AACD Arizona Natural Resources & Conservation Leadership Camp

July 24–26, 2026 | Mingus Mountain Camp | Prescott National Forest | High School Students: 10th–12th Grade

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View Camp Agenda

July 24–26, 2026

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Mingus Mountain Camp

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Apply Today!

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July 24–26, 2026 | Mingus Mountain Camp | Apply Today! |

A Weekend of Conservation, Leadership & Outdoor Learning

Hosted by the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, this 3-day camp introduces students to Arizona’s natural resources, conservation systems, land stewardship, and career pathways in agriculture and environmental science. Students learn through field science activities, leadership challenges, team competitions, and real-world conservation problem solving.

 

The camp will be held at Mingus Mountain Camp in the Prescott National Forest, giving students the opportunity to learn directly in Arizona’s forests, streams, watersheds, and outdoor landscapes.

Camp Highlights

  • Hands-On Field Science

    Participate in real environmental science activities and ecosystem investigations.

  • Water Quality Testing

    Collect and analyze water samples while learning how clean water supports wildlife, communities, agriculture, and recreation.

  • Soil Science & Soil Testing

    Explore soil texture, infiltration, erosion, and how healthy soil supports Arizona ecosystems.

  • Grass, Tree & Habitat Identification

    Observe rangelands, forests, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat.

  • Leadership Development

    Build confidence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

  • AACD Team Competitions

    Teams compete in conservation-based challenges for AACD swag, points, and championship belt buckles.

  • Career Pathway Workshops

    Explore career pathways in forestry, wildlife biology, conservation planning, GIS, hydrology, soil science, range management, environmental science, and agriculture.

Camp Details

    • Arizona high school students in 10th–12th grade

    • Students interested in science, agriculture, wildlife, forestry, conservation, or outdoor careers

    • Students who enjoy hands-on learning, teamwork, leadership, and the outdoors

    • Future conservation leaders who want to learn how Arizona’s land, water, forests, wildlife, and communities are connected

    • Soil Systems

    • Water Systems

    • Forest & Riparian Ecology

    • Wildlife Habitat

    • Grasslands & Rangelands

    • Watershed Science

    • Conservation Leadership

    • Environmental Stewardship

    • Career Pathways in Natural Resources

  • By the end of camp, students will:

    • understand Arizona natural resource systems

    • conduct hands-on environmental investigations

    • build teamwork and leadership skills

    • understand conservation and stewardship

    • explore career pathways

    • connect ecosystems to communities

    • develop confidence in outdoor and leadership settings

  • Throughout the weekend, students compete in team-based conservation challenges that reward teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity, participation, and problem-solving.

    Teams earn points, AACD swag, special recognition, and a chance to become AACD Camp Champions.

  • Friday: Leadership, Team Building & Arizona Conservation

    • Student check-in and cabin/team assignments

    • Welcome ceremony and camp orientation

    • Team building and icebreaker challenge

    • Introduction to Arizona natural resources

    • Conservation Districts in Arizona activity

    • Natural resources team competitions

    Saturday: Field Science, Ecosystems & Conservation Systems

    • Grass identification and rangeland health

    • Soil science and soil testing

    • Tree identification and riparian ecology

    • Watersheds and stream ecology

    • Water quality testing

    • AACD conservation team competitions

    • Dessert and movie night

    Sunday: Careers, Leadership & Student Presentations

    • Career pathways workshop

    • Conservation leadership session

    • Career panel discussions

    • Student team presentations

    • Final competitions

    • Championship awards ceremony and closing reflections

Explore Careers in Conservation & Natural Resources

Students will be introduced to real career pathways in natural resources, agriculture, environmental science, and conservation. Camp activities connect directly to careers such as forestry, wildlife biology, hydrology, GIS, soil science, range management, conservation planning, and environmental science.

Forestry

GIS

Environmental Science

Hydrology

Agriculture

Wildlife Biology

Conservation Planning

Range Management

Soil Science

Apply for Camp

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Arizona high school students in 10th–12th grade.

  • No. The camp is designed to introduce students to natural resources, conservation, leadership, and career pathways.

  • Students will participate in hands-on outdoor learning, water testing, soil investigations, grass and tree identification, watershed activities, team competitions, and career workshops.

  • Mingus Mountain Camp in the Prescott National Forest.

  • Camp Packing List link

  • Yes. The camp will be held Friday–Sunday, and cabins will be assigned to campers.