2023 Troop & Family Camp

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

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

Join us at camp with your whole family (minus pets) or your Girl Scout Troop. Juliettes are encouraged to attend together as a “Juliette Troop” or at Family Camp.

Choose a 3-day (Friday - Sunday) or 5-day (Sunday - Thursday) option, whichever best fits your schedule!

NEW! This year, the cost will be per "room" (cabin, tent, hogan, etc.) instead of paying per individual person.

In addition to lodging, your cost covers all meals and 5 hours of programming each day (9:30 am - 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm). Cost is based on $25 per person, per day.

3-Day Session (Barker)
$300 | 4-person tent
$450 | 6-person cabin

5-Day Session (Barker)
$500 | 4-person tent
$750 | 6-person cabin

3-Day Session (Rancho)
$300 | 4-person tent or wagon
$600 | 8-person hogan or Adirondack

Family & Troop Camp Need to Knows

Cabins come with access to one private bathroom/shower for your group. Tent reservations come with shared bathrooms/showers. At Rancho, all "rooms" are part of a unit with a shared, latrine-style, bathroom; access to a shared shower house is available to all campers.

After completing full payment, your family/troop will have access to the Troop & Family Camper Guide – within is the link to make your activity selections. Please read and review all activity descriptions – some have group size limits. Activity selections must be completed at least 10 days prior to your camp. Selections received after 10 days may not be honored due to time constraints – you will be assigned a generic schedule.

Adults attending Troop Camp must be registered adults with a current background check on file. Adults attending Family Camp are not required to be members. All youth (people under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult at all times – they may not wander camp alone, even with a buddy. Please review and follow Safety Activity Checkpoints for non-family group ratios (at least 2 unrelated adults per group that aren't a family). You must provide adequate, adult supervision for your group at all times while on camp.

Further information (map, check-in/out times, packing list, etc) will be emailed after payment in full has been confirmed for your group.

How to Choose Your Activities

Once you’ve completed payment for your group, you’ll be emailed the “Troop & Family Camper Guide” – your link to choose activities for your group is within that packet.

Review the available activities with your group (make sure to pay attention to participant maximums, age level restrictions, and descriptions), have everyone vote on their favorite activities, and submit 1 (ONE) online selection for your group.

If you have a large group that is registered together you are welcome to split the group into smaller groups for activities (do not split them while registering). Instructions are on the activity selection survey.

Each activity block (AB) will be 45-60 minutes long. Some activities take up TWO (2) or more activity blocks. Activity descriptions indicate how many activity blocks that activity will take up. Please only pick each activity ONCE (we cannot offer you an activity more than once per weekend).

Some activity blocks have a low maximum cap; schedules are made on the basis of who turns in their activity selections first. The sooner you get your selections in, the more likely you are to get all your first choices.

If you do not wish for the camp to provide any led programs (you want to just hike or explore on your own or you brought your own activities or badgework) please select that option from the drop-down menus on the survey.

The number of activities that you are assigned will depend on the overall camp numbers for the weekend that you're attending.

All adults must stay with their groups and participate in the activities.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of all available Troop & Family Camp activity selections.

Available Activities (Both Camps)

Archery (1 AB)

Learn the basics of archery (parts of the bow, the arrow, range safety) and spend time practicing your aim. Compound bows are mainly used, some recurve may be available upon request.

Ages: Juniors and up (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a, the range is in full sunlight though so a brimmed hat is recommended.
Max of 12 per session.

Basic Arts & Crafts (1 AB)

Friendship bracelets, nature collages, pet rocks, watercolor painting, journal making, and more!

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Daisies - Juniors (K-5th grade)
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 25 per session.

Campfire Cooking: Desserts (1 AB)

Learn the basics of campfire and knife safety, setting up cooking kapers, cooking over a propane stove or campfire, and cleaning up. Girls will actively prepare, cook, and clean up two or three different snacks for sharing. Examples of snacks that might be prepared are: pudgy pies, gourmet s’mores, banana boats, orange brownies, fruit crumble, dump cake, and more!

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
No max.

Campfire Cooking: Lunch (2 AB)

Join a staff member (or three) and put your outdoor cooking knowledge to the test. Don’t have any? No worries, we’ll also be teaching fire safety, basic cooking techniques, and how to clean up using three pan dishwashing. Girls will actively prepare, cook, and clean up their own lunch picked from a pre-set menu. You will have the option of picking from three different menus. Adults are expected to actively participate and help lead girls through learning and implementing skills. You are welcome to bring a special food or snack to share during this time. This will take place of your lunch in the dining hall.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: your appetite and the ability to listen and work as a group
No max.

Electronic Card Making (1 AB)

Relax in the Art Barn and learn to make a semi-professional card. You will be able to use cardstock and paper punches, learn about layering, and (maybe!) insert a circuit to light up your card. You will go home with at least two cards.

Ages: All, suggested for Brownies and up (2nd grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 16 per session.

Intermediate Arts & Crafts (2 AB)

These activities take more coordination and a longer attention span. Someone skilled in the craft will be there to instruct. The craft will change depending on what volunteers are available that weekend. Loom beading, weaving, glass etching, crocheting or knitting, sewing your own clothes, woodworking, and more!

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Juniors and up (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 16 per session.

Knife Safety & Whittling (1 AB)

Learn the basics of knife safety and etiquette, practice by making a paper knife, see and handle different types of knives, and learn about whittling (soap bars and firestarters).

Ages: all ages for knife safety; only Juniors and up may whittle
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 15 per session.

Meet the Horses and/or Burros (1 AB)

Learn about horse safety, grooming, and leading. If time allows girls may get a pony ride (staff leading the horses around).

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: ankle length pants (at minimum), and a t-shirt (at minimum) is required for ALL participants at the barn (including adults just watching), helmets are provided and boots size child 1 – adult 10 are available to borrow.
Max of 18 per session.

Orienteering (2 AB)

Depending on age and available equipment, your group will learn about how to read and work a handheld compass, read compass directions, GPS geocaching, written geocaching, or compass letterboxing.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, no sandals or flats
Max of 25 per session.

Overnight Trip (all AB)

You and your Camper Scouts will learn the basics of planning a camping trip and then put your new skills to the test. The group as a whole will pick a menu from pre-determined options, decide on their equipment, pack their backpacks, and hike out to a camp outpost to spend the night. Skills covered: picking a campsite, planning a menu, setting up a tent and campsite, a few basic knots, knife safety, camp cooking (including setting groups and clean up), and more! This is an ideal first camping experience for troops that have not taken their girls on an overnight tent camping experience. Because this will cover going over gear, planning a menu, etc it will start at 9:30 am, breaks will be set, you will leave around 3:30 pm, and return the following morning around 9:30 am.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: sleeping bag, day pack, and reusable water bottle; all camping equipment (tents, stoves, food, etc will be provided by camp BUT you’re welcome to bring your own; camp does not own any air mattress or cots)
Min 6, max 15 per session (multiple groups can overnight together)

Scenery Painting (1 AB)

Set up your canvas and choose your medium: pencil, paint, charcoal, or more. All participants will be facing the same scene but the magic happens when we come back together and get to see how everyone views it differently! Girls and adults will be instructed in the basics of scene painting by a staff member and then given free rein over their masterpieces that will go home with them.

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Juniors and up (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 20 per session.

Service Project (1 AB)

Thank you, thank you, thank you for donating your time to help us keep camp a wonderful place for people to experience magic. Projects will be provided by the Camp Ranger and will range in scope from trail maintenance and painting to picking up trash or shoveling hay. Have something specific in mind that you’d like to do? Just inform the Camp Director as soon as you receive your schedule, we do need advance notice to set up specialized projects.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: nothing, camp will provide all equipment
No max.

Shelter Building & Tent Pitching (1 AB)

Learn about different types of shelters, practice pitching some tents, then either relax or race another team to see who can do the fastest (and best!) job.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 20 per session.

Songs, Skits, & Field Games (1 AB)

You pick and we teach. Spend time perfecting your camp songs, learning a new skit, or playing field games; or better yet, do all three!

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: a full, reusable water bottle (thankfully that’s part of your 8 Essentials)
No max, minimum of 6.

STEM Exploration (2 AB)

Take some time off your feet to dip your toes in some STEM activities. Activities will range based on supplies available and the ages of the girls but may include: building and testing a volcano, making magnetic or foam slime, coding with legos, making batteries out of food, making a stop motion film, learning about solar astronomy, making sun prints, and more! If you’re hoping for a specific activity or working towards a badge please email the camp director at least three weeks prior to let them know.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 16 per session.

Team Games (1 AB)

Work on team building with your group and others through hands-on games and other fun activities.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: an open mind!
Max of 20 per session; minimum of 6.

Tie Dye (1 AB)

Pick your colors and get to work! Staff will show you different ways to tie your shirts up. The dye will be in either bottles or tubs for dipping. You must provide your own item. Everyone can tie dye up to two (2) items.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: your own item to Tie Dye (cotton is suggested)
Max of 16 per session.

Yoga & Mindfulness (1 AB)

Journal, yoga, breathing, silence in nature—learn about mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercise, and a simple yoga pattern.

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Juniors and up (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: flexibility of mind (flexibility of body not required)
Max of 20 per session.

Available Activities (Barker Only)

Bongo's Byway Hike (2 AB)

Hike to the ampitheater then break off left before entering the underworld. You’ll hike through secluded aspen groves, past the historic Adirondacks (soon to be home to a new unit!) and then up, up, up along the fence line. There is an extended stretch of hiking that goes up a rocky and steep inclined before leveling off and coming back down. The length of time for this hike is due in large part to the amount of breaks that need to be taken.

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Juniors and up (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, no sandals or flats, everyone must have their own daypack and reusable water bottle.
No max.

Canoeing (1 AB)

Get fitted for a life jacket and earn the basics of canoeing on our revitalized pond. Swimming and canoeing may not take place at the same time due to the size of the pond.

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Brownies and up (2nd grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: clothes you don’t mind getting wet, water shoes are optional, lifejackets will be provided
Max of 12 per session.

Explore Pond Life (1 AB)

Go on an educational walk around the pond exploring the waterfront ecosystem. You will be looking for salamanders, examining microorganisms in the water, bird watching, and learning about ecology.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: n/a
Max of 16 per session.

High Ropes (2 AB)

Join us at the ropes course to learn about safety, tackle the high ropes challenge, and enjoy the zipline! This is Choose Your Challenge, not everyone must complete the High Ropes elements after completing the safety and information session but may watch until they’re ready. This is a great activity to build self-confidence and group support!

Ages: Juniors and Up (4th Grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers (no hiking shoes or sandals), must be able to reach and grab something, from a standing position to a height of 5’ 8”; our course is self-transfer so they need to be able to reach the top wire to transfer their cables.
Min 4, Max 12; groups may be combined. High Ropes and Low Ropes will not run at the same time due to risk management practices.

Hike to Primitive Campsite (1 AB)

An easy hike along the Upper Road past the archery range and ropes course to our Primitive Campsite outpost. You’ll be able to enjoy the exercise and see where girls go to do astronomy at our observatory on Monday evenings.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, no sandals or flats, everyone must have their own daypack and reusable water bottle.
No max.

Low Ropes (1 AB)

Test your skills and work through team building on the Low Ropes course. Groups will participate in different group or pair challenges using our Low Ropes elements.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers (no hiking shoes or sandals)
Min 6, Max 16; groups may be combined. High Ropes and Low Ropes will not run at the same time due to risk management practices

Swimming (1 AB)

Explore the murky depths of the pond or hang out on the floating dock catching some rays. Swimming and canoeing may not take place at the same time due to the size of the pond. Both adults and girls must wear their life jackets at all times below the safety boundary by the pond.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: swimsuit and cover up, towel, water shoes must be worn, lifejackets will be provided
Max of 16 per session.

Wishing Chair & Underworld Hike (1 AB)

A must do at least once a summer! Take a quick jaunt to the wishing chair, hear the history of the faeries of Camp Elliott Barker and then casually stroll through the Underworld absorbing the best magic Barker has to offer.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes.
No max.

Available Activities (Rancho Only)

Fossil Hill Hike (1 AB)

Set out on the road, past the horse and burro barns, and onto the Nacimiento Trail. Whether you take the long or the short way you will end up at Fossil Hill with a great view of the valley. Search the hilltop for various fossils to see. Remember Leave No Trace and take nothing but photos and leave nothing but foot prints – no fossils can be taken home. This is an easy hike.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, no sandals or flats
No max.

Hike to the Aspen Grove (3 AB)

This is a great hike for groups looking to challenge themselves. Start on the Aurora trail and then head off camp and straight up the side of the mountain. You’ll pass through dense brush, down a small ravine, and up several steep inclines. The hike itself is relatively short but there is the need to stop often as the terrain is difficult. Once you reach the lower Aspen Grove the group will have a chance to rest and explore. If the group wishes you can also continue hiking up to reach the upper Aspen Grove for additional exploring. This is an intermediate hike.

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Juniors and up (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, no sandals or flats, everyone must have their own daypack and reusable water bottle
No max.

Hike to the Mystery Tree & River (1 AB)

A must-do hike to our famous Mystery Tree to hear the story and make a wish! The hike is flat and on a road with a few steep inclines, road is uneven and rocky in spots but wide. Trekking poles or cane recommend for those that don’t hike or walk well. This is an easy to intermediate hike.

Ages: All
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, no sandals or flats
No max.

Horseback Riding Lesson (2 AB)

Learn the basics of horse safety, equipment, correct riding position, how to get on and off, and how to control your horse at the walk. Groups will meet at the arena to start with their ground lesson and then mount up to put their new skills into practice through games. All participants must ride by themselves, double riding is not allowed. Girls must pass ground school to be allowed to ride (pay attention, listen to instructions, follow rules, etc). Adults are not required to ride but are encouraged to do so. Trail rides and Arena lessons cannot happen at the same time due to the number of leased horses.

Ages: Juniors and up only (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: ankle length pants (at minimum), t-shirt (at minimum) is required for ALL participants at the barn (including adults just watching), helmets are provided and boots size child 1 – adult 10 are available to borrow
The maximum number of riders per lesson is eight (8); adults are invited to ride but not required. Weight limit 300 lbs. We won’t weigh you, please use your best judgement.

Nature Scavenger Hunt & Mint Marsh Hike (1 AB)

Gather together to learn about our photo nature scavenger hunt (and how you can win a prize) then hike along the main road to mint marsh to see what animals you can find. Outside the driest months the aspens are surrounded by marshy areas home to frogs, dragonflies, and a water source for deer, elk, and more. Hike is flat on a wide road with only one slight incline; once at the marsh ground is uneven and sometimes soggy. Trekking poles or a cane is recommend for those that don’t hike or walk well. This is an easy hike.

Ages: Open to all, suggested for Daisies - Juniors (K - 5th grade)
Requirements or Special Equipment: sneakers or hiking shoes, no sandals or flats
No max.

Trail Ride (2 AB)

Have a quick lesson in horse safety, leading, and proper position then mount up and hit the trails. All participants must ride by themselves, double riding is not allowed. Girls must pass ground school to be allowed to ride (pay attention, listen to instructions, follow rules, etc). Adults are not required to ride but are encouraged to do so. Trail rides and Arena lessons cannot happen at the same time due to the number of leased horses.

Ages: Juniors and up only (4th grade +)
Requirements or Special Equipment: ankle length pants (at minimum), t-shirt (at minimum) is required for ALL participants at the barn (including adults just watching), helmets are provided and boots size child 1 – adult 10 are available to borrow
The maximum number of riders per trail is eight (8) ; adults are invited to ride but not required. Weight limit 300 lbs. We won’t weigh you, please use your best judgement.