WHO
MEET JESUS GARCIA...
Meet Jesús Garcia – Born and raised in Sonora, México, with degrees in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Cultural Anthropology, who is a hands-on expert on the Sonoran desert. One of our Local Visionaries, he strives to revive the traditional ecological and agricultural knowledge of the Desert. His perspective is a revelation. You will be astonished at how he brings the desert alive in ways you had not considered.
WHERE
STARRY, STARRY NIGHTS...
From a little lodge right next to Saguaro National Park, to a Historic Motor Hotel on the border, experience the intimacy of the Desert including hiking and camping under the stars at stellar Joshua Tree National Park. Kids quickly learn how fascinatingly intricate and complex life is in what most conceive of as a wasteland.
WHY
PADDLE ON THE COLORADO...
Paddle on the Colorado River until the water comes to a trickle, experience the challenges of farming in the desert and the problems organisms face to survive in such extreme conditions. Zoom in to the stars with astronomers and to the sand dunes with naturalists—you will never look at the desert with the same eyes…or even at your backyard!
SONORAN DESERT: SAMPLE ITINERARY
We customize each experience… options are endless!
DAY 1: Owning your Experience
Welcome to Tucson! Your guides introduce the Story Approach & Expedition Mentality, and our first nightly reflection circle empowers students to be fully engaged in their experience.
DAY 2: Learning to See and Feel the Desert
After a traditional southwestern breakfast, explore the flora and fauna at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, with the help of world-class outdoors/museum guide Jesús García. Discover the biodiversity of this unique area as you explore the desert geology and see local wildlife. Your morning will include a review of the history and culture of the Sonoran Desert, and an explanation of the geological formation of the area.
DAY 3: Mission Gardens and Kitt Peak National Observatory
Visit Mission Garden, a re-creation of the 18th century walled garden used by Spanish missionaries during their historic San Agustin mission. Learn about crops of the Sonoran desert and 4100-year-old agricultural techniques through hands-on service. Then head to Kitt Peak National Observatory to meet with scientists and learn about the projects here.
DAY 4: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to Yuma
Head to Oregon Pipe Cactus National Monument, an international biosphere reserve. Here, you will be exposed to a living desert that thrives right on the border between Mexico and the United States. Learn of the Tohono O’odham Nation tribe and their fascinating history in the area. Then take a cooking lesson to make traditional tamales!
All aspects of learning were focused on the ecology of the desert. There were so many activities that impacted each student differently. The variety of activities was great.
WHAT MAKES CHILL EXPEDITIONS SO DIFFERENT?
WE'D LOVE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE!
WE'RE EDUCATORS. WE GET IT.
We're on a mission to change how students experience the world.
Call or email us today! 1.800.551.7887
