Overnight Field Trip Opportunities
Each year Challenge to Excellence offers overnight field trips for middle school students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. Overnight field trips are an extension of our S.T.E.A.M. programming, offering students an opportunity to learn outside of the classroom in a safe and secure environment alongside their peers and teachers.
Click Overnight Field Trip 25_26 Slide Show to view the Overnight Field Trip presentation.
8th Grade / MS Trip (Washington, D.C. 2026)
Registration opens: OPEN NOW
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- Travel Dates: 5/11/2026 – 5/15/2026
- Grades: 6th, 7th and 8th grade students
- Early Registration Price: $1,997 * (until 9/12/2025)
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- Fees paid directly to Grand Classroom
- Regular Price: $2,147 * (after 9/12/2025)
- Adult Price: $2647.00 * per adult
- Deadline for registration and final payment – 12/23/2025
- Length of Trip: 5 days
- Min Travelers needed: 25 Paid Traveler(s)
- Full refund if minimum not met
- Private trip with personal tour guide
* All inclusive: Transportation, Lodging, Admission to all Activities, and Food
Washington, D.C. – Trip Highlights
- Explore Mount Vernon, the home and resting place of George Washington
- Explore the Smithsonian Complex, including the African American Museum of History and Culture
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery and see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Visit Capitol Hill: the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court and Library of Congress
- Visit Washington, D.C.’s historic memorials and monuments
Questions? Contact: Rachael Williford ([email protected])
Grade 6 – Stone Canyon Outdoor EDVentures
Stone Canyon Outdoor EdVentures is located at 6,800 feet elevation, nestled in a canyon along the Rampart Range, and is located just 40 minutes south of C2E. Students experience the wonders of science, cultivate problem-solving skills and teamwork, and embrace the beauty of the great outdoors. Our students delve into scientific exploration in real-world settings, immersing themselves in the study of energy resources, aerodynamics, fire and forest ecology, animal survival, and freshwater biology. In addition to these enriching experiences, they embark on high ropes challenges, master the art of archery, conquer thrilling escape rooms, and zoom along exhilarating zip lines. Visit Stone Canyon Outdoor EdVenture website
Lodging:
Students are divided into two spacious on-site cabins, with gender-based accommodations. Each cabin consists of four bunk rooms, accommodating 8-16 students in each. Both cabins offer the convenience of private bathrooms and showers, ensuring comfort and privacy. Additionally, these cabins are equipped with heating, electricity, and modern indoor plumbing facilities.
- Estimated Travel Dates: November 3-5, 2025
- Estimated Cost: $410/student (paid via MySchoolBucks)
- Length of trip: 3 days (2 nights)
- Grades: 6th grade students
- Registration opens: OPEN NOW
- REGISTER FOR STONE CANYON
- Overnight Field Trip Behavior Contract
- Fees will be invoiced in MySchoolBucks after the Stone Canyon Registration is completed
- Registration deadline: October 6, 2025
- Fee deadline: October 10, 2025 (on MySchoolBucks)
Questions? Contact: Rachael Williford ([email protected])
Grade 7 – Keystone Science School
At an elevation of 9,200 feet, Keystone Science School’s campus is nestled in Colorado’s Snake River Valley. The 23-acre campus is built on the site of the Old Keystone Village, a former railroad and sawmill site, which supported silver and gold mining. Today, majestic mountain ranges provide a dynamic setting for learning. C2E 7th grade students, accompanied by middle school staff attend Keystone Science School programs and use local trails as outdoor classrooms to provide students with hands-on learning experiences. Students only need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and clothes for the program and KSS will take care of the rest. All meals, instruction, and lodging are covered within the program costs.
Visit the Keystone Science School Website
Lodging:
Students will stay in one of our log-style dormitories, featuring bunk beds, restrooms with showers, and a community space. There are two dormitories, Bighorn Dorm and the Henry Dorm. Both dorms are located right in the center of campus near Rives Dining Hall. Each room sleeps four to five students and there are eight rooms in each dorm. Chaperones stay in a room with bunk-beds off of the community space. Take a virtual tour of our dorms.
- Trip Dates: March 30, 2026 – April 1, 2026
- Trip Cost: $340/student (paid via MySchoolBucks)
- Length of Trip: 3 days (2 nights)
- Grade: 7th grade students only
- Registration opens: OPEN NOW
- Keystone Science School Waiver
- Overnight Field Trip Behavior Contract
- Fees will be invoiced in MySchoolBucks after the Keystone Science School Waiver is completed
- Limited Registration
- Reserve your spot ASAP
- Registration Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Fee Deadline: February 2, 2026 (on MySchoolBucks)
Questions? Contact: Jason Doell ([email protected])
