CAMP kids visit

On December 6th the University of New Mexico Recreational Services and The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) found the best kept secret on the Turquoise Trail. The Garden of the Gods Sculpture Garden promises to be one of the highlights in this area.

We were planning to attend the Christmas lights of Madrid on that day and I needed to find some other interesting venue to explore before going into town. I found the information about the Garden of the Gods Sculpture Center by just “Googling” sculpture centers in New Mexico! I was able to get in contact with Warren and Kevin easily. Warren was going to be out of town but Kevin graciously offered to meet and talk to our group.

We met Kevin about an hour later from our original meeting time due to my lack of sense of direction! Before we had a tour of the area, Kevin gave an overview to the group about the Garden of the Gods Sculpture Center project. The area is full of unique rock formations and is rich in geology, which makes it a perfect place for a sculpture center. We were able to go on some existing trails as well as some that were currently being developed. The oasis on the property is the area where the pond and the springs are located with the smell of fresh mint patches!

Our students were very impressed with the current artwork on the property as well as the beauty of the area. One of our students who is an architect major was extremely excited about the building rendition that will go up in the near future.

The purpose of taking the CAMP students on various outings is to expose them to cultural activities and areas of New Mexico. This adventure proved to be a very rewarding experience for this group. We all look forward to going back to this little piece of heaven on the Turquoise Trail!

Laura Montoya
University of New Mexico
Recreational Services