Open Sky, Open Land, Open Water ... Open Minds to a Bigger World
The Campbell Scholars / Open Roads adventure is a weeklong program for a cohort of high-performing, first generation aspiring college students. The intention is to deepen the bond among a group that will be an important part of each others' support system throughout high school, into college, and beyond. This trip will combine reflective time in nature and an introduction to the documentary arts of film, photography, and writing in a way that we feel can open our minds and expanded our beliefs about what is possible for all of us.
2023 SCHEDULE
Spring Pre-Trip Seminars
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In the Spring leading up to the program we will offer informational session for students and parents, as well as a pre-trip introduction to the documentary arts.
Monday, July 10th
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Arrive in Salt Lake City mid-day
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Travel to our campground in Green River UT, arriving by late afternoon
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Welcome, Introductions and team meeting to go set expectations of the group
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Put up tents, get settled and explore the campground
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Family style dinner
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Opening fire- Preview of the trip, Introductions to documentary storytelling and photography
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Check out the stars in a spectacular night sky
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Off to bed
Tuesday, July 11th
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Wake up for breakfast, group stretching and a stroll around the campground
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Clean up and pack for the day
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Head to Canyonlands NP to view desert landscapes, rock pinnacles and arches.
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Morning hike with a picnic lunch
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Afternoon sightseeing, photography and doc work in the park
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Family style dinner back at the campground in Green River
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Pack and prepare for the river trip
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Evening social around the fire
Wednesday, July 12th
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Early wake up
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Buffet breakfast- Clean up-pack up camp and head to the put in
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Begin the river rafting adventure through Westwater Canyon
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We start with a relaxing float and a hike to Little Hole Canyon’s natural amphitheater where Native American rock art can be seen.
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Set up camp near Little Dolores canyon, take a short hike up the side canyon to discover a desert waterfall and swimming hole. Or, stay near the river and cool-off with some swimming before dinner.
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Gourmet river-side dinner
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Games and evening stargazing.
Thursday, July 13th
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Wake up to the sun hitting the canyon walls
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Start the day with a leisurely breakfast before rigging up for the rapids of Westwater!
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The waves will be fast and furious this morning and in quick succession, including one of Colorado’s bigger drops and the narrowest part of the river. After running the first rapid, there’s still more to come that will give you the thrills and splashes of big whitewater.
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After the rapids, the canyon walls open up and the water will slow down giving us the chance to relax in the sun and swim off the rafts before lunch.
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Return to our campground in Green River by late afternoon
Friday, July 14th
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Buffet breakfast- Clean up, pack up and prepare to hit the road.
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Drive to Salt Lake City Airport and fly as a group back to Los Angeles, arriving home late afternoon.
Post Trip Follow Up
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During the fall, we will reconvene in person and/or over Zoom to put final touches on our documentary film projects and to share our reflections from the adventure.
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Once the films are finalized, we will gather for a final screening and celebration.
Participant Forms
Please complete all forms below. Holiday River Expedition Forms are to be completed via the links. If you have any questions please email sam@openroads.org.