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Joshua Tree Winter Camps

Joshua Tree Winter Camps Overview

New in Winter 2023/2024, Lasting Adventures is offering a popularly requested Winter backpacking camp in Joshua Tree National Park! These 5-day youth backpacking trips for teens ages 13 to 17 lead our adventurers through the heart of Joshua Tree National Park.

Our Joshua Tree camp participants are outfitted with the best equipment from Gregory Packs, Big Agnes sleeping bags, and other outstanding partners. The primary goal of our Joshua Tree winter youth programs is to provide unforgettable experiences that connect each child with nature, themselves, and the world around them.

Throughout our teen outdoor adventure camps, participants will travel into the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park. This impressive landscape features a variety of unique plant and animal life, geologic features, and evidence of the park’s human history dating back to its early inhabitants. Our camps feature teambuilding and leadership opportunities beginning on day 1 and entertaining games, stories and riddles on the trail. Your child will have the opportunity to learn about this fascinating landscape and it’s history, as well as practice camping and backpacking skills, develop an appreciation for the natural world, and gain independence and leadership skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

On most trips, our campers stay in a frontcountry campground the first night to get sorted, practice packing their packs, and enjoy some time getting to know their leaders and groupmates. On the first morning, they start their backpacking trip from a wilderness trailhead. Most days are spent with 3-5 hours on trail, an hour lunch break at a scenic vista, and plenty of time in camp for games, cooking meals, or learning experientially about geology or another fascinating local topic. Some trips will have the opportunity for a ‘layover’ day in camp where the group will practice skills, venture out on a day hike to a nearby peak, or take time for quiet reflection. Joshua Tree is known for its outstanding sunsets, and every group will have the opportunity to watch the sky and rocks light up in shades of pink, orange and red from a viewpoint after dinner. For our youth camps in Joshua Tree, inspiration, passion and life skills are the paramount takeaways.

The primary mission of our outdoor summer camp is to foster environmental stewardship, teach responsible recreation, and provide opportunity for personal growth through the facilitation of impactful wilderness experiences. Through our nonprofit scholarship program, we also seek to provide disadvantaged youth, families, and communities the opportunity to experience America’s National Parks, regardless of their economic standing. In addition to unique individual backgrounds and certifications, our outdoor educators are trained in Adventure Based Programming, which challenges participants to improve their sense of self-esteem, worth, and confidence. Campers participate in daily goal-setting, group activities, and debriefing (usually mixed in with marshmallows around the campfire), all done within an environment of fun and support. All participants also learn basic backpacking skills, wilderness ethics, wilderness appreciation and Leave No Trace principles. Along with creating lasting memories, our goal is for participants to finish their adventure with a greater knowledge and appreciation of themselves, the world at large, and the environments around them.

5-Day Joshua Tree Desert Adventure

5-Day Joshua Tree Desert Adventure

Trip Highlights:

Youth Adventure Camp

Co-Ed

Educational and Fun

Ages 13-17

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree Wilderness

Lasting Adventures 5-day backpacking winter camp trips in Joshua Tree National Park are designed especially for youth ages 13-17 who are new or experienced backpackers. These trips are perfect for participants who have joined us before on 6- or 13-day adventures in Yosemite or Olympic National Parks and want to try backpacking in all seasons! This 5-day Joshua Tree itinerary visits the summits of rocky peaks, explores the depths of winding canyons, and tours mining ruins from the park’s recent past. Past Joshua Tree camp participants all comment on how the sunsets light up the rocks and desert in orange and red during the golden hour before nightfall. On this backpacking adventure, you will be exposed to daily wilderness challenges, an exploration of natural and human history and geology, and opportunities for leadership and self reflection. Through games, skits, fun and support from others, Lasting Adventures Joshua Tree winter camps are a positive youth backpacking experience and adventure for all.

Age Range

13-17

Price

$1,475

Length

5 Days

Length

5 Days

Mileage & Difficulty

15-25 Miles

Mileage & Difficulty

15-25 Miles
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2024 Departure Dates by Month

    December Departure Dates  

  • Tue, Dec 26th – Sat, Dec 30th

    January Departure Dates  

  • Tue, Jan 2nd – Sat, Jan 6th

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

Summer Camp Parent, 2021
Summer Camp Parent, 2021
@Roam07377964634
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“From a parent's perspective, Lasting Adventures provided plenty of communication before and during the trip, so I knew he was in good hands. From a kids perspective, this adventure taught him skills he may not have otherwise learned, built up his self-confidence and independence, and fostered a love for the outdoors. He already can’t wait to do this camp again!”
Summer Camp Parent, 2019
Summer Camp Parent, 2019
@Shawnakj
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“The guides were so knowledgeable of the area, cooked amazing meals, taught the kids about nature, kept them safe, and most importantly helped each kid prove to themselves they could do it! That built more confidence in my daughter and made her more reliant on herself and trusting of herself.”
YHCA Teen Participant, 2019
YHCA Teen Participant, 2019
@saraaS3547LU
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“My friends and I (aged 13-15) went on a two-week backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures. Our group grew close as a family, and on the last night, we had a very joyous celebration. We joked, messed around, and ate delicious food prepared by the guides. I strongly recommend them if you are looking for a physical and active summer camp, with amazing views along the way.”
Summer Camp Parent, 2019
Summer Camp Parent, 2019
@Camper13796693172
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“My daughter participated in the 7-Day summer camp in Yosemite and, WOW, is all I can say! I was nervous, but the staff was quick to respond via email to all my questions. She had the time of her life and she can’t wait to do it again next summer!”
Summer Leadership Expedition Parent, 2018
Summer Leadership Expedition Parent, 2018
@braylarachelle
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“My 15 (Nearly 16) year old son just got home from an EPIC trip with Lasting Adventures on the Outdoor Leadership Expedition. He had such a wonderful time and communicated that his guides were "the best." If you're looking for a journey for your young family members this comes genuinely, very highly recommended. All of the kids were thrilled, and all of the most free and relaxed of smiles!”
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