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A group of young hikers stand in front of a sign for the Tonto National Forest, ready for their adventure.
A monarch butterfly with orange and black wings rests on a purple flower.
A campsite with four tents set up in a grassy area with trees and a mountain in the background.
A group of friends stand on a sand dune, ready for a day of sledding.
A group of teenagers stand on a wooden platform overlooking a scenic forest, smiling for a photo.
A group of friends gather around a campfire in a wooded area.
A group of young people hike through a wooded area, exploring the natural surroundings.
A group of children explore a rocky stream in a lush forest setting.

Community Schools Outdoors

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 Where Every Great Adventure Begins!

Our after-school classes, day trips, and weekly programs spark curiosity, inspire teamwork, and create memories as campers connect with the outdoors and each other all while learning to care for the planet.

From thrilling adventures to skill-building experiences, every program at CS Outdoors, no matter the level, duration, or challenge, is designed to grow confidence, foster character, and ignite a love for the wilderness. Here, campers become nature stewards, learn survival know-how, and gain respect for themselves, others, and the wild places they explore. 

Ready to make a connection with nature? Your adventure starts here!

 

Our Outdoor Adventure Program
is the cover story in the June edition of the
Catalina Foothills Lifestyle Magazine!!! Take a look!

A group of people stand and pose in front of a Joshua Tree in the Catalina Foothills.

ENROLL NOW! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Community Schools Outdoors (@cs.outdoors) • Instagram photos and videos

  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!!!

    Please carefully read each trip description, and if you have any questions before registering, feel free to email mgrodman@cfsd16.org. We can assist in matching your child with the appropriate trip based on their level of experience.

    Participating in an adventure doesn't require being a professional athlete, but it does necessitate being an active person. A keen desire to learn, have fun, strong motivation, and a positive attitude are equally crucial for success!

  • LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY:

    To facilitate a better understanding of the challenges you may encounter on your Adventure Camp, we have established a grading system that assesses the technical complexity and physical demands of each trip.  When registering for a camp, it is crucial to be aware of the physical difficulty level to ensure that you are adequately prepared.

    Our scale begins with one hiker,A silhouette of a hiker ascending a rocky path, carrying a backpack and using a walking stick.which means low to moderate exertion. Participants should be capable of moving or hiking for several hours at a stretch with short stops every hour. Participants should be in good health!

    Our scale ends at four hikers,A silhouette of a hiker ascending a rocky path, carrying a backpack and using a walking stick. A silhouette of a hiker ascending a rocky path, carrying a backpack and using a walking stick. A silhouette of a hiker ascending a rocky path, carrying a backpack and using a walking stick. A silhouette of a hiker ascending a rocky path, carrying a backpack and using a walking stick.to which only the highly experienced outdoor enthusiast should enroll. Good health and hiking or backpacking experience is required. These trips may contain 6-8 hours of walking per day and often involves carrying your own gear. Participants must be able to carry up to a 30 lb pack for up to 5 miles throughout the duration of the hike, while maintaining the pace of the group.

    Please read each trip description carefully and call us (520-209-7551) if you have questions before you register. We can help match your child with the correct trip for his/her level.

    You do not need to be a professional athlete to take part in an adventure, but you do need to be an active person. A keen desire to learn, have fun, strong motivation and a positive attitude are equally important to success!

     

  • Here are some essential gear items that campers will need for all our Adventure Programs. Prior to departure, we will email you with specific pack lists for each camp.

    A gray and orange hydration backpack with a water bladder.A DAYPACK to hold lunch, snacks, water & sunscreen.

    A blue and black bag with a zippered top and a handle.  A DUFFEL BAG if you are going on a trip with an overnight.

    A gray reusable water bottle with a blue lid and carrying loop.Two (2) WATER BOTTLES that hold at least 1-liter of water.

    Brown and black athletic shoe with a rugged outsole. HIKING SHOES or BOOTS that have good tread.

    • Everyone on our Outdoor Staff is fun, friendly, helpful, and sincerely interested in making sure that your camper has a great time on their trip!
    • Feel safe sending your camper with Guides who have certifications in Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Basic Water Rescue, Backpacking & Canyoneering and Safe Food Handling.
    • Our staff is well versed about the geology, ecology and history of the areas in which we operate, and we enjoy answering questions and sharing our knowledge with your camper. We pride ourselves in having good equipment and taking care of it. We also work continuously to implement new and innovative ideas that make our trips even better and more comfortable for everyone.
    • We keep our trip enrollment numbers small so we can put a personal touch on every adventure program.  We strive to make sure everyone receives individual attention!
    • Camp food will be abundant and delicious, nutritious meals are served throughout our 5-day trips and always with some help from the campers.
    • We provide a pack list & itinerary for each trip, so you and your student know how to prepare for your program.


    Our motto is Fun, Adventure & Education; Community Schools Outdoors can meet all your child’s outdoor adventure needs!

  • PARENT VOLUNTEER POLICY FOR OUTDOOR TRIPS (PDF)

Poster for a caving adventure, featuring a cave entrance with a person silhouetted in the light.

A flyer promoting Community Schools Outdoors Fall Break Programs with images of children and outdoor activities.

Meet Your Guides

A woman smiles brightly while hiking through a narrow canyon, sunlight streaming in from above.

M A R Y  G R O D M A N

FOUNDER . GUIDE . PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Mary Grodman, Adventure Guide & Program Coordinator, is one of our founding staff of the OA program. Mary has been teaching classes and leading outdoor adventure programs for over 10 years! Mary has a degree in Environmental Science & Criminal Justice from Stockton University in New Jersey and is a certified backpacking, canyoneering and rock climbing guide. Mary has worked as a naturalist, on a trail crew and holds certifications in CPR, Leave No Trace Guidelines, Food Handling, Basic Water Rescue and Wilderness First Aid. Mary handles all the program logistics from making camping reservations, securing permits, ordering supplies and helps design the curriculum for each trip. She loves to GET OUTSIDE and is ready for another year of Fun, Adventure and Education with your camper!

A group of people hike along a trail in a wooded area, with a leader at the front.

B L A K E   H I N S O N

ADVENTURE GUIDE

Blake Hinson, Adventure Guide, is a teacher at Catalina Foothills High School and loves hiking, camping and recreating! He moved to Tucson from Colorado where he worked for Rocky Mountain National Park for 8 years. He has an undergraduate degree in Science from Colorado State University and a Masters Degree in Education from University of Northern Colorado. During his free time, he loves to run and bike. Blake is the Girl’s Cross Country and the Track & Field Throwing Coach for Foothills High School. He is excited to share his knowledge about the Sonoran Desert and all the great outdoor opportunities it presents!