Expeditions for Groups and Classrooms

Let Us Help You Grow Your Own Expedition

Ready to put classroom learning into action? Cottonwood Gulch classroom expeditions combine elements of self-discovery, group collaboration, personal responsibility as well as our pillars of arts and culture, science and nature, and wilderness immersion.

Here’s how to customize your expedition:

The Connected Classroom

This initiative-based expedition builds and encourages leadership, bonding, and collaboration within your classroom.

The Engaged Steward

A community intensive expedition inspires civic engagement by exploring current issues facing the American Southwest.

The Peak Experience

A culminating expedition that creates a supportive opportunity for personal challenge while facilitating a forum for reflective growth.

The Inquisitive Mind

A place-based expedition asks the questions of “why” in a way that engages curiosity and critical thinking on a path to discovery.

Collaborative Design

Using our Collaborative Design Principles we work side-by-side with teachers and administrators to craft the perfect expedition. Together we’ll meet the goals and objectives of each school and classroom.

Learn more about our funding for Classrooms.

Pillars of Exploration

Build out your trek with the elements that will engage the curiosity and adventurous spirit of your students. Our resident scientists, naturalists, geologists, and restorationists will help you build a robust science program. Our outdoor educators and adventure specialists will ensure your trek is thrilling and challenging. Work side-by-side with our school program developers to choose your ideal activities from these building block subjects:

  • Science & Nature
  • Arts & Culture
  • Wilderness Immersion
  • Community Involvement & Service Learning

At Basecamp

Our Basecamp property is 550 acres of piñon, juniper, sandstone mesas, and whispering ponderosas. Our custom campus is largely non-electric and includes:

  • Two Navajo hogans
  • Natural science museum and laboratory
  • A library
  • Native Arts Workshop
  • Field archaeology lab
  • Cabins and composting latrines
  • Mess Hall and industrial kitchen
  • Several campfire rings
  • Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces
  • Swimming pool
  • Open-air shower house

On The Road

Where we go is up to you, but each group is outfitted with:

  • Commissary vehicle or truck to transport gear
  • Road kitchen to cook campsite delicacies such as chili and spaghetti
  • Scullery- personal dishes and silverware
  • 2, 3 or 4 person tents (depending on teacher preference)
  • Science Kit
  • Art Kit
  • Portable Toilet/Groover for campsites without a latrine
  • Ample water to refill bottles and hand washing station
  • Engaging and meaningful interactions with each location we visit
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What’s Included

  • Collaborative itinerary development
  • Coordination of permits and access to National Parks and Monuments
  • Meals that accommodate every dietary need
  • Quality outdoor gear
  • Transportation to and from activities
  • First aid and risk management expertise
  • Experienced and knowledgeable expedition guides and educators

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Our Director of Education