Sonoran Explorin' Camp

Spend the week exploring our beautiful Sonoran landscape at our day adventure camp! You'll be traversing our high ropes course, exploring desert caves, and heading up to Madera Canyon for an epic rock-climbing and overnight camping. Since this camp includes one night under the stars camping it is perfect for campers who may be ready to try an overnight adventure but aren't quite ready to commit to a whole week away. Lunches and snacks will be provided. Drop off and pick up for this camp will take place at TVF's "Big Farm" located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.

Ages: 10 - 13

Dates: June 22 - 26

Time: 8am - 3pm M-W, overnight camping Thursday 8am - Friday 3pm

Cost: $460

Register here for Sonoran Explorin' Camp 2026.

If you have additional questions that are not covered in the FAQ below,
please reach out to our Camp Coordinator Moonie at ces-tvfcamps@arizona.edu

Frequently Asked Questions:

I signed my camper up for a week of camp. When can I expect detailed info about where to go, what to bring, etc.?

You can expect an email the Monday before your camp begins with all the details you need. If you need information before then please contact Camp Coordinator Moonie at ces-tvfcamps@arizona.edu.

Can I email my forms and waivers to you?

For the safety of your camper and to ensure proper liability management, we are unable to accept forms via email. You must bring your forms with you on the first day of camp, send them with your camper, or fill them out the morning of camp. Please do not send your camper without forms if they are arriving with someone who is not a parent/guardian. If you don’t have a printer and you want to fill out the forms ahead of time to bring with you, you can pick up blank copies of the necessary forms at our front desk located at 4210 N Campbell Ave, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What gear is required?

A detailed packing list will be provided prior to camp. Expect to bring essential items include proper footwear, sleeping bag, clothing layers, a backpack, and personal items.

Can campers bring their own gear?

Yes. Campers are welcome to bring their own backpacking gear. We also have a limited supply of equipment available to borrow if needed. A detailed packing list will be provided in advance.

Does my child need prior camping experience?

No prior experience is required. We will teach basic skills such as packing, trail safety, Leave No Trace principles, and camp setup. This is a great space to learn about what camping entails! That being said, please prepare your camper to expect to sleep in a sleeping bag, outside.

Will they learn outdoor skills?

Yes! Campers will learn hiking basics, campsite setup, outdoor cooking, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

Are meals provided?

Yes. We will provide lunch and all meals during the day camp and overnight portion of the trip.

Are staff trained in first aid?

Yes. At least one staff member on the trip is Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified.

How will parents be updated during the trip?

We will provide pre-trip information and an estimated return time. In case of schedule changes, we will notify families.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We monitor forecasts closely. If conditions are unsafe, we will modify the route or reschedule as necessary and update parents as soon as possible.

What about bathroom use in the backcountry?

Campers will be taught proper backcountry hygiene practices following Leave No Trace guidelines.

What is your refund policy?

Full refund 30 days before the camp start date.
50% refund up to 14 days before the camp start date.
No refunds thereafter.

Do you have a waitlist?

Yes, if you’d like to join the waitlist, please email ces-tvfcamps@arizona.edu with the following details: camper’s name, age, date of birth, food allergies, parent/guardian name, phone number, and email address. You will be placed on the waitlist in the order your email is received, and we will contact you if a spot opens up. There’s no need to email for follow-up unless instructed.

Camp tickets sell fast—do I need to reserve a spot if I’ve applied for a scholarship?

No, we reserve enough spots to accommodate scholarship requests. Occasionally, if we don’t need all reserved scholarship spaces, we may open up tickets to the public after a camp has sold out. Sign up for our newsletter here to be the first to know if tickets become available.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Scholarship applications open on March 2nd, and the deadline to submit is March 9th. You will be notified if you were selected by March 31st.

How likely am I to be awarded a scholarship?

In years past we have been able to offer every camper who applies at least one week of camp. We fundraise year-long with hopes to be able to offer the same opportunities each year of camp.

When will I hear back about the scholarship I applied for?

Scholarships will be issued and families notified by March 31st. Please let our camp coordinator Moonie (ces-tvfcamps@arizona.edu) know if you are unable to accept a previously applied for scholarship or are suddenly unable to make it to the week you were awarded. We do not want an empty scholarship spot that could have gone to another deserving youth due to no-show. If you let us know ahead of time there will be no penalty, if you no-show we may be unable to award you a scholarship in the future.

How do I sign my child up for a Counselor in Training / Counselor position?

There are separate applications for CITs and Counselors, they both open March 2. The application is due March 17th. You / your child will be contacted to schedule an interview which will take place March 22-23. Notification of program acceptance will be March 25.

My child was selected to be a Counselor/CIT this year—when will I get their schedule?

Our summer schedule includes coordinating staff, AmeriCorps, volunteers, residents, counselors, and CITs, so it takes some time to finalize. Interviews will be conducted from March 22-23, and the schedule will be published and released in late April.

How do you ensure campers stay cool in the Tucson heat?

While each camp may differ slightly, we implement several strategies across all camps to help campers stay cool and comfortable. We provide ice water stations, access to wet bandanas, staff-misted spray bottles, and large fans on our back patio. We also alternate between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering access to air conditioning and shaded areas. Campers are encouraged to take breaks inside whenever they need to cool down. Over the years, we've found that children are incredibly resilient in the heat. Our staff is trained to recognize signs of overheating and respond appropriately.

How are dietary restrictions handled?

Prior to camp, we will send out a Google survey to collect information about allergies, dietary restrictions, and food preferences. We will use this information to create a thoughtful and inclusive meal plan that meets campers’ needs.

Please do not send food with your camper unless you have been approved to do so by our staff, as this helps ensure the safety of all campers.

Can I send a phone or smart watch with my camper so they can contact me?

TVF Camps are all SCREEN FREE, this gives your camper a chance to take a break from their device. They aren't allowed at ANY of our camps. Staff will have devices for emergency situations.

Why do you have camp over some national holidays?

For consistency's sake, if a summer holiday (Juneteenth or 4th of July) is on a Monday or Friday we will not hold camp, if the holiday lands on a Tuesday/Wednesday or Thursday we will have camp since we have found that it hard to take a day off of camp mid-week. We always start camps the Tuesday after Memorial Day.

Do you provide before/after care?

Unfortunately, we do not have the staffing to offer before or after care. Please ensure your camper arrives no more than 10 minutes before the camp start time to allow us to set up for the day. If you are more than 10 minutes late for pick-up, please call Moonie at 520-626-5856 (or the relevant camp coordinator) to make accommodations.