2026 Tom A. Thorson Geology Summer Field Camp

Geology and Geophysics

“Beneath all the wealth of detail in a geological map lies an elegant, orderly simplicity”

John Tuzo Wilson

 

The University of Wyoming's Tom A. Thorson Geology Field Camp is one of the US's longest-running continuous summer field camp programs, starting with Doc (Samuel) Knight in 1925.

 

The UW Tom Thorson Geology Field Camp teaches fundamental geological skills on unobstructed views of rock outcrops across the western United States. In the six weeks of field camp, you will acquire critical technical skills in field mapping, stratigraphic interpretation, structural analysis, physical volcanology, and near-surface geophysical data collection. Through this immersive experience, you will develop observational and interpretive skills while learning to appreciate Earth’s orderly patterns that express its geologic processes and geobiological feedback.

 

The UW Tom Thorson Geology Field Camp is intended for junior- and senior-level geology majors but is also appropriate for beginning graduate students who need to enhance their field skills. Non-UW students are welcome. The University of Wyoming offers this course to UW students, both residents and non-resident students, at resident tuition rates. Participants are expected to have a firm grasp of basic geologic concepts. 

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Course Cost

The University of Wyoming offers this course to UW students, both residents and non-resident students, at resident tuition rates.

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Finacial Aid Opportunities

There are several scholarship and award opportunities to support your studies associated with UW Geology 4717

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Equipment List

This list represents what is required, recommended and not allowed at Field Camp

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COURSE SCHEDULE for 2026

The course will consist of four sections: TBD

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The learning objectives of this capstone field experience course are

  • Build critical thinking skills.
  • Judiciously observe geologic phenomena. 
  • Thoroughly map and interpret geologic features including preparing cross-sections.
  • Enhance understanding of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous systems.
  • Understand 3-dimensional spatial relationships through structural analysis. 
  • Learn near-surface geophysical methods and interpret the results.
  • Enhance thorough and systematic presentation and report writing skills.
  • Form lasting connections with peers. 

Prerequisites 

Each student must have passed the following courses with a grade of C or higher.

  • Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (required)
  • Structural Geology (required)
  • Mineralogy (required)
  • Petrology (not required, but highly recommended)

Recommended Texts

These texts are useful but not required:

  • Geology in the Field, by Robert R. Compton
  • Dictionary of Geological Terms, by Robert L. Bates and Julia A. Jackson, eds
  • An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals; Deer, Howie, and Zussman, 2nd. ed.; Prentice Hall, 1996, ISBN 978-0-582-30094-1