Program Overview

Geology Field Camp Program

The Geology Field Camp program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in geological mapping and field techniques.

Program Fees

The estimated basic costs for the program are as follows:

• Tuition: $1,927.50
• Study Abroad Fee: $150.00
• Transportation Fee: $900.00
• Room and Board at YBRA and University of Montana-Western: $1,650.00
• Total Cost: $4,627.50

Notes Concerning Costs

• Tuition is for Illinois residents and non-residents and is based on six semester hours of credit.
• Fees for items or services other than transportation are not charged for this course.
• SIU students pay a lower tuition depending on the year they enrolled at the university.
• The total basic cost estimate does not include the price of travel to Red Lodge, Montana, mandatory medical insurance, camping equipment, personal items, entertainment, and meals not provided by YBRA and UM-W.

Financial Assistance

• Department Stipends: The operation of the course relies on students volunteering to drive vans, assist in moving course equipment, clean common areas, and other responsibilities as identified by the instructors.
• Scholarships and Loans: Students may apply for financial aid through their university and, if necessary, SIU will certify an individual's enrollment in the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation

• SIU will provide transportation from Billings airport to Red Lodge on the Sunday preceding the beginning of field camp, starting at 2 pm.

Laundry facilities and clothing

• The small town of Red Lodge has two coin-operated laundromats.
• No need to bring your own detergent, you will be able to buy it in Red Lodge.
• Red Lodge is about 15 minutes driving time from the YBRA camp where we will be staying.
• Typically students do their laundry during their day off when they go to town as a group.

Cell phones and wi-fi

• The YBRA camp is out of town and reception can be tricky depending on your carrier.
• Regarding wi-fi, the dish system we have at the field camp is for the exclusive use of faculty and camp staff.

Other FAQs

• Are we camping in South Dakota (on the drive to field camp)? No, we will have hotel reservations.
• Are we staying in the same bunks the entire time at Red Lodge? Yes.
• Could we begin our drive out to camp a day earlier? No, it would add unnecessary cost to the trip.
• What is the recommended amount of stuff to bring? As little as possible.
• Where can we do laundry once we leave Red Lodge? Grand Tetons, and Dillon, about every 5-6 days.
• What clothes should be worn in the field? Jeans are not ideal, quick-dry tear proof pants are recommended.
• How much water should we bring every day? 4 L/person is recommended.
• What are we doing for food while camping? We will be able to stop at convenience stores and restaurants.
• What are we bringing out in the field while mapping? Rain Jacket, walkie-talkie, map board, water, Brunton, acid, colored pencils, lunch, hand lens, small first aid kit, etc.
• What gear do we bring? Day pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, duffle bag, tent.
• How many write in the rain field books should we bring? Depends on how often/how many notes you take.
• What kind of day packs should we bring? Ones without frames.
• Can we bring a pillow? Yes.
• Should we bring blankets to Red Lodge? To save space you can use your sleeping bags.
• How cold does it get at night? It will get quite cold, but rarely below freezing.
• How frequently do we see bears? It is very possible we will see bears, they are attracted to human scents.
• What kind of shampoo should we bring? Unscented will help keep insects away.
• Do we need any books or field guides? Yes, Basic Geological Mapping, 5th Edition by Richard J. Lisle, Peter Brabham, John W. Barnes.
• If a person cannot drive on the way out to Montana, could they still drive during field camp? Yes, but they must turn in a driver request form.
• How much spending money should we bring? Roughly $300-400 for food and souvenirs works well for most.
• Lunches: During this camp, students prepare their own sack lunch before breakfast at YBRA or Birch Creek.