Summer Field Camp Course Description

Meals, Lodging, Transportation, and Equipment

While in Laramie or working from Laramie, students are responsible for all their meals (including lunch) and lodging, but we will assist out-of-town students in locating suitable lodging in the Laramie area. Approximately 12 nights will be spent in Laramie; the remainder of field camp will be spent in the field. While in the field, all lodging, food, and transportation will be provided. Whilst saway from Laramie and UW, we normally camp in primitive or developed campgrounds, but we will take advantage of showers and laundry facilities. While in the field, breakfast and dinner will be prepared by our camp cook with roltaing student help; students will pack a lunch each morning from supplies in camp.

All transportation to and from the field is provided, so no personal vehicles are permitted or needed. Recreational and personal use of University vehicles is not permitted. Major items such as Brunton compasses, GPS units, Jacob's staffs, and class materials (maps, photos, etc.) are supplied. Students are asked to supply drafting equipment and personal gear, as outlined below.

Personal and Mapping Gear, Drafting Equipment:

Required!

1. Appropriate clothing that will allow you to be comfortable in snow (yes, really), rain and sunshine. The "layered" approach works well. Rain gear will be necessary. Laundry will be available approximately every 5-7 days.

2. Good field boots are essential; sandals are not allowed for field work. The boots must withstand several weeks of rough treatment and should be "broken in" before field camp starts to avoid blisters. Your boots should protect against stone bruises, twisted ankles, and cactus spines. High-top boots are preferred and will help prevent rattlesnake bites.

3. A substantial belt (for carrying your Brunton and other gear)

4. At least two water bottles and a daypack for field gear. The daypack must be large enough to carry your lunch, raingear, and mapping equipment; a camelback is not sufficient.

5. Sleeping pad and a sleeping bag that is comfortable below freezing. If your bag is rated to only 20 degrees, you should bring a liner or extra blanket because we often experience snow or frost conditions. We do not "pack-in" for our projects, so being comfortable is more important than portability. The UW Outdoor program rents sleeping bags and sleeping pads and will give a 20% discount for a 6 week rental: https://www.uwyo.edu/REC/OUTDOOR-PROGRAM/rental-center.html

6. Tent--low profile tents including a rain-fly that can withstand wind are recommended. The UW Outdoor program rents tents and will give a 20% discount for a 6 week rental: https://www.uwyo.edu/REC/OUTDOOR-PROGRAM/rental-center.html

7. Personal hygiene items (including soap, washcloth, towel, shampoo, etc.).

8. Mapping and drafting equipment:

• Permanent ink pens that will write (and stay) on paper or acetate (the less expensive graduated felt tip pens, like Sharpies, are best). You will need at least two sizes in the range of 0.05mm to 0.8mm. A couple of colored ink pens (0.1mm to 0.5mm) are also recommended.
• Colored pencils (at least twelve colors) and pencil sharpener. Please check the colored pencils: color an area heavily and try to write on it with a sharpie. If you can’t write over the colored area with a sharpie, the instructor can’t write comments on your maps.
• 6"-ruler (calibrated to mm and 10ths of inches)
• small protractor, 2 protractors if you tend to lose things (half circle is OK, can be part of ruler)
• calculator (small, inexpensive model)
• lined note pad for writing reports
• several mechanical pencils (extra fine lead)
• scissors and/or pocket knife
• drafting tape, small roll
• one or more large felt-tipped markers (Sharpies)
• a good quality, soft eraser

Other recommended items:

• Athletic shoes
• Bath/shower shoes
• Binoculars
• Brimmed hat
• Belt pouch for field book (can be found/created at Atmosphere Mountain Works in Laramie)
• Camera & film
• Chapstick
• Dark glasses
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Gloves (for warmth)
• Insect repellant
• Laundry detergent
• Reading material
• Sandwich container (crush proof)
• Sunscreen
• Swim suit
• Suggested texts
• Small cooler for personal beverages
• Thermal underwear for cold weather

*Note: Space in the vehicles is generous, but limited, so please pack economically. Please ask if you have any questions.