Teacher Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where Is the program site?

Great Basin Outdoor School hosts all overnight programs at Camp Galilee on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. This site offers spectacular views, heated cabins, and easy access to hiking trails and beautiful beaches providing the ideal place to explore nature. Single day science excursions take place at several sites including Galena Creek and Spooner Lake. All school break day camps are held at the River School Farm in Reno.

2. How much do field trips cost?

Overnight science camps range from $100 - $225 per student depending on the length of stay. Single day science excursion prices are based on the activities and location of the field trip. Please contact us for more information.

3. How Long are field trips?

Best spring and fall programs are 4 days and 3 nights and winter ecology and snowshoe trips are 3 days and 2 nights with shorter trips also available. We also offer sing le day science excursions that your school can participate in during normal school hours.

4. Is there extra help for low-income schools?

Yes. Thanks to the support from our donors, GBOS is happy to offer scholarships and financial assistance whenever possible. We also have plenty of fundraising ideas for schools to defray costs. Please contact us for more information.

5. What are the accommodations for overnight programs?

Camp Galilee can accommodate 45-60 students in six heated cabins and sometimes also uses tipis. While at Camp Galilee students stay in separate boys and girls cabins, each with its own restroom and shower, and schools provide one adult cabin leader for each cabin. Teachers usually stay in their own separate cabin. The program site also offers a lodge, dining hall, outdoor amphitheater, and convenient beach access.

6. What is included in overnight program fees?

Along with the heated cabins listed above your program fees also include scrumptious meals in the camp dining hall. Camp Galilee staff prepares home-cooked family-style meals for all campers and can accommodate all dietary restrictions. Program fees also include bus transportation to select sites during your stays, such as Spooner Lake for the wildlife and ecology hike, and Zephyr Cove for the research boat. Bus transportation to and from your school will need to be arranged by the teachers.

7. Who will be leading the students?

Great Basin Outdoor School has a team of well-educated fun naturalists who lead students through the curriculum. Our naturalists have degrees in education or science, experience working with children, and all have been background checked.

8. What standards are met?

Great Basin Outdoor School has devoted long hours to create an interactive curriculum that aligns with Nevada State Standards, Common Core Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards. Please see our curriculum standards page for more information.