Outdoor Adventures: Your Child's Next Adventure Starts Here!

Posted Date: 8/07/25 (6:00 PM)

Ready for your child to connect with nature, build confidence, and make unforgettable memories? At CS Outdoors, part of CFSD Community Schools, we believe the best learning happens when campers get outside, get moving, and get curious.
Led by Mary Grodman, a lifelong lover of the outdoors and environmental science, our team offers after-school classes, day trips, and weekly programs that spark curiosity, inspire teamwork, and ignite a love for the wilderness.
From geocaching and stargazing to hiking, kayaking, spelunking, and backpacking, each adventure is designed to build survival skills, character, and a deep respect for the planet. Campers leave with journals full of maps, trail notes, wildflower guides, and first-aid tips—along with new friendships and lasting memories.

“The sense of accomplishment that accompanies conquering a challenging hike or scaling a rock face fosters confidence, pride, and happiness,” says Grodman. “It extends into my everyday interactions.”

Families agree—these programs are transformative. One parent shared: “My daughters having similar opportunities in elementary and middle school is fabulous.”
Another called it “tremendous,” noting their children now plan seasonal camping trips thanks to the spark ignited by CS Outdoors.

Open to everyone—not just CFSD students! We host excursions and learning adventures throughout the school year.

FALL BREAK ADVENTURES ARE HERE!

Looking for unforgettable ways to spend fall break? Join Community Schools Outdoors for epic day trips and an overnight campout in some of Arizona’s most beautiful places!
Fishing at Patagonia Lake – Oct 6
Fall Fun in Madera Canyon – Oct 7
Into the Pines Campout on Mt. Lemmon – Oct 8–10
Whether you want to hike, fish, or sleep under the stars, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting for you!

Open to grades 3–8
Register online at cs.cfsd16.org
Spots fill fast—don’t wait! Registration is on now!

Learn more about our programs here: Community Schools Outdoor Adventures.

ESSENTIAL GEAR

Here are some essential gear items that campers will need for all our Adventure Programs. Before departure, we will email you with specific packing 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 an overnight trip.

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.

MEET OUR GUIDE

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 members 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!