Western Geology Field Camp
Currently only Western students are able to apply for field camp spring/summer quarters. Spring field camp accepts 20 applicants and Summer field camp accepts 30 applicants.
Prerequisites
Physical Geology (211 or 101 & 211A), Earth History (212), Structural Geology (318), Petrology (406), Stratigraphy & Sedimentation (415). (Note that although a field methods course is not required, basic knowledge such as use of a Brunton compass, pacing, topographic maps, etc. is expected.)
Tuition
|
|
Resident |
Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition (estimated as of Spring '23) |
$2353 |
$8322 |
|
Fees |
$636.62 |
$636.62 |
|
Department Fee (includes transportation/camping costs) |
$900 |
$900 |
|
Estimated Food Costs (rough estimate – depends on group and types of food) |
$15-20 per day |
$15-20 per day |
|
|
Resident |
Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition (estimated as of Summer '23) |
$3480 |
$5532 |
|
Fees |
$549.56 |
$549.56 |
|
Department Fee (includes transportation/camping costs) |
$900 |
$900 |
|
Estimated Food Costs (rough estimate – depends on group and types of food) |
$15-20 per day |
$15-20 per day |
Tuition and fees are published by Western's Student Business Office. Please contact SBO with questions about tuition and fees.
Field Camp Awards and Scholarships
There are some scholarships that are specific to assisting students with field camp costs. Please check them out if you need financial assistance for field camp or a field study course.
- J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarship - For undergraduate students to attend summer field camp. Students will be awarded $2,000 each to attend the field camp of their choice. Based on diversity, economic/financial need, and merit. Application deadline is at the end of March.
- Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG) - Beardsley-Kuper Field Camp Scholarship Fund, deadline is February of each year.
- NAGT scholarship - or field study for all students. Application deadline February of each year.
- GSA/ExxonMobil Field Camp Scholar Award - summer field camp assistance
- The Geology Department provides 1-2 small scholarships to help defray field camp costs. This scholarship is for any field course and is based on merit and need. Write a short paragraph explaining why (academically and personally) you deserve this scholarship. Deadlines will be announced at pre-trip meetings.
Other Field Camp Opportunities: Please note if you decide to attend a field camp from another institution or institute you must clear it through the Department Chair.
Field Camp Instructors
Spring Quarter
Dr. Colin Amos, Dr. Sean Mulcahy
Summer Quarter
Dr. Bernie Housen, Dr. Doug Clark, Dr. Brady Foreman, Dr. Sean Mulcahy
Accommodations
100% tent camping. Groups of 3-5 will be formed for cooking purposes. Campground costs will be paid out of fees, together with transportation costs and other group expenses. Food costs are borne by each student. You must provide your own camping/cooking gear, although often students "buddy up" in small tent groups to save money.
Conditions/ Preparedness
This is a rigorous field mapping course; you must be in good physical condition to participate. Although no technical skills are necessary, some field locations require hiking on steep terrain at high elevation (up to 11,000 feet). Others may require working in hot, dry conditions (occasional daytime temperatures can reach 105 degrees F; average temperatures 70-95 degrees F). Snow conditions are not unusual during spring field camp.
Locations
Spring
Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah (Subject to change depending on instructor)
Summer
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon (Subject to change depending on instructor)