Length of Program
- New beginning in 2012!
- What is snow? How are snowflakes created and how are they different? How are some animals adapted to even the harshest winters? Students snowshoe while exploring these questions with hands-on lessons and inquiry-based learning in Galena Creek's outdoor winter classroom!
- One day program "Snow School" is offered Thursday and Fridays and weekends to school and youth groups. We provide students with a safe and fun environment in which to study winter ecology. Our goal is that through education about the region's natural ecosystems, students will gain a lifelong interest in and understanding of their responsibility to pursue outdoor winter activities in a safe and respectful manner.
- All classes are offered in collaboration with Galena Creek Visitor's Center, Great Basin Outdoor School, Snowlands Network, and Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space.
- Regular Winter Session
- We offer two- or three-day programs. Students arrive around 10:30 on the first day, stay one or two nights. During the two or three days, students will spend a large portion of the time outside enjoying the snow covered mountains, learning about different types of snow, and how to survive in cold environments. We also have special guests, warm snacks, and awesome activities including a snowshoe hike!
Click Here for our Sample Three-day Schedule
Subjects Taught
"The most important thing I learned at GBOS was how much water is in 2ft of snow!" - Winter 2011 Student
- Snowshoeing through the National Forest
- Snow experiments
- Stargazing and telescope experience
- Playing games, journaling, singing, skits, and more!
During our trip to GBOS
We learned a few things we must confess
Like how fun it is to study planets & lakes
And all the different kinds of snowflakes
We tromped through the snow on some funky shoes
And learned how not to sing the frostbite blues
We know glaciers are big hunks of ice
And little snow tunnels are made by mice
The cabins and food make us cozy and warm
We would have been comfy in that crazy snow storm
We have one more thing we’d like to say to you
And that would be a big THANK YOU!
To all the naturalists – Pika, Swift, and Buckeye,
Deer Mouse, Nuthatch, and Dragonfly
We would love to stay but have to go
|So good luck! Have fun! And enjoy the snow!
