Program Overview
A 3-day, 2-night overnight field camp that guides students sixth grade- high school through the process of science in the natural world as they investigate a research topic in the field of ecology.
Foundations of the program:
1. Scientific Research
Students work with a cohort of peers and with professional scientist mentors to create questions around the ecology topics of forest or meadow or stream habitats and develop these questions into a research project.
2. Mentorship
The students will be mentored by scientists for guidance through their project. These career-scientists can help with recommendations for how to turn an idea into an executable project.
3. Professional caliber scientific exploration
Participants are given the chance to practice science just like a professional would, analyzing data and finally creating a research talk.
4. Experience the wonders of the natural world
Students will explore the natural area around the camp.
2026 Program Details
A 3-day, 2-night overnight field camp at Webber Lake. We will guide students through the process of science in the natural world as they investigate a research topic in the field of ecology.
When: July 8th-10th
Drop-Off / Pick-Up: Parents will drop off campers on Wednesday, July 8th between 3-4 pm and pick up on Friday, July 10th at 3pm
Ages: 6th grade and up
Camping: Participants will camp at our Webber Lake study site. Parents are welcome to join the Land Trust on a guided hike the morning of pickup.
Location: The campground is located at Webber Lake in Truckee, California at the Truckee Donner Land Trust campground.
Cost: $400
Contact:
Please contact Baylee Goodwin: baylee@headwatersscienceinstitute.org with any questions.
Cancellations:
Cancellations are subject to a $100 fee and are only allowed until June 1st. If there is someone else to fill the spot we will accept trades.
Camp Sponsors
Staffing and Emergency Policies:
Headwaters Science Institute is committed to maintaining the highest safety and security standards for our programs. When your children are in our care, you can trust that they are safe.
- All employees and contractors are background checked before they start working with us. We use a national-level background check program called National Crime Search (nationalcrimesearch.com) that searches all states and county records for any criminal records, sex & violent offenders, and includes a terrorist search.
- Our staff members are all first-aid and CPR certified. Some are Wilderness First Responder certified as well.
- We have a safety plan for every field site we use and know where the nearest fire station is located. We are never more than a few minutes walk to the nearest road.
- In the unlikely event of an emergency, we always work in areas that are easily served by 911. Our field site on Donner Summit is less than 2 miles from the nearest fire station with full-time EMT services and the hospital is a short 10-minute ride away.
- Wildfire and Smoke/Air Quality Policy: In the event of smoky conditions, Headwaters will evaluate air quality each morning by 7:00 AM and determine whether programs can safely proceed, need to be modified, or must be canceled. Headwaters will not cancel an entire week of camp or an entire program due to smoke unless there is an evacuation order or conditions make safe operation impossible. We follow air quality guidance from public health agencies:
- AQI above 200: Camp/program activities will be modified. All staff and campers must wear masks while outdoors.
- AQI above 300: Camp will be canceled for the day unless Headwaters has access to an appropriate indoor space where activities can be safely modified and held.
- Our full Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Smoke/Air Quality Police can be found here.
