Our journey begins bright and early in Frederick, MD, where campers and guides meet to carpool to the airport. After our flight to Bozeman, MT, we’ll stock up on supplies and head into Gardiner—the historic gateway to Yellowstone. Once we check into our cozy cabins at the Buffalo Ranch (a unique spot not open to the public!), we’ll share a hearty dinner and head out for our very first wildlife-spotting adventure. Bison, elk, or maybe even a bear could make an appearance!

It’s time to dive into Yellowstone’s iconic landscapes. We’ll explore the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, spot herds of bison in Hayden Valley, see bubbling mud pots at Mud Volcano, and take in the beauty of Yellowstone Lake. Along the way, campers will learn how Yellowstone became the world’s first national park and why it sits atop a massive supervolcano.

Today is all about geothermal wonders! Campers will get up close to some of Yellowstone’s most famous features: Old Faithful, the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring, the bubbling Fountain Paint Pots, and the steaming slopes of Roaring Mountain. Our young scientists will discover how geology shapes the land—and why Yellowstone is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

We’ll rise before dawn to catch the sunrise over Hellroaring Creek, a magical moment few get to see. From there, we’ll head out in search of Yellowstone’s apex predators: wolves, bears, and eagles. A special stop awaits—an original wolf acclimation pen from the historic 1995 Wolf Reintroduction Project, where pups were first born in the park. This is a rare opportunity to learn about Yellowstone’s wildlife conservation up close.

Time to put our learning into action! Campers will work on hands-on STEM projects inspired by their week—wildlife observation data, geology notes, and ecology lessons all come together in fun, creative challenges. In the evening, if the skies are clear, we’ll return to the park for an unforgettable stargazing session. With no city lights, the night sky reveals the Milky Way in dazzling clarity—a moment campers will never forget.

After breakfast, we’ll pack up, say goodbye to our cabins, and make our way back to Bozeman for our flight home. By evening, campers will return to Frederick, MD—tired but full of stories, new friends, and lifelong memories.

Important Notes:

While we do everything possible to follow the schedule, Yellowstone is wild country! Weather, wildlife, and trail conditions can bring surprises. Flexibility is part of the adventure, and our professional guides are trained to make every day safe, fun, and unforgettable.