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New Treks in 2023
Building spaces of inclusion for a stronger, more resilient community
New trek: Quartz trek
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Ages: 14-16
Dates: June 30 -August 5
Introducing Quartz Trek! (QT), our first expedition designed with a specific focus for genderqueer and nonbinary 14-16 year olds. As we near our 100th birthday, CGE continues to be mindful and innovative when it comes to fostering connections between young people and the outdoors. As an early leader in outdoor education, we’ve been running outdoor expeditions with a focus on inclusive access to adventure in the Southwest. Quartz Trek is an exciting addition to our programming, and we hope genderqueer/nonbinary youth will join us as we strive to cultivate conscientious and respectful spaces for all youth to enjoy the outdoors.
Why “Quartz” Trek?
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the world, and is prominently featured all across New Mexico and the Southwest. It is known for its adaptability and durability, bringing forth beauty and functionality, and this trek is meant to provide a similarly versatile space for genderqueer/nonbinary 14-16 year olds. 5 weeks on a CGE trek is ample time to grow, adapt, selfdiscover and connect not only with other trekkers, but the people and places they’ll visit throughout the summer.
When participating in groups who share a key element of their identity, trekkers can encourage each other to grow whilst identifying with each other in a foundational way. Quartz Trek will offer a transitional space for trekkers to experience more time in the field, and expand their understanding of the surrounding communities. Asking “How can I learn from this place, this experience, these people?” allows this trek to focus on establishing healthy, harmonious relationships between trekkers and who/what they encounter. How do we give back to the places and people we learn from? QT strives to answer this question from their distinct perspectives by incorporating restoration work with organizational partners, leading activities for younger trekkers at Basecamp and listening to the communities they meet along the way. This trek links young people with intersecting identities and challenges them to recognize their roles and responsibilities to each other and themselves.
Trek on!
By: Olivia Marín
