Camp Dos Cabezas
Cultural Crossroads Youth Education Program

www.houstonculture.org/camp


There's a great stone face looking up at my mine. If you pass three red hills
you've gone too far. The rays of the setting sun shine on my gold.

-- Jacob Walz


What is Camp Dos Cabezas?

 Camp Dos Cabezas is an educational summer camp for kids. Participants will learn about diverse cultures and history in southeast Arizona. Campers will enjoy daily adventures in one of the most imaginative settings in the United States, as they hike in the Chiricahua Mountains, and attend ranger programs in the Chiricahua National Monument and Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Participants will discover the legacies of Native Americans, Black soldiers, vaqueros, and famous historical figures, like Geronimo, Victorio, "Pancho" Villa and Jacob Walz, the "Lost Dutchman." Unusual rock formations created by volcanic activity, carved by wind and rain erosion over thousands of years, along with towering spires and faces in the stone will keep the kids alert and ready to learn. They will visit lands mined by Serbian immigrants and railroads built by Chinese workers. Jewish settlers and Mormon battalions brought diverse religions to Cochise County, the center of the Camp's activities.

On a morning hike to Faraway Ranch, campers may see deer in the Silver Spur Meadow. Mentors will help the kids explore fascinating exhibits, including American Indian artifacts at the Amerind Foundation, livelihood of the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Huachuca and pioneer history at the Tombstone County Courthouse State Historic Park. Along with western lore, such as Wyatt Earp and the O.K. Corral, history of ancient Indians, Spanish exploration and incidents of the Mexican revolution took place in the region. The mountain ranges, called "Islands in the Sky," separate the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, as well as the lifeways of hunting and farming Indian tribes. The Cochise Stronghold can be seen across a vast dry lake once traversed by nomadic Apaches. From Indian ruins and preserved Spanish missions to the vanishing saguaro cactus and the Dust Bowl, events in history will come alive and campers will enjoy learning from morning to night. Vivid scenery and lasting impressions will encourage the kids to study anthropology, history, geology and political science, and to share ideas with others.

 Who goes to Camp Dos Cabezas?

 Kids who are well-behaved, but may not have the motivation to study and stay in school, or who may not have the opportunity to travel to natural and dynamic outdoor settings, are deserving of an opportunity like Camp Dos Cabezas.

 What is the benefit of the Camp?

 Campers, as well as mentors and volunteers, will develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and their histories. Vivid educational experiences, found in the rugged frontier of southeast Arizona, will encourage participants to explore and learn throughout their lives. The kids will be encouraged to actively pursue their education and they will learn to share their knowledge with others by giving presentations about their educational adventures when they return.

 Why go to southeast Arizona?

 To barrow words from Willie Sutton, "It's where the history is." Remarkable events took place in the corner of Arizona (an area that includes Cochise, Pima and Santa Cruz County) and much of its history had tremendous impact on the United States and Mexico. There is great opportunity to learn about history and culture in other places, but vivid captivating scenery is not always present. Adults can learn to appreciate more subtle natural settings or the repetition in nature, but kids need more excitement and drama in the landscape to stay focused. Camp Dos Cabezas is set in the best possible place to illustrate topics of culture, industry and environment.

 Who decides who goes to the Camp?

 Teachers and community leaders from organizations and churches make application for children they feel deserve to attend the Camp. Organizations may make special arrangements for specific groups to attend and, in the future, there may be an open camp for parents who want to bring their children.

 How much will it cost to attend?

 Mentors and community organizations provide scholarships for kids to attend Camp Dos Cabezas. Parents will need to provide essentials for outdoor activity, such as summer clothing, a day pack, canteen and sleeping bag. A list of these things can be found on the Camp Preparations page.

 How safe is Camp Dos Cabezas?

 Children face danger anywhere they play, including in their own homes. Camp Dos Cabezas takes place in a natural outdoor setting, however, safety issues have been addressed in public use areas, such as trails and campgrounds. Serious accidents are extremely rare in the parks and museums of this region. The Camp director, attendants and mentors will supervise the children constantly. Authorities in parks, museums and military bases work to ensure safety for visitors, and local educators will additionally help with arrangements for safe activities. The Camp director receives regular updates on conditions in the parks. To discuss the safety and risks of hiking in National Parks and Monuments, parents can contact park superintendents directly. We will provide their telephone numbers, as well as a detailed itinerary, our contact information and a list of area medical facilities.

 What preparations are required?

 Parents must attend an informational meeting where all questions will be answered. Forms and signed waivers must be submitted to the Camp director by established deadlines in order for the child to be eligible to attend the Camp. The necessary information on the forms includes medications and emergency contact information. A general list of things to pack can be found on the Camp Preparations page.

 What help does Camp Dos Cabezas need?

 Mentors who provide the necessary scholarships and travel with the kids are critical to the Camp. Each child's learning opportunity depends on a mentor. Volunteers who will travel with the group to Arizona are needed to further ensure safety and to help keep daily activities in order. Volunteers who can work locally to promote the Camp and select the children are needed. Schools, churches and community organizations are needed to nominate kids for the Camp and several community-oriented businesses are needed to provide necessary provisions for the Camp.


Quick links:

Camp Dos Cabezas

Mardi Gras Indians

Spanish America

Traditions of Mexico

Featured Artist

Next Meeting

Educational Travel

Travel Planning

 www.houstonculture.org/camp

www.houstonculture.org/indians

www.houstonculture.org/spanish

www.houstonculture.org/mexico

www.houstonculture.org/artist

www.houstonculture.org/meeting

www.houstonculture.org/travel

www.houstonculture.org/pack

Houston Institute for Culture is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural education and awareness through cultural activities. Our goal is to provide free and low-cost events, services and classes for the community. The organization's sphere of interest is Houston, the regions that have affected Houston's cultural history and the international origins of Houston's diverse population. Membership is free and all events and informational resources are open to the public.

HOUSTON INSTITUTE FOR CULTURE
Camp Dos Cabezas
Astrodome Station, Box 20182
Houston, TX 77225-0182

Phone: 713-521-3686
Email: info@houstonculture.org