Suggestions for Anthropology Club Field Trip in Southern California/ Arizona?

Question

I am planning a field trip for our anthropology club and everyone wants to go camping. Although I love camping, I'd really like to incorperate something more directly inclucive of the major fields of anthropology. I've been searching all over the internet and I'm not coming up with a whole lot. I would love any suggestions that anyone might have. We are in Los Angeles and don't really have the funds to

go too far. This will be for the end of May. It's a really fantastic group and I'd like to plan something great for them. Thank you in advance for your help : )

Answer 1

I'd go to the Saguaro National Park in Arizona's border. Yes, it's a place for naturalists, but it was also part of the original ecosystem where several cultures flourished: Odam, Hohokam, Pima and Shoshone (amongst others if you consider the whole desert region). Living on the deserts resources is not easy, so it really makes you wonder strolling around one.

Answer 2

How about some areas of Los Angeles that the police will not even enter unless they are armed to the teeth.  These are gang dominated areas where gang rules are upheld and the police actually fear going into these areas.  While investigating in these areas they fear getting shot at, having their vehicles vandalized and who knows what else.  Just going to a police station in one of these areas to see who is brought into the station would be a definite eye opener for your students.  Getting permission from the police and parents would be a definite requirement as you may encounter all sorts of characters that some might not want thier kids to be exposed to in order to protect them from real life situations.