2023 Overnight Camp

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

STEM Explorers (1st – 3rd Grade)

The perfect introduction to Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math in the outdoors! Campers will get messy and hands-on while they explore the science of light, build natural structures, create a water filter, and more. Campers will also experience the traditional fun of camp through crafts, hiking, singing, and studying the stars.

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Handprints & Footprints (1st – 3rd Grade)
It’s time to get messy and active! Girl Scouts will enjoy creating messy art like finger painting, water gun water coloring, clay sculpting and more. When they’re not creating in the Art Center they’ll be exploring the trails while they learn and follow Leave No Trace principles. Leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but photos.

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Super Snackers (1st – 3rd Grade)

Super Snackers assemble! At this camp program, you’ll learn about the basics of kitchen and campfire safety, the science behind cooking and baking, and explore why different types of flavors exist (and work together!) while you prepare an assortment of different snacks and meals. Make trail mix, snack bars, grilled sandwiches or quesadillas, your choice of two desserts, and more! No cooking experience is necessary. Campers will learn how to cook in the microwave and on the stove in the kitchen as well as at least two different outdoor cooking methods.

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

Fun in Fairyland (1st – 3rd Grade)

Hike to the Mystery Tree to hear the magical story of camp and the fairies that lived there long before Girl Scouts explored its wilds. Campers will make fairy doors or houses, create their own fairy stories, craft wings or fairy crowns, and eat treats to fuel themselves before going on a scavenger hunt to try and find evidence of the local camp fairies.

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

Super Spies (3rd - 5th Grade)

Get ready to morph into a super spy! Solve mysteries, write with invisible ink, participate in a scavenger hunt, make fingerprint art, and complete the super-spy challenge course; all to solve the question - what's the biggest threat to nature, and how do we thwart it? Campers will use engineering to craft “traps”, experiment with different methods for finding “blood”, and use math in nature to solve scavenger hunt clues.

Mean Green Science (3rd - 5th Grade)

What’s mean, green, and a mystery to us all? While you may have said “the Grinch!”, you won’t really know until you complete this week of camp! Through hands-on experiments and outdoor exploration, campers will study the mystery of the mean, green stink. They’ll craft, sing, hike, and scavenge their way to the answer in this mystery program.

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Nature's Five Senses (3rd - 5th Grade)

Explore nature through art and your five senses. Campers will spend the majority of their time at the Art Center and out exploring nature. They’ll create nature mobiles, capture nature on film, smell and (carefully) taste what nature has to offer, make sensory art, and more. This camp is perfect for kids who love all kinds of art and want to explore new ways to make it!

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Camp Test Kitchen (3rd - 5th Grade)

Courage, Confidence, and…cooking? That’s right! Join us at this camp to increase your knowledge and skill in all things outdoor and kitchen cooking. You’ll test recipes for snacks, lunches, dinners, desserts, and even breakfast using traditional outdoor cooking methods like campfire cooking; in addition, you’ll also explore lesser-used types of cooking like buddy burners, beanhole cooking, or solar ovens. Campers will also create a recipe book to take home, make a snack to take on a hike with them, and decorate an apron.

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

Zombie Survival (3rd - 5th Grade)

Are you prepared for the zombie apocalypse? You will be after this camp! Learn basic survival skills including knots, knife safety, shelter building, fishing, archery, and orienteering. Practice your camouflage techniques and become a true wilderness survivor after participating in an overnight at one of our camp outposts.

Magic in the Meadow (3rd - 5th Grade)

Discover all of the magical creatures living at camp! Make faerie homes and pygmy puffs, engineer a trap for the tricksy pixies, craft your own wand or magic staff, explore the science of herbology, craft drinkable potions using chemistry, and hunt for mysterious eggs.

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

STEMinist (5th - 8th Grade)

While we’re inundated with STEM through school there are so many more avenues to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to explore! Campers will conduct experiments, craft structures, and show off their new skills during this week of camp while learning about different categories of STEM (geology, range science, and animal science) that are specific to outdoor fields and jobs.

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Outdoor Artist (5th - 8th Grade)

Take your artistic eye outdoors. Gain inspiration from the wild to make your own masterpieces in different mediums like music, painting, fashion design, jewelry, and more.

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Great Girl Scout Bake Off (5th - 8th Grade)

Whether we're cooking in the kitchen or over the campfire get ready to create plenty of tasty treats. Girls will learn different methods of cooking, try out some classic recipes, make their own cookbook, experiment with the science flavors (and learn how our tastebuds work), learn the chemistry behind baking, and participate in a Bake Off style competition where they'll try and wow the judges and win first place!

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

An Unexpected Journey (5th - 8th Grade)

Join us for this high-fantasy adventure. Explore the lands throughout camp, make adventuring snacks, learn about high fantasy games and stories, find your inner warrior (or bard, or rogue), craft your own hobbit door, read runes, and more. Campers will have the option to participate in a one-shot tabletop role-playing game like Dungeons and Dragons or live action roleplay adventure (cosplay).

Session 5 (6th - 12th Grade Only; July 30 - August 4, 2023)

Camp U: Outdoor Skills (6th - 12th Grade)

Schools are out and it’s time to expand your knowledge – camp style! Explore the following activities: woodworking, jewelry making, new outdoor cooking methods (buddy burners, solar ovens, and/or bean hole cooking), plant identification, a lunch hike, and will get to choose between a 1-night backpacking trip or an overnight at a closer outpost using "alternative" tent methods like tarp tents or hammocks. Campers will also get the chance to do classic activities like archery, the challenge course, crafts, and a surprise TBD (it might be afternoon naps, it's up to them!). Campers will build their own schedules after arriving at camp. Keep an eye out for more Camp U programs to pop up next year around the state!

Also, see the Leadership Camp drop-down for more details on Leadership Camp for 9th - 12th graders.

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Broadway Under the Blue Sky (8th - 12th Grade)

Tune up your singing voice, try your woodworking skills with set building, or practice your script-writing abilities because we’re taking musical theater to camp! Campers will enjoy: learning vocal skills, music reading, making costumes, and building mini sets and decorations. For their finale – they’ll present a program to the whole camp!

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Cast Iron Chef (8th - 12th Grade)

The competition is open for the next Cast Iron Chef! Whether you’re a master chef at home or just beginning your cooking journey you will enjoy all things outdoor cooking at this camp. Campers will hone their knife skills, work with “secret” ingredients, explore different methods of cooking, and participate in a mini-cooking competition to see who can impress the judges with their flavors, creativity, and presentation!

Session 5 (6th - 12th Grade Only; July 30 - August 4, 2023)

Camp U: Outdoor Skills (6th - 12th Grade)

Schools are out and it’s time to expand your knowledge – camp style! Explore the following activities: woodworking, jewelry making, new outdoor cooking methods (buddy burners, solar ovens, and/or bean hole cooking), plant identification, a lunch hike, and will get to choose between a 1-night backpacking trip or an overnight at a closer outpost using "alternative" tent methods like tarp tents or hammocks. Campers will also get the chance to do classic activities like archery, the challenge course, crafts, and a surprise TBD (it might be afternoon naps, it's up to them!). Campers will build their own schedules after arriving at camp. Keep an eye out for more Camp U programs to pop up next year around the state!

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

Horsin' Around (Beginner Horse Camp; 2nd - 4th Grade)

Get your hooves wet with this introductory horseback riding program. Campers will learn about: barn and horse safety, how and why we groom, parts of tack, how to lead a horse (with hands-on practice!), different types of horseback riding, how to mount, steer, stop, and ask your horse to go; they’ll also participate in a staff-led (staff on the ground leading) ride, mini arena lesson, OR short trail ride. After spending an hour or two at the barn every day, campers will also get to revel in the other wonderful areas of camp like outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, hiking, and more!

Giddy Up (Beginner/Intermediate Horse Camp; 4th - 6th Grade)

Feel the wind through your hair as your ride in the arena and on the trail! Campers will learn about horse and barn safety, grooming, tacking, breeds, colors, what the word ‘equitation’ means, and more. Outside of their 2 – 3 hours with the horses they’ll get to play, cook, craft, sing, and enjoy the other wonderful areas of camp.

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Horsin' Around (Beginner Horse Camp; 2nd - 4th Grade)

Get your hooves wet with this introductory horseback riding program. Campers will learn about: barn and horse safety, how and why we groom, parts of tack, how to lead a horse (with hands-on practice!), different types of horseback riding, how to mount, steer, stop, and ask your horse to go; they’ll also participate in a staff-led (staff on the ground leading) ride, mini arena lesson, OR short trail ride. After spending an hour or two at the barn every day, campers will also get to revel in the other wonderful areas of camp like outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, hiking, and more!

Giddy Up (Beginner/Intermediate Horse Camp; 4th - 6th Grade)

Feel the wind through your hair as your ride in the arena and on the trail! Campers will learn about horse and barn safety, grooming, tacking, breeds, colors, what the word ‘equitation’ means, and more. Outside of their 2 – 3 hours with the horses they’ll get to play, cook, craft, sing, and enjoy the other wonderful areas of camp.

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Giddy Up (Beginner/Intermediate Horse Camp; 4th - 6th Grade)

Feel the wind through your hair as your ride in the arena and on the trail! Campers will learn about horse and barn safety, grooming, tacking, breeds, colors, what the word ‘equitation’ means, and more. Outside of their 2 – 3 hours with the horses they’ll get to play, cook, craft, sing, and enjoy the other wonderful areas of camp.

Take the Reins (Intermediate Horse Camp; 6th - 8th Grade)

Saddle up and get ready to ride! Spend at least 2 hours in the barn each day learning about horse care (grooming, tacking, safety), at the arena practicing your skills in the saddle, and on the trail exploring new parts of the camp, you may have never seen before. Campers that participate in this camp will also start exploring professions, the costs of owning a horse, feeding regimens, and reviewing colors and breeds. Expect to also have fun throughout camp making crafts, practicing survival skills, and learning about nature.

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

Take the Reins (Intermediate Horse Camp; 6th - 8th Grade)

Saddle up and get ready to ride! Spend at least 2 hours in the barn each day learning about horse care (grooming, tacking, safety), at the arena practicing your skills in the saddle, and on the trail exploring new parts of the camp, you may have never seen before. Campers that participate in this camp will also start exploring professions, the costs of owning a horse, feeding regimens, and reviewing colors and breeds. Expect to also have fun throughout camp making crafts, practicing survival skills, and learning about nature.

Trailblazers (Intermediate/Advanced Horse Camp; 8th - 12th Grade)

Definition of “Trailblazer”– Girl Scouts that hit the trails (and lack thereof) to explore camp on horseback. New and returning campers alike will hone their skills (and their muscles) working with the horses on the ground and in the saddle. Beyond the basics (safety, grooming, tacking, and leading) this older camper program will dive into professions, sports, teaching lessons, the science behind feeding, and what ‘conformation’ means. Outside of their daily 2 -3 hours at the barn, campers will have fun throughout camp learning about environmental stewardship, making art projects to take home, planning an overnight, and more!

Session 5 (6th - 9th Grade Only; July 30 - August 4, 2023)

Trailblazers (Intermediate/Advanced Horse Camp; 8th - 12th Grade)

Definition of “Trailblazer”– Girl Scouts that hit the trails (and lack thereof) to explore camp on horseback. New and returning campers alike will hone their skills (and their muscles) working with the horses on the ground and in the saddle. Beyond the basics (safety, grooming, tacking, and leading) this older camper program will dive into professions, sports, teaching lessons, the science behind feeding, and what ‘conformation’ means. Outside of their daily 2 -3 hours at the barn, campers will have fun throughout camp learning about environmental stewardship, making art projects to take home, planning an overnight, and more!

Notes About Horse Camp: Campers (adults and youth) will need to provide their own long pants, t-shirts, and socks but helmets and riding books can be borrowed from camp. Campers must possess sufficient physical coordination and balance to move freely around camp on their own in order to be able to ride. Additionally, they must be mature enough to understand and practice safety procedures, listen to their instructors, follow directions when given, practice good judgment in intense situations, and take responsibility for themselves and their horses. Per GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints girls must be Brownies (going into 2nd grade in the fall) to ride by themselves (not being led on a line by a staff member) while at camp.

Activities will be dependent on the mean comfort and experience level of the whole group.

Horse-related activities that campers will have a chance to participate in: making horse treats, horse journals, learning about occupations focused on horses, horse anatomy and health, different kinds of feed and how to feed, stable maintenance, herd maintenance, colors and breeds of horses, different types of equitation (English, western, vaulting, etc), knots important in the barn, exercising horses in the saddle and from the ground, trail riding, correct seat (aka proper equitation), arena games, how to control your horse at the walk (turn, stop, go, back up), horse painting party, washing horses, how horses communicate with us, and more!

Campers will not be able to do ALL of these things but will be offered to pick their favorites/what they're most interested in as a group.

Campers may be removed from the barn by staff for not following the rules laid out here and in their Code of Conduct. Misbehavior in other areas of camp may result in loss of barn/riding privileges as well.

Dates: July 5 – Aug 4, 2023; with a break July 14 – 16, 2023 for a staff break

If your camper is attending the last week of camp (Camp U) they must also go home for the break just prior to that camp (July 28 – 30, 2023). Bus transportation is available for both listed breaks.

Want to work in the outdoor education field someday or just gain the skills needed for jobs outside of camp and Girl Scouts? Our leadership programs will get you started on the right path. You will learn and experience a variety of camp programs and activities, focusing on planning and implementation. Learn about leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, handling stressful situations, and child development. Help create a positive community at camp by working with various programs and age groups. These leadership opportunities offer valuable skills and experiences, many of which will help prepare you for life after high school.

CIT (Counselor in Training): CIT (Counselor in Training)

Discover your leadership style while working side-by-side with camp staff. During your week you will be able to work with campers (overseen by a counselor) teaching one-off activities and then put your new teaching knowledge to the test by planning a full day of activities that YOU will lead. This camps teaching focus will be on age-level characteristics, teaching styles, and risk management. Big Project: Plan a full day for a group, do a service project, AND plan and MC an opening campfire.

CITs will be partnered with counselors, unit leaders, and program specialists to learn about the different areas of camp, engage with campers in different activities, and even have a chance to lead groups (supervised) themselves.
WIT (Wrangler in Training): WIT (Wrangler in Training)

Work with the barn staff and learn what it takes to care for the horses day-to-day throughout the summer. Practice teaching horse care techniques to younger campers such as grooming, leading, and horse safety. Learn even more about tack, western riding, and horse healthcare. You will also receive special lessons just for you and your fellow WITs! Big Project: for week 1 you will lead at least one trail ride, for week 2 you will plan and lead an arena game or rodeo day. Wranglers in training will also complete a service project while at camp. NOTE: the focus of this camp is NOT riding but teaching and stable management.

WITs will spend a lot of time in the barn with the Wranglers and Equestrian Director learning about lessons, herd management, and what it takes to run the barn at camp and teach lessons.
NEW THIS SUMMER!: After completing their four (4) weeks of CIT or WIT, all leadership campers are invited to join us at Camp U: Outdoor Skills for free. If you will be attending you can note this on the Leadership Camp Survey. This week is all about camp classics and specialized activities for Older Girl Scouts. We can’t wait to see you there!
Important Notes: Counselors in Training (CITs) and Wranglers in Training (WITs) are invited to spend the entire month at camp! From July 14 - 16, you will go home for a staff break (wash laundry, say hello to friends and family, etc). . Transportation on the bus is available. Can’t do the whole month? No problem! After you’ve completed your camp registration and your spot is reserved you will be sent a survey for the camper to complete where we will ask what day you will be going home and not coming back.

WITs and CITs will start with a week dedicated to learning leadership skills, experiencing the different activities offered, and going through a mini training. In the following weeks, you’ll be assigned to different groups (WITs will always go with horse groups) to practice your skills hands-on. Each week you’ll take on a little more responsibility but there will always be 18+ staff around you. During your later weeks, you’ll also have “break out sessions” with the Leadership Coordinator to work on more skills and have time together with just the older kids.

March 1, 2023	FREE Camp T-shirt, $10 Camp Trading Post Credit, & $50 off each camp session you register for by this date
April 1, 2023	FREE Camp T-shirt, $10 Camp Trading Post Credit
May 1, 2023	FREE Camp T-shirt

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

Review the 2023 Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails Summer Camp Guide here! (downloadable pdf)

Overnight Camp Cost

Summer at a Glance

Camp Programs by Topic

Camps for 1st - 3rd Graders

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

Camps for 3rd - 5th Graders

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

Camps for 5th - 8th Graders

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

Session 5 (6th - 12th Grade Only; July 30 - August 4, 2023)

Camps for 8th - 12th Graders

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Session 5 (6th - 12th Grade Only; July 30 - August 4, 2023)

Horse Camp Programs

Session 1 (STEM Week; July 5 - 8)

Session 2 (Art & Performance Week; July 9 - 14)

Session 3 (Outdoor Cooking Week; July 16 - 21)

Session 4 (Fantasy Week; July 23 - 28)

Session 5 (6th - 9th Grade Only; July 30 - August 4, 2023)

Notes About Horse Camp

Leadership Camp Programs

CIT (Counselor in Training)

CIT (Counselor in Training)

WIT (Wrangler in Training)

WIT (Wrangler in Training)

NEW THIS SUMMER!

Important Notes

Important Dates