surrounding area to learn more about its people and unique features. 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 about 10 days at our Basecamp. This time is dedicated to strengthening a trekker’s relationship with our Basecamp, and creating a sense of home in the rustic cabins, the wild animals, and with the support of our specialists. 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 about 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:
- Front country 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. But mostly, they will get two options every day to choose an activity that interests them, such as swimming, farming, metal-smithing, painting, pottery, hiking, fort-building, survival, flower pressing, and much more.
Planting Seeds of Curiosity and Self-Discovery:
- 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.
- Adventure Skills Day: Trekkers will experience a challenging adventure day (such as rock climbing, rappelling, rafting etc)- 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.
