The Big History Project of The Tetons
Virtual (A-Synchronous) Dates: June 22-26, 2026
In-Person, Classroom Dates: July 6-17, 2026 (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-1:30pm)
Outdoor Trip Dates: July 19-24, 2026
Who Can Attend: Rising 9-12th graders (Limited to 12 students)
Cost (class and trip): $1,050
Cost (trip only): $575
Registration Link: CLASS AND TRIP, TRIP ONLY
Registration closes: June 12, 2026
This program, designed for students with a range of hiking abilities, begins with a three-week high school course and culminates in a six-day, five-night expedition to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Grand Teton National Park. Students hike, camp, and explore a rugged landscape while building outdoor skills, teamwork, and independence. Through the lens of Big History, students investigate questions spanning cosmic, geological, biological, and human time—from the stars that formed the elements of these mountains to Indigenous histories and modern conservation challenges. Students also complete a “Little Big History Project,” tracing an object’s story from deep time to the Big Bang. The classroom component introduces Big History’s interdisciplinary framework, key concepts like Goldilocks conditions and collective learning, and “claim testers” such as evidence and logic to explore how knowledge is created and evaluated.
Rock Climbing Camp
Spring Dates: March 25-27, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Summer Dates: June 9-11, 2026, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Who Can Attend: Grades 4-12
Cost: $225 Limited to 10 Participants
Registration Link: Idaho Mountain Guides *Select March 25 or June 9 when Registering
The Boise Black Cliffs are perfect for the ultimate kids climbing camps. We will introduce the kids to face climbing, crack climbing, and bouldering. This camp is designed to provide beginning and intermediate climbers with an incredible experience and to provide as much climbing knowledge as possible over three days. Our guides will work with every camper to ensure they have a positive experience. It is all about climbing and moving on the rock every single day. The curriculum includes learning the equipment, establishing belays, building anchors, and safety.
Idaho Mountain Guides camps teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills as the campers learn more about how to climb. Climbing with friends is a great way to strengthen relationships and build trust. We encourage this. Learning together is fun and helps a great deal as our kids develop.
Elementary School Mountain Bike Camp
Dates: June 16-19, 2026
Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Who Can Attend: Grades 1-5
Cost: $150 Limited to 8 Participants
Registration Link: Bike Camp
Derek and Morgan’s elementary school mountain bike camp is a fun, confidence-building adventure designed especially for elementary school students who love to ride, explore, and play outside. Each day, campers learn basic mountain biking skills, trail safety, and teamwork through games, guided rides, and hands-on coaching in a supportive, age-appropriate environment. With a focus on fun first, kids build balance, coordination, and confidence while discovering local trails and making new friends. Whether your child is new to trails or already loves to ride, this camp offers an exciting way to stay active, grow skills, and look forward to every day on two wheels. Students must have strong biking skills and be confident in starting riding on their own, confident braking skills, and good balance. Each day parents will drop off and pick up students and bikes at designated trailheads. Usually 2 days at the Military Reserve and 2 days at Camelsback Park
Summer Backpacking – Boulder Chain Lakes
Dates: July 10-15, 2026
Who Can Attend: Grades 8-12
Cost: $500 Limited to 10 Participants
Registration Link: Summer Backpacking
Join John Scripps and Derek Wright for an unforgettable Riverstone backpacking adventure to Idaho’s stunning Boulder Chain Lakes, where crystal-clear alpine water, dramatic granite peaks, and wide-open skies create the perfect setting for challenge and discovery. This trip is designed for incoming Grade 8 to Grade 12 students who want to push themselves, build confidence, and connect with friends while hiking and camping in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the state. Along the way, students will learn essential backpacking skills, practice Leave No Trace ethics, and experience the pride that comes from carrying their own gear and reaching remote lakes on foot. From swimming and exploring during the day to campfire conversations and star-filled nights, the Boulder Chain Lakes trip promises growth, adventure, and memories that last long after the trail ends.
