High School Course

Introduction to Field Biology

APPLY HERE

Applications and acceptances are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so spots are secured in the order applications are received. A select number of spots will be held for Gunnison Watershed School District and Lake City students.

The goal of this course is to teach the process of conducting biological research in the natural world.  Course activities include making natural history observations, asking research questions, and working with scientists on topics as diverse as plant biology, pollination, stream ecology, and animal behavior.  Students will work individually or in small groups to conduct their own research projects under the guidance of instructors. Students will have access to modern scientific equipment, including GPS units and GIS software, drying ovens, microbalances, and a microscope/camera set-up.

Example Course Schedule: RMBL HS Field Course Schedule 2025

Example Course Syllabus: RMBLSyllabus2024

Who: This course is open to rising high school sophomores through recently graduated high school seniors.

Dates:  July 27th- Aug. 7th, 2026

Length of time:  2 weeks, Mon-Fri at least 9-5:00 with 1-2 evening sessions and one early morning session. On-site housing is not available.  Students must make their own arrangements to live off-site.

Class size: 14 students. Students may register on a first-come, first-served basis.

Instructor: The high school instructor, Lizza Vachon, will teach the course, in collaboration with Dr. Jill Anderson and other RMBL scientists.

Pre-Requisites:  One year of HS biology, except by permission of the instructor.

High School Credit: We expect that students will be able to earn 1/2 year
(one semester) science credit in the Gunnison Watershed School District.  For credit to be earned, participant must attend all class times and complete daily science journal assignments as well as their final research project.
College Credit: Students can register for up to two credits of college biology through Western State Colorado University. Instructions and the link to apply for credit through Western Colorado University will be available for download here in April 2026.

(Western’s fee for college credit for this course was $200 in 2025)

Contact youthscience@rmbl.org for details.

Program Cost:

  • $2,100 +$25 registration fee for students outside of the Gunnison District.
  • Local Crested Butte, Gunnison, and Lake City students pay $1,890 +$25 registration fee, if they register by March 1. After March 1, Crested Butte or Gunnison students can register for $2,100.
  • For all students, a $500 deposit is required to hold a spot once you are accepted into the program.
  • The balance of the fee is due by June 1 and will be automatically paid with the credit card on file in your Sawyer account used when registering.
  • Limited partial scholarships are available! Apply early! (please see scholarship requirements below)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

 

Step 1: Fill Out the Application
Click the link above and this will take you to the Sawyer website (our booking system) to start your application. It’s free and doesn’t require payment yet. You’ll provide basic info about yourself and your parent/guardian. 

Step 2: Create Your Account 

  • You can use your own name as head of household, but you must include a parent or guardian’s contact information. 
  • Enter your own contact info so we can reach you. 
  • Your parent/guardian will digitally sign registration paperwork once you’re accepted. 

Step 3: Submit Your Application 

  • Click the red “Register” button. Select “Camps/Events” 
  • Select “2026 High School Intro. to Field Biology APPLICATION” and add it to your cart. 
  • You can checkout now or add a scholarship application if you want (Camps/Events → Scholarship Application). 

Step 4: What Happens Next 

  • You’ll get an email confirming that we received your application. 
  • Applications and acceptances are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so spots are secured in the order applications are received. Please be prepared to wait up to two weeks for your application to be reviewed. 
  • If your application is successful, you’ll get a link to finish registration and pay the $500 deposit and $25 registration fee. 
  • Final payment is due by June 1. 

Contact:  Please direct questions regarding the high school course to Katie Lawn, RMBL Youth Programs Coordinator, youthscience@rmbl.org.

Payment & Cancellation Policy 

  • A $25 non-refundable registration fee and $500 deposit are due at checkout. 
  • Payment must be completed to secure your spot. 
  • Families have 48 hours to accept a waitlist spot when offered. 

Refunds: 

  • Full refund (minus $25 fee per camp) if canceled within 48 hours of registration. 
  • 50% deposit refund (minus $25 fee per camp) if canceled before April 1st, no refunds on deposits after April 1st.
  • No refunds after final payment is collected on June 1st. 
  • Emergency cancellations due to medical reasons will be reviewed individually; documentation may be required. 
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SCHOLARSHIPS:

Limited partial and full scholarships are available, depending on need and demand. The deadline for applying for a scholarship is Feb. 1st, 2026 (*note scholarship applications have additional requirements that must be completed prior to Feb. 1st)

Scholarship Application Checklist:

  • A completed, confidential RMBL Youth Programs Scholarship Application (The application questions should be answered from your most current US Federal Income Tax Return. All financial Information is kept confidential. **Note if you are a high school applicant filling out this form, this tax information is required of your Parents/Legal Guardians not your personal taxes.)
  • 1 page essay describing why you wish to take a summer field biology course sent directly to the youth programs coordinator at katielawn@rmbl.org
  • 2 letters of recommendation as to why you would be a good fit for this program, which should be sent by recommenders directly to the youth programs coordinator at katielawn@rmbl.org
  • Required Deposit: Once you are accepted into the course, students receiving a full scholarship must still submit a $500 deposit, which will be returned when the class is completed, and expectations are met.  Students who do not satisfactorily complete the course forfeit the deposit.

RMBL is an equal opportunity service provider and employer and operates under a Special Use Permit from the USDA Forest Service, GMUG National Forest.