2101 E. River Road | Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: 520-209-7551 | Fax: 520-209-7575
Office Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm
CARE: 520-209-7548
Travis Kolter
Director
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OUTDOORS
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!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
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,
Our scale ends at four hikers,
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!
GEAR NOTES:
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.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OUTDOOR STAFF:
-
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!
SPRING PROGRAMS
ENROLLMENT OPEN NOW!!
URBAN FISHING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 - Orange Grove & Esperero Canyon
Sign up your little anglers for an exciting outdoor adventure Urban Fishing with Community Schools Outdoors during your half-day off from school! Nestled by the water, we’ll enjoy a scenic spot with a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for campers to learn the basics of fishing or show off their skills.
Campers will learn everything from baiting a hook to reeling in a line. Even if the fish aren’t biting, the experience of being surrounded by nature, with the sights and sounds of the water, will be unforgettable. Don’t forget to pack lunch, water and snacks!
Whether campers are seasoned fishermen or just looking for a fun day outdoors, CS Outdoors will provide the perfect setting for a memorable and relaxing trip!
Fishing Poles will be provided! Field trips will leave and return to your school!
Hiking Level: 1
Field Trip Departure and Return: YOUR Middle School
Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Grades: 3 - 8
Fee: $45
WILDLIFE WATCH AT EL RIO
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, MARCH 13 & 14
Join us for a fun and educational adventure as we explore the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the El Rio Preserve! This field trip offers a fantastic opportunity for young nature enthusiasts to connect with the desert environment, observe diverse wildlife, and learn about the unique animals, plants, and ecosystems that call this extraordinary habitat home.
Bring plenty of water, pack a lunch and snacks for our small hike in a backpack and wear shoes with good tread! We will email out more details as we get closer! Field trips will depart from and return to your school!
Don't miss this chance to have fun and learn about the natural wonders of Marana—join us for Wildlife Watch at El Rio!
Trip will leave from and return to Catalina Foothills High School. More details will be emailed out as we get closer to departure..
Hiking Level: 1
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFO
Field Trip Departure: Catalina Foothills High School
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Grades: 6 - 8
Fee: $40
Time: 11am-2:30pm
Date: Thursday, March 13
ELEMENTARY INFO
Grades: 3-5 MZ & SD Only
Hiking Level: 1
Time: 11:30am-3:00pm
Date: Friday, March 14
Fee: $40
ROCKIN' THE RED ROCKS: SPRING BREAK EXPEDITION
MONDAY, MARCH 24 - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
Join us for an unforgettable Spring Break 3 day/2 night camping trip in the heart of Arizona's Red Rock Country! This overnight adventure at Dead Horse Ranch State Park will take 4th-8th graders on an exciting journey through Beaver Creek, the Verde River Trail System and the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona.
Campers will hike and explore the natural wonders of the area, while learning about the rich geology, history, and wildlife that make this region so special. Evenings will be filled with campfire activities, stargazing, and storytelling under the vast desert sky.
Meals, transportation, entrance and camping gear are included—just bring your sense of adventure! Don't miss out on this adventure of a lifetime—reserve your spot now!
Trip will leave from and return to Catalina Foothills High School. More details will be emailed out as we get closer to departure..
Hiking Level: 2
Field Trip Departure: Catalina Foothills High School
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Grades: 4 - 8
Fee: $345.00
___________________________________
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Geocaching Adventure Camp
Let’s go on the thrilling real-world treasure hunt known as Geocaching, happening right here in Tucson! Discover the excitement as we delve into our hometown, boasting over 1600 hidden caches – a geocacher’s paradise! Throughout the week, we will cover the essentials, including basic orientation, directional navigation, geocaching terminology, and hiking etiquette. Get hands-on experience as we learn to program, read, and navigate using handheld GPS devices.
In addition to the thrill of the hunt, we will delve into "Leave No Trace" principles, practicing responsible Geocaching by Caching-In and Trashing-Out, ensuring we leave our town cleaner than we found it. Lace up your walking shoes as we navigate with GPS to uncover hidden spots in various locations, ranging from local parks and historic neighborhoods to hiking trails and famous attractions.
Join us for a week of outdoor "hide and seek" adventure! A supply list will be provided ahead of camp to ensure you are fully equipped for the geocaching exploration.
Guide: Polly Tanner & Mary Grodman
Grades: 4-8
Week 1: June 2-6, 2025
Time: 8:00am-12:00pm
Fee: $216
Mini Mt. Lemmon Bound
This week is perfect for beginner hikers and outdoor adventurers! Explore Tucson’s favorite summer escape with daily hikes on Mt. Lemmon. Learn the basics of Leave No Trace principles, survival skills, map reading, and plant and animal identification as you gain confidence in the natural world. Hike different trails each morning, then spend the afternoons making fire starters, crafting paracord bracelets, and building your own first aid kit. On Friday, enjoy a campfire cookout lunch complete with s’mores!
A packing list will be emailed before camp begins. Be sure to pack a sack lunch, snacks, and a sturdy hiking backpack capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water so you're prepared for each day's adventure.
Guides: Mary Grodman & Polly Tanner
Grades: 2-5
Week 2: June 9-13, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Fee: $378
Adventures in Slot Canyon Country
Join us for an unforgettable outdoor adventure as we explore the stunning landscapes of Escalante National Monument via Lake Powell! Discover the beauty of Utah’s slot canyons, where towering sandstone walls create otherworldly passages. Camp under the stars at Lake Powell’s Wahweap campground & Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, surrounded by breathtaking desert scenery. On the way back, we will make a memorable stop in Flagstaff, AZ, to round out this incredible journey. This program combines adventure, education, and fun for outdoor enthusiasts ready to experience nature at its finest!
All food, equipment, entrance fees and transportation will be provided. A detailed trip pack list will be provided before departure.
Instructors: Mary Grodman & Polly Tanner
Grades: 5-8
Week 3: June 16-20, 2025
Trip Departs at 8:00am Monday, returns 4:00pm Friday
Fee: $594
Mt. Lemmon Bound
Join us for an exciting mountain adventure as we escape the Tucson heat and head up to Mt. Lemmon! Explore a variety of trails, ranging from 3 to 6 miles each day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with thrilling day trips up the mountain. The excitement will build throughout the week, culminating in an overnight campout on Thursday, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, campfire cookouts, and s’mores!
Immerse yourself in the outdoors while mastering survival and leadership skills, perfecting knot tying, improving map reading, and observing local wildlife. Document your daily discoveries in a detailed journal, creating lasting memories.
Be sure to come prepared for each day’s adventure with a sack lunch, snacks, and a sturdy hiking backpack that can carry at least 2 liters of water. A detailed pack list tailored for the overnight campout will be emailed before camp. Get ready for a week full of nature exploration and unforgettable experiences!
Guides: Mary Grodman & Polly Tanner
Grades: 4-8
Week 4: June 23-27, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm (Monday – Wednesday), Thursday – Arrive at 9:00am for our overnight, return Friday at 4:00pm
Fee: $432
OR
Guides: Mary Grodman & Polly Tanner
Grades: 3-6
Week 6: July 7-11, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm (Monday – Wednesday), Thursday – Arrive at 9:00am for our overnight, return Friday at 4:00pm
Fee: $432
Gila Wilderness Backpacking Trek
Embark on a thrilling backpacking adventure through the breathtaking Gila River Wilderness in New Mexico! Designed for campers in grades 5-9, this trip offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States while spending 2 nights in the backcountry. Hike through rugged terrain to discover pristine river systems, encounter diverse wildlife, and learn essential backpacking skills like navigation, camp setup, and Leave No Trace principles. Camp under the stars and immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of this remote landscape. Throughout the experience, we will delve into map reading, teamwork, leadership skills, safety and emergency procedures, Leave No Trace principles, and even whip up some tasty backcountry recipes!
Our adventure begins at the City of Rocks campground, where we will prepare for the expedition, pack our backpacks, and learn essential survival skills. The following morning, we will head out bright and early with all our gear, ready to embark on our trek through the Gila! Perfect for young adventurers eager to challenge themselves and connect with nature!
Rest assured, all necessities, including food, tents, entrance fees, and transportation, will be provided. Backpacks for overnight use may be available upon request. Before departure, a comprehensive trip itinerary and pack list will be emailed to ensure you are fully prepared for this exciting adventure.
This program is suitable for both first-timers and seasoned backpacking enthusiasts. Campers should have hiking boots or shoes, a sleeping bag & be able to carry at least 20-30 lbs on their backs for extended periods of time.
Guide: Mary Grodman & Polly Tanner
Grades: 5-9
Week 5: June 30 - July 3 (Mon-Thurs)
Trip departs 8:00am Monday and returns 5:00pm Thursday
Fee: $475
Grand Canyon from Top to Bottom
Join us for the grand finale of summer camp as we embark on an extraordinary journey to northern Arizona! This week, we will explore the Grand Canyon from top to bottom, starting with a visit to the North Rim, where we will hike scenic trails and visit the historic fire tower for breathtaking panoramic views. We will camp under the stars at the North Rim, surrounded by stunning landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
This week we will embark on a hike to the Supai Tunnel, a hidden gem 1,500 feet down beneath the rim, offering a unique perspective of the canyon. Afterward, we will head to Lee’s Ferry, a historic site rich in Grand Canyon history and a gateway to the Colorado River. Along the way, we will learn about the canyon’s geology, wildlife, and history while making lasting memories and soaking in the natural beauty of this iconic landscape. A perfect adventure to cap off an unforgettable summer!
This week promises to be a blend of Fun, Adventure & Education! CS Outdoors has all aspects covered – from food and equipment to entrance fees and transportation. A detailed trip pack list will be provided before departure, ensuring you are well-prepared for this unforgettable expedition.
Guides: Mary Grodman & Polly Tanner
Grades: 5-8
Week 7: July 14-18, 2025
Trip Departs at 8:00am Monday, returns 5:00pm Friday
Fee: $594
___________________________________
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E S
All programs led by qualified, experienced, outdoor professionals.
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!
P O L L Y T A N N E R
ADVENTURE GUIDE
Polly Tanner, Adventure Guide, spends the school year at Orange Grove Middle School's Library where she has been encouraging & inspiring book-readers for 29 years! When she does manage to get some time outside, she spends it trail running around Tucson and kayaking Arizona’s rivers and lakes. Polly is certified in CPR, Leave No Trace Guidelines, and holds a NOLS Wilderness First Aid certification. She has worked on perfecting every detail of our trip itineraries and journals; incorporating the history and wilderness education for each adventure since 2013! She is excited to incorporate a focus on night sky education into our program this year!
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!
___________________________________