Geology Field Experience Survey Results |
| We asked Binghamton Geology students who have taken a Field Experience course
at another university to fill out a web
survey giving the kinds of information current and future students need in order to make
an informed choice for their own Field Experience. We asked for both positive and
negative aspects, and particularly for an evaluation of the kinds of prerequisite
knowledge expected and how the work was to be evaluated. The results are compiled
below, in no particular order. Note that some of the submissions come from Binghamton
graduate students who satisfied the Field Geology requirement at their undergraduate
institution. Also note that our Field Experience requirement is broader than the
traditional Field Geology, but because that change has been fairly recent, most of
the submissions will reflect the previous, traditional Field Geology camp. All of
the information below is the opinion of the students. These are not intended to be
advertisements or official information on any of the programs. Also inclusion here
does not necessarily imply recommendation by the faculty at Binghamton University.
Please feel free to contact the students for further information on specific camps or programs. They went through the same decision process as you and have made their submissions in an attempt to help you. Also, let me know if you have any problems or questions about this webpage.
Jeff Barker
|
| Entries so far. Click to go directly to that response, or scroll below to view all entries. | |||
| Institution | Field Area | Student | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at El Paso | 4 Corners Area | Cindy Satterfield | 11/22/2003 |
| Oklahoma State University | Eastern Colorado | David Orzel | 11/23/2003 |
| University of Pittsburgh at Bradford | Central PA, NY Finger Lakes | Megan Fronckowiak | 11/25/2003 |
| SUNY Cortland | Near Albany | John Rayburn | 12/2/2003 |
| SUNY- Buffalo | Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming | Vanessa Meades | 12/17/2003 |
| Appalachian State University | Dolomites, Northern Italy | Jessica Diminich | 10/8/2004 |
| Bowling Green State University | New Mexico and Colorado | Stephanie Lurie | 10/10/2004 |
| University of Buffalo | Colorado, Utah and Wyoming | Abby Tomkiewicz | 10/10/2004 |
| Iowa State University | Wyoming | Patrick Criscuola | 8/31/2005 |
| Southern Oregon University | S. Oregon, N. California | Sarah VanScoy | 8/31/2005 |
| Boise State University | Sardinia, Italy | Jackie Grabowski | 9/1/2005 |
| SUNY Cortland | The Albany, NY area | Jason Smith | 9/11/2005 |
| James Cook University | Queensland, Australia | Jessica White | 10/11/2005 |
| Field Camp Institution: University of Texas at El Paso
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was good |
Name: Cindy Satterfield Email: bj92737@binghamton.edu Status: BU Grad Student Date submitted: 11/22/2003 |
| Accomodations: Durning time in El Paso you have to have own accomodations. dorm rooms were availible. When on road camped in tents |
| Transportation: You were responsible for getting to the Univeristy (each day). Transporation to the field sites and when on road was provided by the University. |
| Costs: Tutition and fees ~$1575.00 (2000), supplies were paid for by my mom and so this cost was much higher than if I had to provide them myself. This cost will also vary depending on what type of camping gear already owned. I set aside ~$500.00 for these cost which also included traveling to and from San Antonio to El Paso. The dorm room was less than $400.00. |
| Financial Aid: Financial aid was not available from the host insitiution. I was able to get ~$2000.00 in scholarships for field camp but these are not availible to everyone. |
| Calendar: Camp began early in June and ended mid July (6 weeks). I was able to attend UTSA 2nd session summer classes with this early schedule. |
| Emphasis: We did mapping projects for sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous setting. We also did a geophysics project that concerened the Rio Grande River. I thought it was a well rounded learning experience. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Mostly class knowledge was assumed and field experience was hoped for. I most I has was experience with Brunton use however they went over that very well. Instructors worked for individuals who needed help with mapping projects and getting the necessary information onto the maps. I did not feel like I was ready for field camp as at my Univerity we did not have field trips or work on field methods. This field camp worked great for me as they taught me everything I need to know and I was able to make an A in field camp. |
| Equipment needed: Yes to all of this. The camp sent a list of supplies I would need as soon as I asked them for it. This was even before I decided to attend this camp. |
| Evaluation of your work: Each project was evaluated on the map or written report that was produced for the project. The grading was fair and when you were off on an interprtation great advice and instruction was given as to where and/or why you might have gotten off track. |
| Additional comments: This field camp was a great learning experiece and not just a geology final exam. Instruction was complete and if you listened and took good notes you pretty much got all the anwers for your projects, quizes and test. The final exam was taken in the Grand Cayon and covered the traveling field trip the last two weeks of camp. |
| Field Camp Institution: Oklahoma State University
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name: David Orzel Email: daveorz@aol.com Status: BU Grad Student, former BU Undergrad Date submitted: 11/23/2003 |
| Accomodations: Base camp near Canon City, CO. Stayed in rustic cabins. Weekly field trips to other areas in the SW. |
| Transportation: They provide trans. from Oklahoma (this, of course, didn't help me any). It was included in the cost. |
| Costs: Tuition and fees cost right about $2000. Supplies were generally cheap. They waive out-of-state tuition for this. |
| Financial Aid: I can't remember. |
| Calendar: Camp was 5 weeks. Ran from May 20th to about the end of June. |
| Emphasis: Emphasis was classical geological mapping techniques and drawing cross sections using data acquired in the field. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Brunton use, Structural, sedimentology and stratigraphy. Geochemistry to a certain extent. |
| Equipment needed: Pretty much everything but your own tent. Good boots are a must. |
| Evaluation of your work: We worked in groups of 3 or 4, had to hand in maps and cross sections weekly. Midterm and final exam. Some GPS use. |
| Additional comments: |
| Field Camp Institution: University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was good |
Name: Megan Fronckowiak Email: meg1534@hotmail.com Status: BU Grad Student Date submitted: 11/25/2003 |
| Accomodations: Our base station was our campus in Bradford, PA. Each morning we left from the school and drove in vans to our sites. We never stayed overnight anywhere. |
| Transportation: The school provided vans. Yes, cost was included in the total fee. |
| Costs: I think for me as an out-of-state student it was approximately $2000-2500. That was $505 per credit hour (4hrs), Transportation fee, computer fee, and all I needed to supply basically was myself and a notebook. And your geology tools if you had them. |
| Financial Aid: No financial aid is not available from the school unless you are taking more than 12 cr. hours (I think that is the right # of hours). |
| Calendar: The schedule was great. We met W,H,F,S, and any necessary Sundays. In class work W,H, field work F,S,S. It started the last week April, first week May and we were done by the middle of June. |
| Emphasis: Lots of structural geology. Mapping folds, joints, etc. We also did a small ESA (environmental site assessment). Focus was on sedimentary rocks. Hardly any to none ig. and met. rx. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Structural geology, mapping, using a compass. We gained lots of experience with different equipment; seismic refraction, gravimeter, resistivity, total station, surveying, and also various computer programs (surfer and another one for something..can't remember) |
| Equipment needed: Really didn't have to provide too much yourself, except a notebook and lunch. If you had your own equipment you could bring it, but it was all provided. |
| Evaluation of your work: At the end you write a large report that explains your interpretations and geologic histories, etc. from the maps you made and data collected. Is only supposed to be ~20 pages, I think mine was 50-60 just typed words. Then I had to add maps, etc. |
| Additional comments: I actually enjoyed the class even though we didn't travel far. It combined all my geology classes together well in the end. It is very long days, but it was ok. The only bad thing is if you come from another school to take the class you have to make living arrangements. I believe the school will charge you to live on campus for the few weeks, so I guy in my class just stayed with me while he was taking the class and we just split the rent with him for the month. But overall, if you want to stay close it isn't a bad field geology course and it is over quick. I don't know what in-state costs are either. |
| Field Camp Institution: Brauer (SUNY Cortland)
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was good |
Name: John Rayburn Email: jrayburn@binghamton.edu Status: BU Grad Student Date submitted: 12/2/2003 |
| Accomodations: Dorms. They were fine. |
| Transportation: Vans to and from field sites |
| Costs: SUNY tuition for the credit hours. (Great deal really!) |
| Financial Aid: |
| Calendar: Camp started after finals. It went six weeks I think. There was no time for anything else. |
| Emphasis: Mostly sedimentary stratigraphy and structural geology with some work in igneaus and metamorphics (southern Adirondacks). May be different now. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Ig/Met pet. and structure. A little paleo goes a long way too. |
| Equipment needed: rock hammer, field book, drafting supplies (Bruntons were available but best to bring your own.) |
| Evaluation of your work: There were six projects that were graded. It was a great idea. |
| Additional comments: At the time (mid 90's) the instruction at the camp was poor. There has now been a 100% turn over of the staff, and I'm hearing better things about it. It's worth looking into if you are on a tight budget. I learned everything I needed to know about field mapping, and it's a much more realistic environment if you plan to go on working in the northeast than going to some place out west where you don't have to hunt for outcrop. |
| Field Camp Institution: SUNY- Buffalo
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Vanessa Meades Email: bj90293@binghamton.edu Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 12/17/2003 |
| Accomodations: We travelled to four or five seperate map sites- and stayed at four or five respective camp sites. At these camp sites, we stayed in our own tents- while food was provided by the staff that accompanied us. |
| Transportation: We were responsible for arranging our own transportation to and from Denver. This cost was not included in cost of the camp. From Denver, we travelled as a group to our first camp site. |
| Costs: The field camp cost was about $1800. The credits cost an additional $800. Cost of supplies were about $350 (but I needed to get a tent and I included that). Cost of flight to Denver was about $250 round trip. So in total, around $3200. |
| Financial Aid: Yes. Financial aid is available if you are willing to diligently look into it. UB has several grants available for field camp students, and I suggest talking to your individual Financial Aid Counselor in the Student Wing here at Bing. They can help you figure out a way to make ends meet- which may involve requesting federal aid for summer courses. Realistically, aid is available for those who are motivated enough to get it. |
| Calendar: The camp was 4 weeks long, from mid-May to mid-June. I had to make arrangements to move up my finals and caught a lot of flack from Res. Life about leaving early because I was an RA. Also, I work for the U.S. Army and had to request leave from the Department of Defense for the duration of the camp. A letter from Dr. DeMicco and a copy of the course syllabus was sufficient for all of this. |
| Emphasis: I would say that the emphasis of the course was primarily geomorphology. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: A good understanding of the 200-sequence here would be about it. Certainly, there were people there that were stronger in some areas and weaker in others. The variety of students from different institutions across the country provides a wide range of knowledge and understanding. Talking to the other people at camp will help you a lot. Knowing the basics concepts involved in mapping units, brunton use, and reading maps themselves is important. Structure helps- but I made it thru without having taken it. |
| Equipment needed: Tent and camping supplies, boots, weather appropriate clothing (it was over 108 degrees in Utah and snowed the next week in Laramie), backpack, rock hammer, hand lense, clip board, field notebook, pencils, pens, sharpee fine line markers, personal necessities, good flashlights... They provide Bruntons- and my advice would be don't take the map boards they offer EVER. |
| Evaluation of your work: Our grades were based on our maps and answers to questions regarding how our map sites formed and distinguishing characteristics. |
| Additional comments: Field camp is a worthwhile experience- while also a very costly one. Research aid options and APPLY EARLY to get as much as you can. This particular field camp, in my oppinion, is just great. I gained a better understanding of concepts I learned in class and a feel for the outdoors. |
| Field Camp Institution: Appalachian State University
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name: Jessica Diminich Email: jdimini1@binghamton.edu Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 10/8/2004 |
| Accomodations: Italian municipal and university owned buildings were used for the camp, one for 5 weeks of the camp and another for one week. |
| Transportation: Students were responsible for flights to Italy and transportation to the camp. |
| Costs: total tuition was appx $2,700, not including airfare |
| Financial Aid: none was available (but cost is reasonable for 6 weeks in Italy) |
| Calendar: The camp starts in late May (after Binghamton fianls)and finished the first week of July. Most students went early or stayed afterwards for more travelling. |
| Emphasis: Structural geology emphasis. Focus was on mapping structure of the mountains and identifying formations. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Prerequisites included lots of structural knowledge such as techniques for mapping and making cross-sections. Assumed knowledge of Brunton, identifying hand samples and outcrops in order to differentiate them for mapping. |
| Equipment needed: Boots, rock hammer, daypack, fieldbook, drafting pens, pencils, etc. Trekking poles HIGHLY recommended. |
| Evaluation of your work: Work was evavluated on quality of final map for 3 mapping areas. Focus was more on neatness and presentation than complete accuracy. There was very little emphasis on interpretation of field findings. I found the evaluation sort of old fashioned, for example, points were deducted if the brick symbol for limestone was "too big." |
| Additional comments: The camp was an excellent experience because of it's location. Northern Italy is gorgeous, the town we stay in is very hospitable to the students. Feltre, the town, has a population of 20,000 (few speak English), and living there is a true immersion into Italian culture. Knowing the language is not necessary, although a good dictionary is needed, and a little humility for when you butcher the pronunciation of whatever you are trying to say. The food is delicious and plentiful(the camp provides a cook). A day trip to Venice was covered in the cost, and spending money was provided for a required 3-day break from camp. The camp is relatively small, maximum 16 students. Dr. Webb, who ran the camp, retired after the 2004 camp, and it will not be up and running again until 2006. The hiking is challenging but do-able. Days in the field are from 9am-5pm. Nights are free for working or enjoying the nightlife (Heineken brewery in town). I highly recommend planning on staying after camp even if you don't know anyone yet, you won't ever want to leave! This was the experience of a lifetime for me. information about future camps, as well as photos from the previous camps, is available at http://www.appstate.edu/~webbfj/index.html |
| Field Camp Institution: Bowling Green State University
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Stephanie Lurie Email: daisy8800@aol.com Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 10/10/2004 |
| Accomodations: There were a couple of base camps. We stayed at a KOA for a week, a low accomidating campground for 2 days, a lodge in Colorado and Fort Lewis College for the remainder |
| Transportation: Transportation was provided from the field sites, to and from other locations on off days. Transportation was not provided to Bowling Green State University(but they did pick me up and drop me off at the airport). |
| Costs: The total cost was around 2800 dollars. 2200 for tuition and 800 for transportation/fees. |
| Financial Aid: Finacial aid was availiable, well a scholoarship actually. The scholarship waived my out of state fee. |
| Calendar: The field camp all together was about 5 weeks. It started may 27th and ended july 2nd, therefore I didnt have to make arrangements for finals, but I didnt have to miss the first week of my work. |
| Emphasis: The camp was pretty much balanced with all three, sedimentary igneous and metamorphic rocks! The most was igneous rocks. A lot of mapping took place. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Structure was a good help, and it would have been great if I was able to take Petro before, but I did fine without it (I would suggest that you take it before). They provided all the bruntons and Gps equipment and were very helpful in teaching us how to use them correctly. |
| Equipment needed: Supplies I needed were a backpack, rock hammer, rain gear, drafting supplies, clip board, hiking boots and appropriate field clothing, hat, bandana, flip flops for rafting, etc. Tents were provided along with bruntons, hand helf gps units. |
| Evaluation of your work: Our work was evaluated fairly, and our grades were based on the work. They didnt fail someone at the end of the course if they made it through the entire program cause it was a bit stressful and can be rigourous at times. |
| Additional comments: I would definitely reccomend this field camp to anyone. The professors were very approachable, like at Binghamton. I was able to contact them about the course and get a quick return. They were welcoming and excited to have me join the camp. It was a home away from home. There were alot of trips that were planned on our days off, which were amazing. I met great people that to this day I still talk to and hopefully will one day visit again. Most of the students were from Bowling Green State University with a few from different schools. Although I was the only one from New York, I was able to fit in and had a great time! I would do it all over again if I could! Enjoy and good luck in your search for the best field camp for you. |
| Field Camp Institution: University of Buffalo
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Abby Tomkiewicz Email: atomkie1@binghamton.edu Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 10/10/2004 |
| Accomodations: We traveled around and stayed at campsites for about a week at a time. We camped in tents every nite for a month except for when we were traveling to a couple places (but that was only like 4 times). Wherever we went we slept outside in tents we brought and set up ourselves. |
| Transportation: I had to provide my own transportation to denver where the entire group met at a hotel. After that the people in charge drove us around in large vans. This cost of transportation was included in the fees previously paid. |
| Costs: on the website they list the college fees for the camp, i think all together it was about $2500. But then i paid for a flight out there which was a little over $200. In addition, whenever we stopped somewhere like a park or soemthing i picked up souvenir's which set me back about $200, but that is whatever you decide to buy so you can be cheaper! Whenever we stopped in towns we had a chance to pick up supplies which EVERYONE forgot something they needed and any other comfort things you wanted and there are many...this can set you back about $200. Then you ahve to buy your supplies before hand like tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, utensils to eat with, head light, and other odds and ends they list ont here wabsite. |
| Financial Aid: UB offered no financial aid that i could find and i looked hard cauz i am broke. In addition, looking online for general financial assistance was hard to find so i didn't recieve any help. |
| Calendar: The main problem of the camp was that it started while Binghamton still had finals so i had to maek arrangements to take my finals early so i could get there. The camp was only 4 weeks, which is shorter than other cmaps but by the end you would have thought that you had been out there for a year!! the nice thing about this camp is that you get back early in the summer so you aren't inconvenienced with jobs and the such. |
| Emphasis: This camp was about MAPPING geological structures. You would have to identify different formations and what order they go in (sometimes being over 10 in all). You would have to walk around and map these structures. At the beginning of the course it is fairly simple, but then they have you map areas that have multiple faults in it and that is complicated. It was all sedimentology though. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Structure and sed/strat are the courses to take before this class. it is all mapping so it is important to understand the basics of how maps work and being able to LOCATE yourself on a map is VITAL!! Brunton compasses are used regularly so you should know how to use one. Although they do teach you how to use one really quick, it would maek it easier for you if you already knew how to use one. Less things to worry about. |
| Equipment needed: A good tent is imprtant, buy the one they tell you to on the UB website which is one that has like 3 poles, cauz it gets soooooo windy out there that if you don't get a good one your tent will be ripped off the ground. I recommend a sleeping pad for comfort, and bring a warm sleeping bag i would recomend a 15 degree one cauz it can get cold. Something i found nice was bringing a light fleece blanket cauz on the cold nites you can use it as a blanket and you can't imagine how much warmer it will make you feel!!! The one thing i wish i had brought that everyone else had was a camelpack, if you don't know what it is GOOGLE IT!! It is a backpack but it has a little pouch that you can fill with water and it has a little tube that runs outside and connects to the strap so all you have to do is suck ont he tube while you walk. Just make sure you get a 2+l camelpack cauz you will need a lot of water. i only brought nalgenes and they were awkward and you need to drink frequently and it made it hard. Buy a good pair of water proof boots cauz there could be rain even though there wasn't any for me. there was some snow in wyoming though!! Also the good boots protect your feet agains the cactuses. you must bring a rock hammer cauz you will use it daily! My notebook i got a was riteintherain one that i ordered online, they are nice cauz even though they get wet it doesn't ruin your stuff! They have a whole list of supplies on the UB website of what to bring and bring it all!!!!! They provide bruntons so don't bring one, plus they are just expensive. Bring a first aid kit if anything else cauz you will use it. |
| Evaluation of your work: there was about 1 project per week and they evaluated HEAVILY exactly where you drew your contacts, so map them well! The other main thing they evaluated you on was the completeness of oyur field notebook. so when your walking around during the day make sure to put the time you wrote soemthing down and write everything you SEEE. no matter if you don't know what it is describe it as best you can and draw it. They WANT to see pictures so if you don't have digrams they will take off, make sure you put a scale ont hem too! I always did well on my field notebook, but i always drew my contacts off so i never really did that well since it was the main thing i was graded on. |
| Additional comments: If i have to say one thing it would be....IF YOUR NOT AN OUTDOORS PERSON DO NOT NOT NOT NOT GO ON THIS FIELD CAMP. You spend all of your time outside "roughing it". First of all there are WILD ANIMALS believe it or not, there are amany rattlesnakes so if you are petrified don't go. There are many snakes and lizards so if these little guys scare you to death don't go. One place in utah we mapped we were warned about what to do if we came in contact with a mountain lion and let me tell you they tell you for a reaon becuase i didn't see any but i saw many foot prints. In Wyoming where we were camped the cyotes are VERY curious and came down to our campsite the first nite we were there to check us out. They are very skitish and we didn't ahve any problems but its still important to knwo these things are out there. the other important thing to know is that you only get to shower about once a week which is not pleasant at all. in addition, in colorado we had port-o-potties, in utah there was a bathroom but in wyoming there was nothing and you had to go to the bathroom in a whole in the ground so be warned. this camp consists of getting up every day at about 6am and mapping all day until about 5pm so if you don't like to get up early or if you like to take little cat naps this is not the camp for you. You are outside in the elements all day no matter what. Finally let me tell you that this camp was best thing i ahev ever done in my life no matter about all the things i ahev just told you. I have never had so much fun in my entire life and i hope to get back out there as soon as possible. The things oyu see are unbelievable and there is no way to even try and explain what you ahve seen to someone else. they have to be there to believe it. You are so busy working all the time and in awe so much you don't realize how dirty you are or how tired you are....trust me. i have sooo many stories of out west that i could entertain you for hours, but ya know what i think you should just go there and see for youself!! If you ahve questions just contact me cauz i loved it and want to help you make the right decision!! |
| Field Camp Institution: Iowa State University
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Patrick Criscuola Email: patrick.criscuola@gmail.com Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 8/31/2005 |
| Accomodations: We stood in old Japanese internment camp buildings. They were shoddy, but I felt comfortable in them. Three people to a room, six people per building, there was amble room for all my affects. Ventilation was satisfactory, considering these buildings were for refugees. Fans are provided. Make sure you get in there first and pick a good bed. Some of them were lumpy. We were in a stationary base camp, with porta-potties, showers, a full kitchen, mess and dorms as well as other facilities. You will be using porta-potties for six weeks. Our crew was 25 people, 13 girls, 12 boys. We had visiting programs as well that pushed the guys total to 28. 28 guys, 3 porta-potties (though they added another one after the other groups left), the hot wyoming sun, 7 days. It's doable, you just have to hope that people leave the seat down. The lectures were held in the mess hall. There was internet, as well as wireless internet for the whole camp. I stood in a hotel on the first night which was paid for by the college. After that we camped out one night at a truck stop, there was a policy of only 8 hours driving a day, so we stayed at truck stops maybe five nights the whole trip. It was pretty fun actually. At the end of the session we stayed in Tetons in tents on a campground. We drove everywhere in vans. Iowa has its own vans which were in great condition and ran well. The Nebraska program rented theres and had problems with them, my advice is make sure you stay with the Iowa vans. |
| Transportation: I had to pay for airfare from NY to Des Moines. It is possible to drive, as one group drove from NC. After leaving Ames, the transportation was included. This is a program of predominately Iowa and Nebraska students, the Iowans leave from Iowa and the Nebraskans from Nebraska. I arrived the day before so they put me up in a hotel at no cost. |
| Costs: Most of the actual money I spent on the trip was for food and souvenirs, both of which there are plenty. Alcohol was also a cost factor. Food mostly meant luxury items, because you can get by spending very little by eating the camp food, which was satisfactory. If you are frugal you can get by comfortably. I bought lots of stuff on the trips to Tetons and Yellowstone. If you bring your own school supplies you can spend even less, although the prices I spent were pretty cheap. You do not need a brunton, one is provided, but you do need a hand lense. As far as tuition, you can get a comparison from other programs. I thought that I got my moneys worth on this trip. |
| Financial Aid: Yes, I didn't know about it, but I was eligible for out of state scholarships. If you decide to go, contact the office early and you will be eligible. The scholarship was around $200 if i recall, and it was just paper work. |
| Calendar: May 21 - July 3, 6 weeks. I had a week off before I had to go. I had a job lined up for when I got back. Its a good time to go I think, you have a week off after finals, then you are in wyoming and you are home for the fourth of july, I cant think of a better homecoming. |
| Emphasis: The emphasis was on soft rock, especially petroleum/water and mapping structure. We did comparitively less hard rock, though we did study granites. There was also an emphasis on paleontology, especially middle jurassic, there are some spectacular sites where the ground is covered in footprints. If you are into paleo, this camp should be strongly considered. We saw trilobites, amenites, belemnites, fish, pleisosaur, crocodile, allosaur, sauropods, all sorts of large dinosaurs, as well as micro-fossils. There were several weekend trips for fossil collecting. We even went to the site where they discovered stegosaur. Eric Kvale has made some very important and interesteing discoveries in that field and he is a wealth of knowledge. I was drawn to this field camp by the dinosaur aspect. Google the red gulch dinosaur site and you will see the location of some of the projects. Big Horn basin is one of the best places on the planet for seeing dino fossils. We went to a dinosaur graveyard where they are just eroding out of the ground. stratigraphic mapping and use of the brunton, strike/dip, TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS and aerial photots. Topo maps are stressed, the faculty said if you learn one thing at field camp its going to be topo. We also did alot of cross sectioning, and describing stratigraphy. No real geophyics outside of explaining faulting in the region and studying petrophysical logs. We studied sedimentology as well. Paleoclimate and environment were also stressed. Field observation and methods were the emphasis. If you are interested in oil, then this camp is worthy of your consideration. The instructors are palnning to make this program one of the best oil programs in the country. We had representives from Kerr-McGee and Chevron come, both were alumni of this program. It is a good place to network as well for those fields. We learned about mining bentonite as well. This program will teach alot. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: I had not taken, structural, sed-strat, and petrology. I had the 4 core courses, paleobio, geochem, chemical sediements, envichem and envigeophys. If you are a traditional geology student and you are a junior, then you will be amply prepared. You can get by without structure and sedstrat, but I reccomend you know how to use a brunton and you have some knowledge of paleobio. Some kids had those courses while, others, like me did not. You will be fine with an understanding of the basic principles of geology and a willingness to learn. This field camp, built upon what I knew already, and was an extension of the classroom. |
| Equipment needed: Daypack, sleepingbag, pad, hammer, school supplies, tent is optional. Good boots are necessary. They give you a list of school supplies, trianlges, rulers, pencils, alot of it is extraneous and you can save money if you buy only the tools that you need. A field notebook is needed, clip board, drafting supplies, personal affects, clothes, raingear. I cant think of all of it, but there is a list on the website. Bug spray and sunscreen, dont forget either. |
| Evaluation of your work: Our work was graded by the faculty and the TA. Prior to the grading they would give us the break down of what counted for what. When they say, one page length, they mean one page length, some kids got major points deducted because they went over. If you listen and ask questions you will understand the grading system. I thought the system was reasonable. I had the most difficulty with the mapping, as did alot of the students, so they are going to be making some changes to that. From what I heard, the program this year was very different from last year so its hard to make statements. Just be sure you speak to the faculty and understand the assigments. I was satisfied with the grading. We had to produce maps, diagrams, synthesis's as well compilations of our field notes and observations. We gave lectures and presentations, sometimes to our peers, sometimes to the faculty. The groups were randomly assigned, so you have to be used to working with strangers and people that you dont like or get along with. The format is very professional and it is geared for the professional and academic setting, where you present your data and then have to defend it. By the end you are comfortable speaking in front of an audience. |
| Additional comments: June received 827% precipitation from last year. We lost a week, and that week threw off the entire program so it is hard for me to tell you how it should have went, the faculty tried to compensate by moving projects out of order and even canceling or shortening some. Bentonite is exposed in some regions which is slipperier than ice when wet and takes a long time to dry, our vans got stuck a couple times and one time was catastrophic in that we almost fell into a ravine. That was pretty scary because I was in that van, be prepared to dig. One of the professors is the head of the women's geologist council, so we had some interesting lectures on the opportunities for women in Geology. We had one lecture by the lead paleontologist of the smithsonian and i learned a whole lot about dinosaurs in 45 minutes. In all, I was pleased with my experience. I got to spend part of my summer in wyoming, which you have to see to believe, i made some friends, learned some geology, and investigated potential career paths. The faculty was kind and motivated. Our learning was their only concern. The atmosphere was easy going and relaxed. Lots of beautifal views, and personally I have never been out west and this program met and exceeded all of my expectations of what field camp would be like. |
| Field Camp Institution: Southern Oregon University
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Sarah VanScoy Email: Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 8/31/2005 |
| Accomodations: I stayed in the dorms of SOU, and had vans which drove us each day to our location |
| Transportation: transportation was provided and included in the tuition, you were responsible to getting to the school before the camp started |
| Costs: around $2,400 |
| Financial Aid: there was finanical aid avaible |
| Calendar: the camp was 5 weeks long, and started in mid june to mid july. |
| Emphasis: there was a mixture of all types of geology, which sections on hydrology. a lot of mapping and hiking |
| Prerequisite knowledge: you needing to have classes in structural geology, mineralogy, hydrology helps but isnt required |
| Equipment needed: backpack, boots, rock hammer, clip board, handlens,colored pencils, field notebook, and other supplies |
| Evaluation of your work: there were 4 papers, and mapping projects, partipation |
| Additional comments: this camp was the best experiance, i had a lot of fun, and i learned so much about geology. there was a lot of hiking and working with different equipment, but fun at the same time. |
| Field Camp Institution: Boise State University
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Jackie Grabowski Email: jgrabow1@binghamton.edu Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 9/1/2005 |
| Accomodations: We stayed everywhere from a hostel to cabins, villas, and bungalows on a camp ground |
| Transportation: We had to get ourselves to Sardinia (there were some cheap airline tickets) but once we were there, faculty drove us around in vans the whole time. van transportation was included in the cost but your airfare wasnt which ranged for people from $600 to $1000 depending on when you made your reservations. |
| Costs: about 1,000 for summer school tuition, 3,700 for the camp fee and about 100 for any supplies you might need |
| Financial Aid: yes, besides any financial aid you might be getting from FAFSA and what not, you can apply for an "assistanship" which means you help with some logisitics of the trip and you get $500 off the camp fee |
| Calendar: camp started at the end of May (the 23 i think) and ended June 27. i was able to start my summer job as soon as i got back because they were willing hold my job for me. |
| Emphasis: huge emphasis on structure...definately take structure before you go. there was also slight emphasis on igneous and metamorphic geology |
| Prerequisite knowledge: your life will be easier if you have taken structure, know how to use a compass (not necessarily a brunton), and can measure strike and dip |
| Equipment needed: good boots, good backpack, rockhammer, clipboard, some drafting supplies, and a write-in-the-rain field notebook (these notebooks take a beating) |
| Evaluation of your work: at the end of each project we had to hand in a map, a cross section and a short paper and all three were graded. i thought this was a good way to assess us. |
| Additional comments: I had a blast at this camp. You work REALLY hard but you also have an amazing time. you have a day off after every project which most of us spent at the beaches. not only do you learn sooooo much about geology but you learn TONS about Italy. overall, field camp was AMAZING! |
| Field Camp Institution: SUNY Cortland
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Jason Smith Email: jsmith11@binghamton.edu Status: BU Grad Date submitted: 9/11/2005 |
| Accomodations: The stationary base camp is located at Brauer Field Station, just a stone's throw from Albany, NY where participants were housed in the spacious field station and small cabins in the adjacent forest. |
| Transportation: Transportation to Brauer Field Station is the responsibility of the student, but travel required for the completion of the coursewok is provided. |
| Costs: I think it was between $1000-$2000 for for three weeks. |
| Financial Aid: A scholarship is available through SUNY Cortland to help offset the cost of participation. I was awarded one, and I think it covered about half the cost. |
| Calendar: A 3 week and 5 week course is offered, depending on enrollment. Most people take the 3 week course. It begins right around Memorial Day (end of May). |
| Emphasis: The first week of camp emphasizes strat/sed, where the student will construct stratigraphic sections, work on correlations, and study the paleontology of the Helderberg Group. The topic for the second week is surficial geology, where the student surveys and produces detailed maps of a small fluvial system (very fun). The topic of the third week is structural geology, where the skills and experience from the first two weeks are incorporated into the productioin of detailed structural geologic maps of the area. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Any knowledge of the previously mentioned sub-disciplines will help, but to my knowledge, are not required. All activities are preceeded by instruction. |
| Equipment needed: You'll need a proper rock hammer, a good pair of boots, a backpack, a hand lens, a clipboard, pencils, a water bottle, etc. |
| Evaluation of your work: Grades are based on final drafts of the previously mentioned projects, with the effort put forth by the student kept in mind. This is about learning, not tricking students into failing grades. I found the evaluation pretty standard for college level work. |
| Additional comments: I'll admit, traveling to a more exotic place to take a field course is probably cool. But SUNY Cortland's Field Camp is close to home, inexpensive, and a lot of fun. The faculty that teach the course are all young, active geologists that know what they're talking about. The outcrops are well known (some of the most studied in the world!), so you'll be studying rocks that are the basis of our understanding of ancient carbonate depositional environments (very important). You will be challenged, it will not be easy, but there will be plenty of time to drink beer when the work is done. For the money, this field camp is a great option. My experience was very positive. Also, if I can recruit a few students, I may be able to get a TA there. So help me out, I need the money! |
| Field Camp Institution: James Cook University
General location(s) of field camp: Overall recommendation: It was great! |
Name:Jessica White Email: jwhite4@binghamton.edu Status: BU Undergrad Date submitted: 10/11/2005 |
| Accomodations: The first 4 nights, we stays in nice cabins at a caravan park (upscale campground)in Townsville near the university. The next 7 days were spend at Fanning River in tents and completely roughing it. One night was spend at the dorms at the Uni before heading out to the next location in Cloncurry. The accommodations there were nice, had a kitchen, bathrooms, work space and had small rooms with bunk beds. |
| Transportation: All transportation once we arrived at the Townsville airport was included. We were responsible for our own airfare. They picked us up at the airport and arranged for transportation back to the airport even after staying a week beyond the end of the field camp. |
| Costs: The field camp cost AUS$3000, which came to about $2080. Airfare was around $1300. I spend some money the first few days when we were still in the city sightseeing and taking cabs into the city. I traveled around a bit after field camp, which also cost money. But during the trip I only spend a small amount of money because most of the time we were in the middle of the outback. |
| Financial Aid: Not that I am aware of. |
| Calendar: Camp was from June 14 to July 13. First few days were in town, 7 day camping trip, then a 2 week trip. The only bad part was that it was in the middle of the summer, because it was during their winter break. |
| Emphasis: The main emphasis was on igneous and metamorphic geology and structural geology. The first trip had some emphasis on sedimentary rocks. |
| Prerequisite knowledge: Basic classroom knowledge was assumed. On the first day we went over brunton use. Knowledge of mapping methods was slightly assumed, but they would teach you anything you needed, just had to ask. It was a great help to have knowledge of structural geology and igneous and metamorphic rocks. |
| Equipment needed: For the first week you had to self-sufficient but they provided many items. I needed to bring a sleeping bag, flashlight, good hiking boots (helped if they were all or mostly leather so the spear grass did not cut up your feet), gators (again for the grass), field notebook, paper, clip board, colored pencils, rock hammer, handlens, backpack, something to carry 2 liters of water with you each day. They took us to stores to get any last minute items and the gators people bought there work much better because they were all leather, which kept the grass out much more. |
| Evaluation of your work: The first trip we had a few smaller scale mapping assignments that only took a day and they were each graded, had a field test, and a larger mapping area and a paper, which was done with a partner. The second trip was working on one large mapping area. We had to turn in an individual map, cross section, and report. There is a different grading system in Australia. So each part was graded in that system, but they then sent our overall Australian grade and converted it to an American grade. |
| Additional comments: I had a great time. Everyone was very helpful, I emailed them many many times before going and they always responded quickly with helpful information, even with questions about passports and visas. For the second trip we drove about 12 hours into the center of Australia. The location was very interesting but after going out everyday for two weeks and mapping, it got a little stale. Overall it was a great time, but at times wished the field camp moved from location to location. |
Last modified: October 5, 2007 (adh)