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.
Spring 2025 Sea Camp
Open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students Sea Camp in San Diego, CA offers an immersive experience into oceanography, marine life, fish adaptations, tidepools and more! Visit SeaCamp’s website.
Lodging:
Students will be housed in a traditional open style dorm equipped with bunk beds. We have two large dorm rooms, one for female students and one for male students. Students are assured 24-hour supervision by our SEACAMP Marine Science Instructors that spend the night in the dorms with the students. Students bring their own bottom sheets, sleeping bags and pillows. Adults staying onsite will be housed in the dorms with the students. Dorm space is limited to 31 participants of one gender and 25 participants of the other gender. These numbers should include any adults planning to stay onsite. Dorms are separated by a courtyard area, which encloses a safe space to play games and hang out, and provides a sunlit outdoor area for the tables for meals or alternate lab space. Bathrooms are across the courtyard with separate facilities for males and females. Each bathroom is equipped with toilet facilities and separate curtained showers.
- Estimated Travel Dates: May 27 – 30, 2025
- Estimated Cost: Approximately $1200 per student (includes the cost of airfare, transportation, meals, lodging, gear)
- Length of Trip: 4 days (3 nights)
- Grades: 6th, 7th and 8th grade students
Sample Itinerary:
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 4-6, 2024
- Estimated Cost: $350/student (paid via MySchoolBucks)
- Length of trip: 3 days (2 nights)
- Grades: 6th grade students
- Parent Info Meeting
- Field Trip Behavior Agreement
- REGISTER FOR STONE CANYON
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.
- Estimated Travel: January 29-31, 2025
- Estimated Cost: $400/student (paid via MySchoolBucks)
- Length of Trip: 3 days (2 nights)
- Grade: 7th grade students only
- Parent Info Meeting
- TBD
- Registration Deadline for all students: TBD
