Dinosaur Dig: Field Paleontology, Fossil Excavation, Badlands, and Geology

Subject: Paleontology, Geology, and Archeology 

Location: Glendive, Montana

When: August 18-21, 2027

Course Description:

We will venture out into the Badlands of Montana, one of the best places in the world to study Tyrannosaurus Rex, Hadrosaurs, and Triceratops dinosaurs. This creation based Field Paleontology, Geology and Archeology program includes several days of hands-on field excavations in various locations with a lab program taught by experts in the field to learn fossil preservation techniques. We will tour several fossil museums and have a presentation from a museum director. Trail hikes included to study petroglyphs, Native American sites and visit cultural sites during this very hands-on learning expedition. 

Wednesday, August 18

7 PM Welcome Party

Thursday, August 19

7:30 AM to 5 PM

Friday, August 20

7:30 AM to 5 PM

Saturday  August 21

7:30 AM to 5 PM

Sunday, August 22

9AM to 11AM

Program Format: Family - open to all ages 

Physical Consideration: This program has up to 3 miles of hiking in high desert heat and may not be suitable for everyone.

Tuition and Fees Schedule:

Ages 5 and Under: free

Optional curriculum kit for kids ages 3-5: $195

Students Ages 6 to 12 - $645

Students Ages 13 and up - $765

(Payment plans available)

All participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

What's included:

Curriculum pack with study guide, fossil kit, books and educational materials

Educators: Local paleontologists, scientists, and expert guides

What’s not included:

Transportation 

Hotels

Meals

Souvenirs

Travel Insurance

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize common fossils with particular attention to bones, teeth and other remains associated with dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and Hadrosaurs.

• Distinguish fossils from surrounding rock or modern debris.

• Learn proper field excavation techniques used in Paleontology and archeology such as safe use of tools, careful uncovering and exposure of specimens and documentation.

• Identify Badlands landforms and their erosion processes that expose fossils.

• Perform basic laboratory procedures for cleaning, consolidating, and preparing fossils.

• Study local petroglyphs, archaeological and cultural sites. 

Transportation:
Participants must fly into Billings, MT and rent car. Because Glendive is a very a remote location, there are no direct flights with large airplanes and no easily accessible rental car companies in the area. This is why we highly recommend that everyone fly into Billings.

Hotel:
We will be staying at a local hotel in Glendive, MT that participants will book on their own. Information will be provided to you upon registration. Hotel costs are not included in registration.

Voucher Funds:

This program is pending approval for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.  All food, transportation, and hotel costs are paid for by the parent and not with scholarship funds. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com

Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you. However, once payments are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. This is why travel insurance is highly encouraged to cover any unexpected events. Deposit is not refundable.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com

Cancellations received within 14 days of booking:

• 100% refund, less deposit.

• No refund after 14 days.