Desert Explorers
Immersive Adventure Education in Joshua Tree National Park
Our Desert Explorers (DE) programs aim to support young people in the Morongo Basin to develop a connection with their desert backyard. As part of any of our DE programs, we will ensure that your child has a safe and fun time exploring, cultivating friendships, and learning new outdoor skills and activities.
Each day will be a combination of body movement, games, crafts, and desert outdoor education. Activities will include hiking, rock scrambling, caving, plant and animal identification, natural history, arts and crafts, games, snacks, and more. Children will also practice skills that will increase their personal awareness and self-care in the sometimes challenging desert environment.
We will have two instructors and a total of 10 Students per day.
For ages 6 - 12 (please contact us for kids outside this age range)
2024 Desert Explorers Summer Program
Dates:
Session 1: Monday June 10 - Friday June 14 FULL
Session 2: Monday June 17 - Friday June 21
Duration: 4 hours in Joshua Tree National Park, 8:30am - 12:30pm
Meeting Locations and Themes (same for each session):
Monday: Intersection Rock Parking Area - Introductions and rock scrambling through the “Outback”
Tuesday: Barker Dam Parking Area - Rock scrambling and talus cave exploration in the “Shangri-la” area
Wednesday: Echo T Parking Area - Yucca weaving and rock scrambling
Thursday: Indian Cove - Subterranean Exploration Area, the “SEA”, also known as Johnson Spring Canyon, or Rattlesnake Canyon (TBD, depending on conditions)
Friday: Turtle Rock Picnic Area - Chasm of Doom cave exploration and water color painting. End of program celebration.
Cost: $300/explorer/5-day session
Other Details:
Explorers will hike up to 3 miles each day over uneven terrain, including scrambling on rocks.
Tennis shoes or hiking boots required, rubber outsoles recommended.
Bring helmet, clothing suitable for warm weather and sun, small light-weight pack lunch, 1+ liters of water, sunscreen, chapstick, hat.
What’s provided: exceptional desert adventure and natural history education with Wilderness First Responder certified guides, snacks, extra water, first aid kit, emergency clothes and art supplies.
About Ethan Peck, Desert Explorers Lead Instructor
From 2006-2016, Ethan worked in outdoor education with a variety of schools in California teaching outdoor skills, natural history, risk management, and desert-specific group facilitation, and directing courses with multiple student and instructor groups. Ethan has also served as a kid’s climbing team coach at the Desert Rocks Climbing Gym which has since closed due to the pandemic, sadly. During the 2021-2022 school year, Ethan led the Friday hiking program for the Desert Kindergarten program at the Institute of Inquiry.
Starting in 2014, Ethan has been the owner and operator of Joshua Tree Adventures, a premium hiking, climbing, and adventure tour guide business. Active certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. He has a commercial use permit to operate his business in Joshua Tree National Park.
Contact 802-673-4385 | jtreeadventures@gmail.com
Matt Lounsbury, Co-Instructor Winter and Spring Outdoor Adventure School 2023-2024
Matt grew up in a small Vermont town of around 500 people with a crippling fear of heights. Surrounded by nature, Matt explored the outdoors in every way possible. Hunting and fishing gave way to hiking, white water, and skiing. In college Matt studied outdoor education and pursued a degree in fine art glassblowing. Later he exited the studio and worked as an outdoor educator in many different parts of the world. Along the way he learned to conquer his fears while exploring the outdoors, eventually sailing across the Atlantic and learning to embrace heights on the end of a climbing rope. Now a full time resident of Joshua Tree he especially enjoys introducing people to climbing, teaching about the uses of local flora and fauna, and tending to his beehive and garden.
“I chose this program because it was different from the usual programs available in the area. It got kids out into Joshua Tree National Park, at a different location every day. Having the kids learn outdoor activities in a national park versus more school work or watching movies all day was an easy decision. The kids loved it and loved explaining all the things they saw and did. The crafts that were made are now on proud display.”
Anna T, DESC 2023 Session 1 parent
“As a former outdoor educator, I was so impressed with the Desert Explorers' program design, safety protocols, and range of fun activities. The instructors had a deep knowledge of the biology, trails, and natural features of the national park. It's a really high-quality program ... any child would enjoy it.”
Katie S, DESC 2023 Session 2 parent
“DESC was the perfect way to start summer. It ignites and reinforces a love of the outdoors in the most accessible, kid-friendly way. Not only did the kids get to explore parts of the desert that most have never seen, but they did so safely with expert guides and supportive staff. Each day offered a unique adventure that introduced the kids to not only hidden treasures, but also bravery and courage within themselves. My kids were beyond lucky to experience this camp alongside their peers. I cannot recommend it enough.”
Ella C, DESC 2023 Sessions 1 & 2 parent
