Field camp is located in the Bighorn Basin of northern Wyoming and southern Montana.
We are based out of Northwest College in Powell, WY and Mickelson Field Station. The
trip will also include travel through Yellowstone and Teton National Parks.
The weather in Wyoming is quite variable. The weather may be very hot and dry or cool
and rainy. It is not uncommon for it to even snow in June. Therefore, you will pack
for many weather possibilities.
Transportation is provided to/from Wichita, KS and for all exercises in the Bighorn
Basin, as well as camping trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
During camp, students must use university-sponsored transportation for travel (24-7).
Unless directed, there is no personal vehicle use during camp.
Students may arrange other means of transportation to/from camp (airline, personal
car, bus, etc). Please coordinate your travels with Dr. Parcell.
Students not using department transportation to/from camp are responsible for all
travel-related costs. The field course officially begins at the Northwest College
in Powell, WY.
Coordinate air travel to/from the camp with Dr. Parcell.
All arrivals at camp should be into Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, WY.
We will pick up students from airport.
Departure from camp depends on choice of participation in final four-day camping trip
to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
If participating in final four-day camping trip, you must fly out of: Jackson Hole, WY airport (JAC). Check with Dr. Parcell on date and time.
If not participating in final four-day camping trip, you must fly out of Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, WY on the evening of the last day at Mickelson Field Station. Check with Dr. Parcell
on date and time.
Students should bring 1 backpack, 1 duffel bag, 1 sleeping bag and mat. No external
frame rigid packs. A complete list of required and recommended gear can be found HERE.
Yes! Camp is both physically and emotionally demanding. You will be required to submit
a doctors note indicating cardiovascular health. If you have any concerns about your
physical abilities and health issues, please address with Dr. Parcell before and during camp.
Northwest College and the field station will provide a variety of meals types for
breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have special dietary needs, you must the field
camp instructor know before camp so campus dining facilities can try to accommodate.
Food preparation during camping is a group activity. Individuals with special dietary
requirements or preferences should individually obtain necessary food during trips
to grocery stores during camping days. However, because food preparation is a group
activity, it is expected that all students will participate in meal preparation and
cleanup.
Camp fee is underwritten in part by the Woolsey Family Fund for Geology Field Camp,
translating into a ~$2000 scholarship for each participating student.
This fee covers transportation, staffing, lodging, supplies, meals, and equipment.
The fee will be adjusted depending on enrollment, transportation and housing fees.
I will let you know as soon as I can calculate final costs.
After confirming with Dr. Parcell that you are allowed to enroll in the class, registration
and payment of tuition for summer courses is usually available starting in early April
see the university website for summer registration instructions.
Non-WSU students will need to first apply to WSU as a non-degree undergraduate 鈥淐ollege
Guest.鈥� Once admitted to the university, you will be assigned a student ID and you
will be able to enroll in the class and pay tuition.
Field camp involves strenuous hiking and physical activity at high elevations and
low humidity. You will feel the effects of higher altitudes (>6000 ft) during your
first days at field camp.
Limited access to specific medical and dietary needs. Be sure to bring and pack daily
needed food and medicine.
There are time in the field that we may be far from a hospital. Over an hour away
is not uncommon for certain field sites.
A physicians note indicating cardiovascular health is required for camp.
Health insurance is required.
If you have a history of cardiac or pulmonary problems, physical, emotional, or mental
disabilities you must inform the field camp director. Field camp is physically and
emotionally demanding.
We will be conducting field exercises, including hiking, off trail and at high elevations
(>6000ft). Field days are long and your performance will be effected if you cannot
cover the field project areas.
Students in good physical condition are able to complete the course without difficulty.
Students in poor physical health or condition will have a difficult time completing
the field exercises.
Smoking during field work is strongly discouraged. It will diminish your ability to
hike, climb, and perform field activities that demand an increased level of oxygen
processing. All the more difficult at higher elevations!
