Colorado Equitrekking: July 9–July 15, 2023

Six-day equitrekking adventure in colorful Colorado, filled with trail rides, self-care, and adventure at a beautiful horse ranch.

About the Trip

Imagine this: you are hanging out with your horse with the Rocky Mountains in the background, a full stomach from great food, and a happy heart from spending some self-care time with other Girl Scouts. All that and more is available through the Colorado Equitrekking Destination as you spend six days at the beautiful Heart-J Center at Sylvan Dale Ranch.

Each day, you will have the chance to improve your horseback-riding skills, explore the natural beauty of Colorado, practice some self-care, and relax around the fire with your new Girl Scout friends. Girl Scouts will prepare themselves mentally and physically while meeting their fellow travelers through three virtual orientation sessions before the trip.

The ranch is in Loveland, Colorado, where the mouth of the Big Thompson River meets the majestic Rocky Mountains. Each morning, you will start your adventure by preparing your body with some yoga, filling your stomach with a chef-prepared breakfast, and then going on a trail ride with your horse. After lunch, each afternoon brings new activities, such as eco-journaling, wilderness life skills, fishing, and helping with the horses.

Evening is the time to kick off those boots and relax with some line dancing, stargazing, swimming, game playing, and of course, s’mores by the fire. Retire to the comforts of your ranch cabin to get a good night’s rest before starting your adventure the next day.

The trip will end with a backpacking trail ride to experience a “cow camp,” where you will spend two nights in the gorgeous Colorado wilderness, exploring the beauties it holds both day and night. In the end, you will take a million selfies with your horse and your new Girl Scout friends before saying goodbye.

Who Should Apply?

• Age: Girl Scouts entering grades 10–12 or those who will have just graduated 12th grade in summer 2023

• Interests: Outdoors, wilderness, horses

• Requirements: Some horseback riding experience, ability to withstand outdoor conditions for extended periods

• Equipment: Jeans for riding, hiking boots, daypack or backpack

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

The Cost

Program fee: $2,400

(The actual cost of this Destination is $2,700, but all Girl Scouts who participate will receive a $300 scholarship thanks to a generous grant.)

The program fee does not include airfare. Girl Scouts will need to arrange for transportation to Denver International Airport.

Deposit due upon acceptance: $500. (This deposit is included in your program fee.)

Final payment due: June 30, 2023

Cancellation policy: January 1, 2023, 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

Girl Scouts of Colorado | https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/

Emily Speck, inquiry@gscolorado.org, (877) 404-5708