This immersive program has a few different components that come together to create a well rounded experience for your teen. The proposed schedule outline may change as we continue to build the curriculum for this upcoming camp program. 

The primary locations are Bluff, Utah and the beautiful San Juan River. The Native Teen Guide-In-Training Campers will collectively immerse in relearning, reshaping, and reclaiming “What it means to be a guide and steward in the outdoors.” The curriculum centers foundational social emotional learning skills and practices that nurture the development of healthy relationships between Native Teens and themselves, each other, and to nature.

On Land

For the first few days, we will basecamp at Sand Island Campground, located on the north bank of the San Juan River, about 3 miles west of Bluff, Utah. 

After greetings and orientation, our new community will dive into camp life, as we unplug and settle into our riverbase residence. Red canyon rims frame the sandy shores that blend into the cool waters of the San Juan River, guiding the adventures ahead. 

During the land-based portion of the camp, we will take in the natural biodiversity of Native desert plants. Here we will learn through stories and lessons of how local Native tribes are intricately rooted in the evolution of their historical and practical uses on a tour led by a local Dine ethnobotanist. 

A canyoneering adventure is also included in the land portion of the trip! We will venture out into the surrounding canyons and rappel into the sandstone slot canyons where acts of bravery, teamwork, and encouragement will be needed to navigate the canyon’s mazes.

On the River

After two nights at Sand Island, we will be ready to launch on the San Juan River! As we begin our expedition, the guides will share teachings and knowledge that will be carried forward through various themes. We will learn how the San Juan River is a major tributary of the Colorado River and lifeforce of the Colorado Plateau’s geological landscapes. We will also discuss the history of Indigenous-led activism and connection to the waterways. 

The San Juan River stretch starts out with flatwater, a great place to float down where the campers can learn the ins and outs of paddling, discover their captain’s voice, and learn the incremental skills of river safety. As the trip progresses, the water will start moving more swiftly and we will encounter mild, splashy rapids. We will work as a team to navigate the challenges of the rapids, providing key opportunities for the campers to captain the boats and build whitewater rescue skill techniques. 

In the evenings, as we make camp along the riverways, we’ll have time for games centering joy and laughter, building community through stories around the campfire, stargazing, and relaxation. 

At the end of the trip, we will return to Sand Island Campground to reunite campers with their families. They will be excited to share with you about the new friends, adventures, and skills they learned while at camp!