Wilderness Camps > Important Camp Information

Important Camp Information

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend travel insurance to cover your costs in case cancellation is unavoidable. Contact Travel Guard or your travel agent for information.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

• Withdrawal will result in a tuition refund minus $150. After April 15 withdrawal will result in a tuition refund minus $300 to cover incurred costs. If we can fill your space we will issue a refund minus $150.
• If Science Discovery cancels your camp we will credit/refund the amount paid by you.

GROUP SIZE
Twelve students per trip, accompanied by 3 instructors, is our normal group size, unless permits restrict us. This small number allows us to maintain the top-notch quality of the experience.

STAFF
Our staff are dedicated professionals assisted by capable CU students who have experienced our program as campers. All staff hold medical certifications in Wilderness First Responder or First Aid and CPR, are thoroughly background checked, MUST have excellent driving records, and attend CU Transportation Services Driving Tests. The average age of our lead instructors is 30. Our staff are chosen for their love of teaching in the outdoors and their ability to share knowledge about the wilderness and natural science content. We'd like to introduce you to our staff. Read staff bios >>

TRANSPORTATION and GROUP GEAR
We drive university vehicles that are maintained in top shape by CU Transportation Services. Students travel in 15 passenger GMC vans with an attached trailer for gear and food.

PERSONAL TENTS and GEAR
Students are encouraged to provide their own 2 - 4 person tent with rain fly, sleeping bag with stuff sack and sleeping pad. The program will gladly assist in providing tents and sleeping bags. This detail is covered at the pre-trip meeting.

Everyone must provide their own personal clothing, hygiene items, mess kit, day pack, water bottle and lunch for the first day.

FOOD
Please notify us IMMEDIATELY if there are serious food allergies, especially if an epi-pen is prescribed, or your child is on a restricted diet. We provide plenty of wholesome, primarily vegetarian food. Our protein sources consist of eggs, cheese, tuna, nuts, legumes, peanut butter, and some soy products. Students must provide a sack lunch and snacks on the first travel day. Students are welcomed to bring jerky or other snack items to supplement their diet, which will be stored in our coolers. We will make at least one snack stop each way on Colorado-based trips. Longer trips will offer more snack stops, depending on students.

STUDENT SPENDING MONEY
Except for Peak and Prairie and Pioneers, we recommend that students bring approximately $15-$25.

On the ride home we will stop where students can purchase their own lunch. Healthy snacks will always be available.

Staff will be on hand to be sure good choices are made when spending money. Most students enjoy purchasing a souvenir at Mission:Wolf or other National Park locations. Please discuss the maximum amount of money students are permitted to spend.

On the Yellowstone and Pacific Northwest trip everyone will purchase their own lunch on the road when travel days are long. Students will need to have their own money to cover several lunches and a few snacks. This will give everyone a chance to have some of his or her favorite foods, as well! We recommend that students bring $75-$100. Details will be covered either at the pre-trip meeting or in the material that you receive prior to the trip. Keep in mind that the Seattle area is a little more expensive.

Science Discovery staff will keep all money in our traveling office. This reduces the chances of money being lost. Please put student money in an envelope and/or zip loc bag with their name and amount enclosed.

PRE-TRIP MEETINGS
If you are local we encourage families to attend our pre-trip meetings, held in Boulder at our 3400 Marine Street office. You will have the opportunity to meet the director and at least one of the staff on your child's trip, review the itinerary, view slides and answer all of your questions. It is NOT necessary to attend if you are out of town. We can easily update you on all of the pertinent information needed to feel comfortable before students depart on their trip

TRIPS BEGIN AND END at our office on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, 3400 Marine Street, Boulder 80303. Exception: The Pacific Northwest trip will begin and end at Denver International Airport.