Overnight Science Camp FAQs

1. Is GBOS like summer camp?

​During overnight science camps students learn forest, water, and wildlife ecology, geology, and astronomy with their classes during the school year. While they're at camp, they have the unique opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn about nature!  Students also play fun interactive games, practice team-building strategies, volunteer on conservation projects. create songs and skits, and go on a night hike.

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2. Where do students go while attending outdoor school?

Spring, fall, and winter programs are held at Camp Galilee on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, near Glenbrook, Nevada. Students stay in separate boy and girl cabins, eat home-cooked meals in the dining hall, and are only a stairway away from the beautiful sandy beach. From this location, day trips are taken to Spooner Lake and Zephyr Cove.

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3. Will there be a chaperone in the student cabins?

Yes. There will be an adult chaperone in each student cabin responsible for keeping the students safe while at camp. Your child's school will choose chaperones to attend the overnight science field trips. All chaperones are required to have a background check.

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4. Who will be teaching the students?

Great Basin Outdoor School has a team of naturalists who love sharing our natural sciences with young people. They have degrees in science or education and are all background checked for working with children.

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5. What if my child gets homesick?

During your child's time at GBOS they will be hiking, taking a ride on a Tahoe research vessel (weather permitting in spring and fall), viewing wildlife, playing games, participating in songs and skits, eating delicious food, and learning about astronomy. Our program is structured to keep students active throughout the entire day, which typically does not leave much time to think about home. In the event that a student is homesick, GBOS staff is trained and has experience in making the student feel more at home.