Summer Field Science Camp

three young girls in a small river with nets looking for specimens

*Registration is now closed for this camp.*

It is our mission to engage children in science at an early age by taking them to explore their local, natural world.

What is Summer Field Science?

This is a five-day field experience for current fourth-and fifth-grade students with an interest in science and nature, hosted by Casper College. Students will spend the week taking field trips around the Casper area, learning about the local plants, rocks, animals, and fossils. We will visit various Casper city parks, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, the Alcova/Pathfinder area, and Casper Mountain, among others. Space is limited to 20 spots for this exciting week-long experience.  

History

More than 50 years ago, three science teachers from Dean Morgan Junior High School decided they could teach their students more effectively outside, in nature. Dana Van Burgh, Ed Strube, and Terry Logue focused on geology and botany in the beginning, but soon added history and the environment. For over 50 years they taught secondary students, teachers, oversaw elementary student classes, and led field trips for students of all ages in Wyoming and surrounding states.

The best teaching method turned out to be “hands-on” and “minds-on” science. This was achieved by taking the students to the field where they could see geological structures and wildflowers for themselves. Once there, many questions were asked to get the students thinking about what they were seeing and pique their curiosity. Students identified plants, created plant notebooks, and listened to the lively banter of their team of teachers.

The spirit of field science will live on in this year’s summer offering. We will explore different ecosystems by identifying plants, animals, rocks, and fossils and learning how they interact with their environment. In today’s world of so many electronic distractions and so little science taught in early elementary school, it is important to introduce children to nature. Our goal is to get children interested in science while giving them a more thorough understanding of their natural world.

Supply List

As we travel around the Casper area to our field trip sites, the students will need a variety of supplies. We suggest that each registered student bring the following items to maximize their experience and comfort throughout each day.

What is Provided

What to Bring

Register

The dates for the 2024 summer field science experience are June 17-June 21, and will meet from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. All field trips will leave from Casper College.

The registration deadline is May 31, 2024. Registration is limited to 20 students, others will be placed on a waiting list. The payment deadline for the first 20 registrants is June 14, 2024. 

The registration form link is below. Please send your completed forms, with a check made out to Casper College, to the mailing address below. At this time, we are unable to accept debit or credit cards. We apologize for any inconvenience.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Please contact Jessie Anderson with questions about a scholarship. 

Please send your completed forms, with a check for $120 made out to Casper College, to the mailing address below.

Jessie Anderson

13930 State Hwy 487

Casper, WY 82604

307-473-6886

Field Trips

Field trip sites include:

Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park
Casper Mountain
Speas Fish Hatchery
North Platte Park/Adams Park
Eagle Ridge/Bessemer Bend
Bates Creek
Alcova/Pathfinder area