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Every summer the Department of Geology & Geophysics conducts the LSU Geology Field Camp, a six-week field course for LSU seniors and freshmen at the University's field camp facility in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. At Field Camp students learn the basics of scientific observation, data collection, and interpretation in a natural setting, one so different from the traditional classroom and far from the swamps, marshes, and prairies of South Louisiana. Campers study rock outcroppings on the grounds of the 1,300-acre field station and at off-site locations. They explore nearby geological features, such as Helen Hunt Falls, the Great Unconformity, and Garden of the Gods, and take weeklong field trips to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Grand Canyon National Parks.
On a typical day, students head out on foot with little more than a pencil, a notebook, and lunch for a full day of work amid towering mountains and vast canyons. Applying prerequisite course work, the students investigate and resolve geological problems in the natural setting, gaining a measure of experience and wisdom crucial to careers in industry, public service, and academia. Freshman campers learn the fundamentals of geology during classroom lectures in camp then head outside for field-based learning. The Field Camp program earns them eight credit hours in geology course work, covering Geology 1001, "General Geology: Physical;" Geology 1003, "General Geology: Historical;" Geology 1601, "Physical Geology Laboratory;" and Geology 1602, "Historical Geology Laboratory." The session is designed for recent high school graduates with excellent academic records who wish to major in either geology or petroleum engineering at LSU. Camp Life
Staff and faculty occupy the upper camp, while students live in the lower or main camp, which includes seven dormitory cabins, a dining hall, a 20-seat classroom, and a shower house. Cabins have electricity but do not have plumbing, telephones, or Internet access. So, when they're not out in the field, what do campers do for recreation in such an isolated and primitive place? On evenings and weekends, a trip into Colorado Springs, 30 minutes away, might seem an obvious choice, with its movie theaters, restaurants, sports bars, and the campers' favorite shopping venue, Wal-Mart. But city life quickly loses its appeal after campers settle in. "When transportation is available, some head into the city," said camp director and instructor Marty Horn. "But most choose to stay at the camp and socialize during their off hours." Campers enjoy board and card games, volleyball, swimming, and music (on guitars and the camp piano), but the favorite Field Camp pastime is story telling. "Students are often up past midnight on weekends airing out their tallest tales and wildest stories," said Horn. And due to the camp's legendary cuisine—a mix of Cajun, traditional American, and southwestern fare—even fine city restaurants are not a big temptation. In 2004, the camp cook was a licensed chef from the Baton Rouge Country Club and Louisiana Technical College. "Last summer, the food was stellar," said Horn. Roughing It
Unpredictable weather, lack of modern conveniences, and physical fatigue can take their toll. The air is thin and dehydration occurs quickly at an elevation of 6,200 to 9,000 feet. So, during the months preceding camp, students are encouraged to get into shape. And while in the field, they are advised on the best ways to remain healthy, safe, and well hydrated. "A history of good academic performance doesn't guarantee success at camp," said Horn. "Physical fitness is equally important." Continuing a Long-Held Tradition
In 2000, the Department of Geology & Geophysics launched a campaign to raise funds for upgrades and operation of the site. With gifts from the first phase of the campaign, the department rebuilt the camp's roads and bridges, installed a home for its year-round caretaker and his family, and purchased two vans for field trips. Planned improvements include repairs to the foundations of several structures at the site and construction of new dormitory cabins, a dining hall, and a classroom. All contributions to the Field Camp's fund-raising effort are being managed by the LSU Foundation.
Contact Marybeth Pinsonneault | LSU
University Relations Related Links National Park Service Links within this story Department of Geology & Geophysics |
For
seniors, the crux of Field Camp is the course Geology 3666, "Field
Geology,"—a six-week, six-credit-hour course in which geology
majors study geological features firsthand. 
The camp, located in the canyon of Little Fountain Creek near Colorado Springs, consists of two cabin areas connected by a mile-long dirt road. 
While the landscape is beautiful and the getting-away-from-it-all vibe can be relaxing, Geology Field Camp isn't a walk in the park. 
LSU's Field Camp is one of only a handful of all-inclusive (food, room and board, and transportation included) university field camps in the country. LSU began using the site for field geology courses in 1928 and eventually purchased the property in 1954 from a family who homesteaded the land in the late 19th century. Structures from the original homestead remain on the site. 
