

Yellowstone & Grand Teton
WILDLIFE OF THE WEST
A 14-Day Wildlife & Environmental Conservation Program






Yellowstone & Grand Teton

Program Details
Dates: | June 14 – June 27, 2021 July 1 – July 14, 2021 July 18 – July 31, 2021 |
Duration: | 14 days |
Tuition: | $4,095* |
Arrive: | Jackson |
Depart: | Jackson |
Grade: | 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th (Students Grouped According to Age) |
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Program Highlights
- Partner with Local Conservation Organizations to Understand the Important Issues Affecting Native Wolf and Grizzly Bear Populations of Yellowstone National Park
- Discover the Incredible History of Yellowstone, America’s First National Park, and Explore Iconic sites such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring
- Tackle the Class II and III Rapids While Whitewater Rafting the Scenic Snake River
- Explore Grand Teton National Park and Discover Wildflower-filled Meadows and Turquoise Alpine Lakes
- Stand Up Paddle Board across an Alpine Lake with the Incredible Teton Range as Your Backdrop
- Learn about “America’s Greatest Idea”, the National Park System, and Examine the Increased Use of Public Lands
- Visit the Famous Teton Raptor Center to Learn About Birds of Prey and Important Conservation of these Native Predators
- Walk Inside the Yellowstone Caldera to Discover a World of Geysers, Hot Springs, and Bubbling Mud Pots
Program Overview
Discover the wonders of Yellowstone National Park and explore the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons while observing the wildlife that call these unique ecosystems home. Partner with local conservation organizations to learn about the reintroduction of native Gray Wolves and gain an understanding of the issues that center on wolf, bison, and grizzly populations in the region. Float the Snake River watching wildlife in their natural habitat and visit the Teton Raptor Center to get up close and personal with birds of prey. While whitewater rafting, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding through two of America’s most iconic wild spaces we examine important environmental and wildlife conservation issues confronting two of our most iconic national parks.
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Program Details
Welcome to Jackson, Wyoming & Grand Teton National Park
Our adventure begins in the adventure town of Jackson, WY nestled in the shadows of the stunning Teton Range and home to famed Jackson Hole resort. We quickly load into our 15-passenger van and make our way to our campground at the base of the incredible snow-capped peaks of the Tetons. Our first days are used to explore Jackson and Grand Teton National Park as we get acquainted with our new environment, learn about our camping gear, set goals for our adventure, and bond with our new friends.
Grizzly Bear & Wolf Conservation in Yellowstone National Park
Partnering with a local non-profit organization we immerse ourselves in the dynamic nature of Yellowstone National Park. From bubbling mud pots, spouting geysers, towering peaks, and wildlife-filled meadows we gain a deeper understanding of this awe-inspiring landscape through our guided explorations.
With the help of our conservation partners, we next dive into our focused animal conservation projects centered on Yellowstone’s most iconic megafauna, wolves, and grizzly bears. For our wolf recovery project, we take time tracking local wolf packs with our skilled rangers and observing their territories, behaviors, and studying abandoned wolf dens. We take a further dive into grizzly conservation in the National Park, shadowing specialists and interviewing rangers about the important roles of grizzlies and on-going threats to their populations. Before departing the park, we make sure to take time to explore the famous sights, hiking to unbelievable hot springs, observing herds of grazing bison, and make sure to stop at the famous Old Faithful geyser.
Whitewater Raft the Snake River
Continuing our exploration of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem by meeting up with local rafting guides and tackling the perfect beginner rapids of the beautiful Snake River. Gearing up with helmets and lifejackets, we learn important water safety and paddling techniques from our professional guides and then hop into our rafts for a day in the sun. Alternating between exciting rapids such as “Big Kahuna” and “Lunch Counter” and pools of slower water that allow us to search for local wildlife and take in unbelievable views of the Teton Range, our day is perfect for gaining a new perspective on this incredible landscape.
Explore the Tetons and the Teton Raptor Center
The snowcapped, jagged peaks of the Grand Teton Range provide the backdrop for our next adventure as we learn from Park Rangers about the geologic forces that shaped the majestic Teton Range, some of the youngest mountains in the world. We then explore the park’s rocky cliffs and canyons, swim in hidden alpine lakes, and lazily saunter through beautiful mountain meadows.
Our next stop is to the Teton Raptor Center where we learn about native birds of prey including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. We meet with a professional ornithologist, see these birds up close, and learn about the importance of raptors to the park’s ecosystem and how we can ensure their survival.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Our final activity takes place on stunning String Lake. Armed with paddles and lunch, we glide across the lake for our day’s adventure exploring coves and inlets lining the shore. At no more than three feet at the deepest, String Lake is the perfect place to perfect our paddle board skills, falls off the board and all. It is also the warmest lake in the park so swimming, splashing and fun are part of the adventure. Surrounded by towering peaks and hanging valleys, this experience in one of the most beautiful areas of the park is a great way to cap off our Teton adventure. We finish with ARCC’s traditional Final Feast meal and trip closing ceremonies before heading for home with memories that will be with us forever.
Common Questions
What is the weather like during our adventure?
The weather will vary throughout our journey depending on location and elevation. The best time to visit the Grand Teton and Yellowstone region is during the summer which consists of warm, dry days and cooler evenings.
Where do we sleep?
We will be camping for the duration of our adventure. You will sleep in tents in National Parks, State Parks, National Forest Service land, and private campsites. The majority of our campgrounds are “front-country,” meaning you will be close to the group’s van while camping. While at these “front-country” campgrounds, you will have restroom facilities and running water for drinking, cooking, and washing hands. Some campgrounds will also have showers on-site.
How will we travel?
Each group will travel together, with their two leaders, in a 15-passenger van and small trailer. The van and trailer will become the group’s home base throughout the program.
What is the food like?
Students are generally pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food on an ARCC program. The group will work together to create each unique menu and prepare the delicious meals throughout the duration of this trip, with occasional meals out at local restaurants on travel days. Vegetarian and other dietary limitations (i.e. allergies, food preferences) are easily catered for.
What are the service projects like?
ARCC has been operating programs in the U.S. for nearly four decades, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities, and organizations that enjoy hosting ARCC student groups each summer. On this program, we will partner National Park Rangers and local nonprofits to learn about important conservation issues and help conserve the natural habitat across various state and National Parks.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
While on this program you will not be completing a traditional backpacking trip, we do require each student to pack in either a backpack or duffle with shoulder straps. During the trip the group will be navigating through airports, throwing bags in and out of a trailer, lugging them to camp and sometimes storing them inside of a tent. Soft side bags with shoulder straps make it much easier to transport these bags.
Do I need some sort of ID to travel?
If you are traveling within the United States and are under the age of 18, airlines do not require photo identification. However, if you have a photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, etc.) it would be helpful. If you are traveling to the U.S. from outside of the United States, you will need to bring your valid passport and possible visa, depending on where you are traveling from.
How much spending money should I bring?
We suggest bringing spending money of roughly $75/week. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks, and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). A small amount of cash combined with an ATM card usually works best.
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