Desert Dreams: April 3 - 11, 2026

Explore three states and several National Parks in the beautiful desert of the American Southwest! Hike, climb, paddle, and learn about the Native American legacy of the area. 

About the Trip

While on this Destination, you will first head to Las Vegas, NV, where you will explore the Hoover Dam and see the desert in bloom as you roam though the Valley of Fire.  You will also enjoy a demonstration by the tribal people of the Moapa River Indian Reservation.  From Nevada, you will head to Arizona where you will enjoy hiking through the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon.  You will visit Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley on our way to Utah, where you will explore iconic vistas of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.  While here, you will also participate in a canyoneering adventure with Amazing Adventures, a minority woman-owned gear shop.  The owner may even have a personal conversation with us about her entrepreneurial journey!  On our way back to Nevada, you will participate in a fossil hunt and learn about when dinosaurs roamed the area.  Once back in Las Vegas, you will spend the final day of your trip on a Colorado River kayaking excursion through Emerald Cave.  

NOTE: This Destination will follow spring break dates that are not universal across the country.  Participants who will need to miss school for travel days will be provided a formal letter to request school absences.  

Who Should Apply?

• Age: Girl Scouts who will be in grades 7–12 in April 2026.

• Interests: The outdoors, biology, indigenous culture, entrepreneurship. 

• Requirements: Able to tolerate dry heat.

• Equipment: Hiking shoes, and we recommend a backpack with hydration system (i.e. CamelBak)

• Ignite Your Passion! This trip is great for Girl Scouts who are interested in environmental and wildlife conservation.

The Cost

Total value of the experience: $2,200

Thanks to generous Girl Scout donors, we are excited to share that each participant accepted to this trip will receive a 35% discount, reducing the cost by $770. No extra steps needed — the grant is automatically applied once you're accepted!

You pay: $1,430

The program fee does not include airfare. Girl Scouts will need to arrange for transportation to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Deposit due upon acceptance: $220. (This deposit is included in your program fee.)

Final payment due: March 1, 2026

Cancellation policy: February 15, 2026 is the last day you can cancel and receive a refund (minus deposit).

Financial aid may be available. Check with your local council.

Host and Contact Info

GSNYPENN Pathways  | https://www.gsnypenn.org/

Mandy Simons, asimons@gsnypenn.org, 315-275-2057