Dear CTY families,

We are delighted to invite you on a journey to the northwest corner of Wyoming, one of our nation's most spectacular natural regions. The beauty of this area cannot be explained in words. With its soaring peaks, curving rivers, waterfalls and impressive wildlife, it must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Planned in collaboration with Teton Science Schools, this family adventure will connect you to the wonders of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, each rich in its unique topography and ecology. Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the fields of biology, ecology, and geology. You will be amazed by Grand Teton National Park, whose majestic mountain range, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife contribute to one of the United States’ most breathtaking natural treasures. Equally unforgettable are the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as America's first national park. Geysers, hot springs, and canyons are sure to amaze you, along with a host of wildlife including bears, wolves, elk, and bison. Families will experience Yellowstone in darkness as two nights are planned in one of the park's campgrounds. Your other seven nights will be spent on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools. Located less than two miles from the town of Jackson, Wyoming, the nearly 900-acre campus is in an open and somewhat secluded valley surrounded by creeks, ponds, aspen, and conifer habitats. While not on expeditions to the parks, you are welcome to explore the beautiful surroundings. We hope you will join us for this exceptional experience, organized exclusively for CTY families. Space is limited, so register soon to ensure your family's place on this exciting educational adventure.

Program Itinerary

Friday, August 3: Arrival and Welcome Welcome to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Families arrive and get settled at the Teton Science Schools’ Jackson Campus. Activities for the day include orientation to the Teton Science Schools, dinner, and an evening introductory lecture about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (D)

Teton Science School Jackson Campus is nestled on a 900-acre site comprised of creeks, ponds, aspen, conifer and sage habitats.

Saturday, August 4: What Shapes this Place? The geology of the Grand Teton area consists of some of the oldest rocks and one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America. Our first full day in Grand Teton National Park includes a hike at the base of the Tetons while learning about the forces that shape this area, along with a visit to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitors Center where we will explore the themes of place, people, preservation and mountaineering. In the evening, families will have the opportunity to try out the low elements of Teton Science Schools’ Doug Walker Challenge Course, an outdoor, experiential obstacle course on the Jackson Campus. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (B,L,D)

Sunday, August 5: Canoe Exploration Today, we will consider the role water plays in the ecosystem during a canoe trip on String Lake in Grand Teton National Park where we will discuss water resources and watershed science. In the afternoon, we will visit Teton Science Schools’ Murie Ranch campus, where renowned conservationists and naturalists Olaus and Mardy Murie lived, and explore the important connection between nature and the human spirit. In the evening, we will prepare for the upcoming camping trip. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (B,L,D)

Monday, August 6: Life in the Extreme This morning, we will travel north to begin our three-day adventure in Yellowstone National Park. Families will explore geothermal features in the park with stops at Old Faithful and afternoon options to explore Grand Prismatic and Mystic Falls. In the evening, we set up camp, walk along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, and sleep under a star-filled sky with the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon. You may know your constellations, but under a Yellowstone sky, the constellations are a few stars among thousands filling the heavens. Lodging: Yellowstone National Park campsite in tents provided by Teton Science Schools (B,L,D)

Tuesday, August 7: Wildlands and Wildlife After a night in the great outdoors, rise early for a wildlife adventure in Lamar Valley, the best location in the world to witness wild bears, wolves, bison, and pronghorn in their natural environment. Afternoon stops will include Trout Lake and an exploration of the Tower Falls area to learn about the caldera formed by the super volcano that powers the geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles of Yellowstone National Park before returning to camp for dinner around the campfire and another night under the stars. Lodging: Yellowstone National Park campsite in tents provided by Teton Science Schools (B,L,D)

Wednesday, August 8: Grand Canyon Our day will be spent exploring some of the wonders of Yellowstone National Park— panoramic points along Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone including Upper Yellowstone Falls, Lower Yellowstone Falls, and Artist Point. Later in the day, travel back to the Jackson Campus and enjoy a live musical performance after two nights of camping. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (B,L,D)

Thursday, August 9: Take to the Sky Today we take to the sky. First, we travel to 10,450 feet, more than 4,000 feet above the floor of Jackson Hole aboard the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. At the top of the tram, discover the unique alpine community of the Tetons. In the afternoon, we head to the Doug Walker Challenge Course high elements for an afternoon of fun competition. In the evening, families are free to head into the quaint town of Jackson Hole to explore. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (B,L)

Friday, August 10: Inspiration and Science We’ll be inspired many ways today. First, on a hike that combines the beauty of Jenny Lake, the spectacular cascading water of Hidden Falls, and the panoramic views of Inspiration Point. Second, by the conservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey at the Teton Raptor Center, where over 130 injured birds per year are cared for at the rehabilitation facility, and finally, through a lecture by a local scientist on important, current environmental issues facing the Tetons. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (B,L,D) Saturday, August 11: Perspectives on Place Today brings a mixture of natural and cultural exploration of Grand Teton National Park, offering alternative perspectives on place. Participants will engage in a citizen science project focused on pika behavior, habitat, and climate change. The data collected will be used by local agencies to study the effects of changes in climate on pika communities. We’ll visit the Teton Science Schools’ Kelly Campus and hike along Ditch Creek, visit the Murie Museum’s extensive specimen collection, and explore Mormon Row’s historic and iconic cabins and barns. Mormon Row was among the first communities when settlers arrived in the 1890s from Idaho. The evening will include dinner at Dornan’s in Grand Teton National park with views of the Teton Range and a relaxing float trip on the Snake River. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (B,L,D)

Sunday, August 12: Celebration and Departure Following a week of invigorating scientific exploration and discovery, families depart this morning after breakfast and a slideshow of the program’s adventures! (B)

Program Information Trip length: 10 days Cost per person: $2,990 Program includes:

• Accommodations for seven nights at Teton Science Schools' Jackson Campus and two nights camping in Yellowstone National Park. Rooms in the Jackson Campus facility are modern and comfortable with private bath.

• All meals as indicated on itinerary. Accommodations will gladly be made for dietary needs. • Travel in small groups with Teton Science Schools’ professional educational staff. • All activities, park and museum entrance fees, and campground fees. • Land transport during the program. • Camping equipment.

Not included in tour price:

• Airfare and other transportation to and from Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools at the start and end of the program.

• Travel Insurance. • Personal expenses such as laundry, fax/phone/email charges, souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages.

Program Notes All prices listed are in U.S. dollars. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed price and itinerary as described, they are subject to modifications due to availability of services. Rates are per person. Single supplements may be available. All reservations are subject to CTY Policies, Terms and Conditions found on our website at www.cty.jhu.edu/family/travel.