The Big History Project of The Tetons
Outdoor Trip Dates: July 19–24, 2026
Virtual / Hybrid / In-Person Coursework Dates: Mid-June–July 17, 2026
Who Can Attend: Rising 9-12th graders
Cost (class and trip): $1,050
Cost (class or trip only): $575 (Trip is limited to 12 students)
Registration Link: RIS Summer 2026 BHP, Trip Only
Registration closes: June 12, 2026
How do stars, microbes, ice ages, language, wolves, and the Grand Tetons all fit into one enormous story? This program combines a summer high school course with a six-day, five-night expedition to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Grand Teton National Park. Through the lens of Big History, students explore the story of the universe from the Big Bang to the modern Anthropocene, investigating ideas from cosmology, geology, biology, human history, and environmental change. Students examine the eight “Thresholds of Complexity,” asking how new conditions allowed stars, planets, life, humans, agriculture, civilization, and the modern world to emerge. The course includes virtual coursework, in-person meetings, student discussion, inquiry projects, and possible off-campus learning experiences. During the outdoor expedition, students hike, camp, and connect Big History to the Tetons themselves: the stars that formed the elements, the geological forces that built the mountains, the ice ages that shaped the valleys, and the human and ecological communities that live there. Students document their learning through notebooks, reflections, photos, and a final “Little Big History Project.” Students who complete the full course earn one Humanities high school credit.
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.
