Summer Programs
June 17 - August 9, 2024
Curiosity is in our nature
Get outside and get curious! Building from early childhood programs to high school backpacking trips, Teton Science Schools summer programs give your child an opportunity of exploratory, place-based learning outdoors. Campers will connect with each other, build social-emotional skills, learn about weekly themes with experienced instructors, and participate in silly games and camp traditions. All of our programs will go on adventures to Grand Teton National Park and other public lands, along with spending some days doing activities on our Jackson Campus and our Teton Valley Campus.
Summer Programs
Offerings
Scroll down to see the full summer program offerings.
Early Childhood Summer Programs
Early childhood summer programs follow the same Reggio Emilia philosophy and Nature-Based practices as our school year program. Campers from 3 years old to entering Kindergarten will explore, play, and engage in their natural surroundings, both on campus and on journeys to nearby parks. Your child will practice cognitive and social-emotional skills through problem solving, teamwork, and creative expression as they get their hands dirty in our outdoor studio and participate in many outdoor adventures.
Campers Entering Grades 1-5
Campers entering grades 1-5 add a natural science lens to their summer program experience and take on more exciting field adventures as they move up in age groups. Over the course of the week, campers will explore a particular theme using the scientific inquiry process. Digging deeper each year, your child will build skills in making observations, asking questions, collecting data, forming conclusions, and collaborating with their peers. There will also be plenty of games, hikes, arts & crafts, aquatic critter catching, and silliness, of course!
Middle and High Schoolers
Middle and high schoolers have the opportunity to level up their experience through immersive, overnight programs. Participants will expand their science skills, explore deeper into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and take on new challenges with their peers.
PIKAS
Early Childhood Ages 3 to 4 years
Pikas will connect with nature and each other through exploration and play. Activities can include spending time building fairy houses, getting our hands dirty in our outdoor studio, searching for small critters, and journeying to R Park.
- For children 3 to 4 years
- Must be potty trained
- 1 hour of rest and relaxation each day
- Dates: June 17 – August 9
- Program: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Extended Day: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $600
- Capacity: 13 campers
Additional Information: This program takes place on the Jackson Campus. Children will go on 1-2 journeys each week. Extended day available for $75.
OTTERS
Early Childhood - Entering Kindergarten
Almost ready for Kindergarten, Otters will collaborate with peers and get curious about the world around them. Activities can include cooking in the mud kitchen, taking care of our garden, creating in our outdoor studio, and journeying to R Park and Grand Teton National Park.
- For children ages 5 to 6 years
- For children entering Kindergarten in the Fall
- 45 minutes of rest and relaxation
- Dates: June 17 – August 9
- Program: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Extended Day: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $600
- Capacity: 13 campers
Additional Information: This program takes place on the Jackson Campus. Children must be entering kindergarten in the fall to participate in our otter program. Children will go on 2-3 journeys each week. Extended day available for $75.
Teton Valley Campus Beavers
Early Childhood Ages 3 to 5 years
The Teton Valley Campus Beavers will learn all about their unique Eastern Idaho environment through their time on campus with our garden, cats, chickens, and goats, as well as through journeys to nearby parks and outdoor spaces. Beavers will be able to get creative and drive their own play in our outdoor play yard full of tools and toys ready for their imagination.
- For kids ages 3 to 5 years
- Must be potty trained
- 1 hour of rest time each day
- Dates: June 17 – August 9
- Program: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Cost: $600
- Capacity: 12 campers
Additional Information: This program takes place on the Teton Valley Campus, which is a 40 minute drive from Jackson. It is intended for residents of Victor/Driggs.
MARMOTS
Entering Grade 1
With Kindergarten under their belts, Marmots are ready to let their curiosity run wild this summer. They will explore local ecosystems, put on their scientist hats, and, of course, be silly with new friends. Activities can include cooking in the mud kitchen, creating nature-themed arts & crafts, and splashing on the shores of local lakes and rivers.
- Dates: June 17 – August 9
- Program: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Extended Day: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $600
- Capacity: 24 campers
Additional Information: Marmots have 2 field days each week. Campers must have already completed kindergarten to be a Marmot. Extended day available for $75.
FOXES
Entering Grade 2
Inquisitive foxes will follow their noses to topics that interest them and begin to investigate the natural world more deeply through observation and explorative play. Activities can include racing stick-boats, identifying wildflowers, exploring trails on nearby public lands and catching critters in the local waterways!
- Dates: June 17 – August 9
- Program: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
- Extended Day: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $600
- Capacity: 24 campers
Additional Information: Foxes have 2 field days each week. Extended day available for $75.
BADGERS
Entering Grade 3
Confident and cunning badgers dig deep into asking questions and seeking answers about the natural world. Through scientific exploration and silly fun, badgers will open up their minds to endless possibilities for adventure. Activities can include building forts, visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art, making volcanoes and canoeing in Grand Teton National Park.
- Dates: June 17 – August 9
- Program: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
- Extended Day: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $600
- Capacity: 12 campers
Additional Information: Badgers have 3 field days each week. Thursdays are canoeing days! Extended day available for $75.
COYOTES & BISON
Entering Grade 4 and 5
Excitement awaits our 4th (Coyote) and 5th (Bison) campers as they dive into an immersive summer experience! Roaming together the Coyote/Bison group will amp up their skills in data collection and analysis while embracing thrilling adventures. Picture this: identifying macroinvertebrates, embarking on invigorating hikes and camping escapades in the stunning Grand Teton National Park, and conquering exhilarating team-building challenges on the renowned Doug Walker Challenge Course. Get ready for a blend of learning, fun, and unforgettable moments!
- Dates: June 17 – August 9
- Program: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
- Extended Day: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Cost: $600
- Capacity: 12 campers
Additional Information: Coyotes & Bison have 3 field days each week. They also tackle the challenge course for one day. Wednesdays are camping at Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park. Extended day available for $75.
WOLVES
Entering Grades 6-7
Join us for ten days of adventure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, learning about the natural world around us! Participants will step into the shoes of ecologists, geologists, and wildlife biologists, as they spend four days exploring Grand Teton National Park lodging at the historic Kelly Campus and four days of front-country camping in Yellowstone National Park. On foot, by canoe, and on belay, soaring on our high ropes course, students will make lasting friendships and memories, while practicing science in our breathtaking ecosystem. Please note that this program requires students to carry a day pack (~10 lbs) for approximately 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain each day.
- Dates: July 24 – August 2
- Times: Overnight Program
- Cost: $1985
- Capacity: 20 campers
BEARS
Entering Grades 8-9
Join us for ten days of adventure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, learning about the natural world around us! Participants will step into the shoes of ecologists, geologists, hydrologists, wildlife biologists, and conservation leaders, as they spend four days front-country exploring Grand Teton National Park lodging at the historic Kelly Campus and four days backcountry backpacking in scenic Grand Teton National Park. On foot, and by canoe, students will make lasting friendships and memories, while practicing science in our breathtaking ecosystem. Please note that this program requires students to carry a ~40 lbs pack for approximately 15 miles total over multiple days on uneven terrain.
- Dates: July 15 – July 24
- Times: Overnight Program
- Cost: $1985
- Capacity: 20 campers
JACKSON HOLE SCIENCE EXPEDITION
Entering Grades 10-12
Become part of a historic legacy by joining the program that started Teton Science Schools in 1967! Immerse yourself in the study of the natural sciences in one of the most beautiful and ecologically complex wilderness areas in North America. Alongside knowledgeable instructors you will sharpen your analytical thinking and scientific skills then conduct field-research projects through hands-on exploration of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Your experience culminates with a backpacking trip in Jackson Hole. The program and lodging is based at the Kelly Campus in Grand Teton National Park along with 5 nights front-country camping and 4 nights backcountry camping. 26 days, 25 nights.
- Dates: July 1 – July 24
- Times: Overnight Program
- Cost: $6155
- Capacity: 20 campers
