Outdoor Adventure Camp

A multicultural program for Ajo’s 4th, 5th and 6th grade youth that provides opportunities for youth to learn, at an early age, about the Sonoran Desert while promoting responsible stewardship and enjoyment of the outdoors. This is a collaboration between the BLM, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Cabeza Prieta Natural History Association, ISDA, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation (NRPR).

This year, through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant awarded to the Cabeza Prieta Natural History Association, we have been able to buy cameras, GPS units, binoculars, tents, back packs, water bottles and hydration systems for all the kids to use and learn from!  In addition, the Cabeza Prieta Natural History Association will provide food/snacks for events.

Note: Photography and journaling will be a regular part of OAC

NOTE: FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY, CLOSED TOES SHOES, HATS AND SUN SCREEN ARE REQUIRED AT ALL OAC SUMMER SESSIONS!
 
Wednesday, June 16, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Kickoff  at Parks and Recreation for campers and their parents. Tents will be set up, cameras, binoculars and all other equipment will be there for the kids to try out. Refreshments.

Friday, June 25, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sahuaro Harvesting at Alamo Canyon, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
NOTE: DATE MAY CHANGE IF FRUIT HASN’T RIPPENED
Parents are responsible for carpooling to this event. Meet at 4:00 sharp at Parks and Recreation to caravan to the site. Youth and parents will enjoy a dinner on the grill and then learn the traditional way of harvesting from a Tohono O’odham Elder. Note: Interested families will have the opportunity to camp that night at no charge at the Alamo Canyon campground. Upon request, camping equipment will be provided. There will, however, be no camping supervision provided for youth.

Tuesday, July 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Photography workshop with Jewel Clearwater, ISDA Staff
Photographer, and Jaime Kesler of Artizona Photography. Meet at the ISDA Programs office, 400 W. Vananda for this 2 evening workshop. Each camper will have a camera to experiment with and learn about.

Wednesday, July 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Continuation of photography workshop with Jewel and Jaime. This evening, campers will have printouts of yesterday’s photographic work to share and to begin journals. 
         
Tuesday, July 13, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Orienteering hike at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Round trip transportation provided by and from/to Parks and Recreation. Lunch and a “flint knapping” demonstration will also be provided.

Wednesday, July 28,  8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Jr. Ranger Day at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Round trip transportation provided by and from/to Parks and Recreation. Youth will earn their Jr. Ranger certificates by completing this program of fun activities. Snacks provided.

Wednesday, August 4, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Who’s Swimming in the Sonoran Desert?
Campers meet promptly at the Cabeza Prieta Visitors Center to learn about endangered species. Snack provided.

Wednesday, August 11, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Butterflies – where have they been and why do they leave us?
Campers meet promptly at the Cabeza Prieta Visitors Center to learn about butterflies and to practice GPS and orienteering skills. Early lunch provided.

Thursday, August 12, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Grand finale at Parks and Recreation with campers and their parents to “show and tell” about the summer session through their photos and journals.

OAC FALL SESSION REGISTRATION: September 1-15 at Parks and Recreation