A Desert Trip
Although there are presently fewer people crossing the Arizona desert, there are more deaths now than in the past 10 years. This has been called the decade of death. In order to fully understand the tragedy that occurs on our U.S. /Mexico border, the best education you can get is to travel with us to the desert. Since 1992, we have amassed endless amounts of on-the-ground information about daily occurrences at the border.
Please join us on a Samaritan Patrol to the desert to be a witness and lessen suffering. We have daily patrols throughout the year.
After attending the Samaritan Training, a new volunteer can sign up to go to the desert on a Samaritan patrol.
Our primary purpose is to witness what happens on the roads and trails. It is important to observe what happens and tell friends, family and the world what we see. We witness intimate social and political interactions.
We also carry life-saving water to the desert. Once in a while, we meet people from south of the border who cross the desert on their journey through Arizona. In that case, we have medicines, food, and water to give.
There are several types of Samaritan patrols:
We drive in 4 wheel drive vehicles. We have a minimum of 3 passengers: a medical person, Spanish speaker, and another assistant.
Usually we meet at 6 AM, load supplies in the vehicle and go to the desert. We return later in the afternoon. All times are flexible.
Wear appropriate protective clothing and sunscreen. In the summer, temperatures can reach 120 degrees. In the winter, it can freeze. Seasonally, there are abrupt storms.
Bring a camera if you wish. Not only is the Arizona Sonora desert the richest and most beautiful in the world, we want to record what we see. However, we request that you do not photograph anyone we meet without their permission.
Please join us on a Samaritan Patrol to the desert to be a witness and lessen suffering. We have daily patrols throughout the year.
After attending the Samaritan Training, a new volunteer can sign up to go to the desert on a Samaritan patrol.
Our primary purpose is to witness what happens on the roads and trails. It is important to observe what happens and tell friends, family and the world what we see. We witness intimate social and political interactions.
We also carry life-saving water to the desert. Once in a while, we meet people from south of the border who cross the desert on their journey through Arizona. In that case, we have medicines, food, and water to give.
There are several types of Samaritan patrols:
- Drive paved roads. We drive paved roads within 40 miles of the Arizona/Sonora border observing, and assisting people in need.
- Drive backroads. We travel dirt roads to be of assistance.
- Drive and hike short distances. We carry backpacks with food, water and first-responder medicine kits, walking trails for a short time, observing and searching for people in need.
- Drive and hike long distances. We go on all-day hikes, carrying supplies in backpacks, to be witnesses on the trails and offer help when needed.
We drive in 4 wheel drive vehicles. We have a minimum of 3 passengers: a medical person, Spanish speaker, and another assistant.
Usually we meet at 6 AM, load supplies in the vehicle and go to the desert. We return later in the afternoon. All times are flexible.
Wear appropriate protective clothing and sunscreen. In the summer, temperatures can reach 120 degrees. In the winter, it can freeze. Seasonally, there are abrupt storms.
Bring a camera if you wish. Not only is the Arizona Sonora desert the richest and most beautiful in the world, we want to record what we see. However, we request that you do not photograph anyone we meet without their permission.
