Adventure starts here
High School Field trips
Dive into the wonders of nature and science on a field trip led by Catamount Institute. All our outdoor field trips include a factor of adventure while aligning with Colorado Department of Education Standards.
So many students, so little time! We are thrilled to be utilizing all of our resources to get as many kids outside as possible…unfortunately that means we are booked into August at the moment! Our Booking Calendar stretches a year ahead, so please see if any dates for the next 365 days meet your needs.
9-12 students
Learning beyond the classroom
Field trips are a fun and exciting opportunity for students to investigate our outdoor classroom for hands-on discovery and exploration. Catamount Institute offers pre-designed or custom field trips that are encouraging and inspiring for all students in our local natural areas. Our tailored curriculum supports classroom learning and a memory-filled experience with your class. See below for pre-designed field trip descriptions!
Pricing for field trips begins at $7.00 an hour/per student (minimum 20 students).
Now booking for the 2023-2024 school year! Book your field trip to hold a spot. No transportation? We can come to you!
*The booking is NOT final until confirmation from Catamount Institute staff.
All trips are a minimum of 20 students and a maximum of 80 students. Bookings are based on staff availability at that time. Each tentative reservation will be reviewed by Catamount Staff. You will be contacted at least a month in advance on the status of your booking.
High School Grades
H2 Woah!
Explore the watershed and water systems of the Pikes Peak Region! Learn about Colorado Springs unique water systems and how to test water quality, observe the water process and human impacts, and learn what we can do to protect our water sources. They will explore how our water system affects and is affected by patterns and systems throughout the world through the water cycle. Students will be challenged to think of solutions to potential and current issues, have an increased understanding of how humans and nature are connected, and leave with the knowledge to help our city grow sustainably.
Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
Locations: Catamount Institute at Sondermann Park, Catamount Institute at Catamount Mountain Campus, a park or natural area near your school with access to water. Note: Driving Distance may affect program cost.
Colorado 2020 science standards:
- HS - S. 3 - GLE. 6.
- The planet’s dynamics are greatly influenced by water’s unique chemical and physical properties.
- HS - S. 3 - GLE. 9.
- Resource availability has guided the development of human society and use of natural resources has associated costs, risks, and benefits.
Becoming Field Ecologists
Have you ever wondered what it is like to investigate how our ecosystems function, respond to threats, and change over time? Join us to experience a day in the life of an ecologist. Students will learn about the dynamic nature of our montane forests and critical water systems through hands-on research modules. In small groups, students will get to investigate water quality using various survey techniques, climate records through tree boring and dendrochronology, and soil systems through soil cores and analysis. Leave the site with a data set to bring back to your classroom for further analysis!
Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
Location: Catamount Institute at Sondermann Park, Catamount Institute at Catamount Mountain Campus, or a park or natural area near your school with access to water. Note: Driving Distance may affect program cost.
Colorado 2020 science standards:
- HS - S. 2 - GLE. 4.
- Organisms interact with the living and nonliving components of the environment to obtain matter and energy.
- HS - S. 2 - GLE. 13.
- Humans have complex interactions with ecosystems and have the ability to influence biodiversity on the planet.
Outdoor Stewards
What does it mean to be a steward? Discover the impact you can have on our community during our environmental stewardship field trip, which will provide teens the opportunity to see firsthand the difference they can make. We can focus on environmental issues that matter to your students in our local area, such as access to clean water, wildfire mitigation, and/or the conservation of quality urban green spaces. The service component of the program can include water cleanup and conservation, trash cleanup in a local park or school area, and/or trail building. By fostering a connection to nature teens can be empowered to use their voice and advocate for changes they want to see. These lessons go beyond the outdoors.
Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
Location: Catamount Institute at Sondermann, Aiken Canyon Preserve (limited spots available per school year), a park or natural area near your school, or at your school. Note: Driving Distance may affect program cost.
Colorado 2020 science standards:
- HS - S. 2 - GLE. 13.
- Humans have complex interactions with ecosystems and have the ability to influence biodiversity on the planet.
- HS - S. 3 - GLE. 11.
- Sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources, including the development of technologies.
Outside Recreation
Colorado Springs’ proximity to many local open spaces and regional parks allows for awesome outdoor adventures. Join us for a fun outdoor recreation experience for all outdoor comfort levels! We will explore the local flora and fauna and learn how to recreate in the wilderness of Colorado knowledgeably. These recreation opportunities can include, but are not limited to, a hike in Sondermann Park, partner with Kids on Bikes for a bike course, or learn from our local park rangers as they guide a hike through one of the many open spaces.
Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
Location: Catamount Institute at Sondermann, Aiken Canyon Preserve (limited spots available per school year), a park or natural area near your school, or at your school. Note: Driving Distance may affect program cost.
Benefits beyond the standards:
- Movement competence & understanding
- Physical & personal wellness
- Expanding zones of comfort
Teen Leadership
The outdoors is an ideal location to challenge one’s leadership and teamwork abilities. Students will engage in a series of activities designed to enhance their leadership, communication, and team-building skills. Get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and have fun with us for our leadership and team development course!
Season: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Locations: Catamount Institute at Sondermann Park, Catamount Institute at Catamount Mountain Campus, Aiken Canyon Preserve (limited spots available per school year), a park or natural area near your school, or at your school. Note: Driving Distance may affect program cost.
Benefits beyond the standards:
- Movement competence
- Physical & personal wellness
- Team-building & social-emotional wellness
