Education theorists agree that when a student is immersed in an experience (rather than simply being told about something) the lessons learned become that much richer and more deeply ingrained. Just imagine the results when your classroom is Yellowstone Park! Each year, the Yellowstone Association Institute offers a variety of course work for individuals and families taught by experienced park guides, college professors, expert scientists and other individuals more than qulaified in their fields.
You might want to consider the Lodging & Learning choice in the Yellowstone for Families project this summer. Designed for families of four persons (two adults and two children), the deal takes care of you for four days and four nights, in any of four identical programs running between June 1 and September 2, 2003. The price is $1,756 per family, which works out to just under $110 per person, per night.
The program is designed for families with children aged 8 to 12, but kids of all ages can participate. The maximum group size is 13. There are four programs: two at Mammoth Hot Springs and two based at Grant Village. Most sessions begin on Sundays of each week (and runs through Thursdays) and are rated easy, with one- to three-mile hikes and walks. The Mammoth program that begins on Thursdays (and runs through Mondays) is rated moderate, with three- to five-mile hikes and walks.
A Yellowstone Association Institute guide/naturalists leads you in activities such as animal tracking, wildlife watching, photography, educational videos, painting and hiking. Kids will complete the requirements of the National Park Service's Junior Ranger Program, presented by a park ranger on the last day in a ceremony.
In addition to lodging and instruction, the package includes other activities, breakfast and box lunch daily per person, in-park van transport and optional evening programs. The price does not include taxes and gratuities.
The institute offers a variety of other seminars year-round including field experiences to learn about the parts various species--elk, bison, grizzly bears, wolves, ravens and more--play in the park's ecological system, approaches to wildlife photography and trail hiking. A full catalogue of courses is available online, or you can requested a printed catalogue be mailed to you.
For more information and to make reservations, phone 307/344-5566. For more details on the Association, go to www.yellowstoneassociation.org or phone them at 307/344-2293.