Flexibility for weather conditions, bus problems, etc…is essential to having an enjoyable visit to the park. No two school programs are exactly alike, but the following schedule represents a typical trip.
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Travel to the Park
Simple assignments can be completed by seatmates or individuals during this time. Point out sights along the way that relate to the park story such as mountain uplifting, glacially carved valleys or mountain passes, plant communities and winter changes, river crossings, and canyon formations. You may also want to review vocabulary words or ecological concepts.
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Meet Park Rangers at Designated Site
After a brief welcome by the park rangers to Glacier National Park, the ranger(s) will talk with the chaperones and teacher(s) about the schedule for the day, and then distribute snowshoes to everyone.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Snowshoe and Winter Pack Activities
Rangers will use the resources along the trails to involve students in learning about winter signs, winter stress factors and adaptations for coping with winter, as well as snow pack characteristics, and vegetation types.
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Concluding Activities and Return Equipment
Ranger(s) review the educational objectives for the day. Snow shoes are returned and students’ inventory winter packs.
Lunch – Can be eaten while on the trail or the group may do lunch on their way to or from the park depending on time.
2:00 p.m. – Bus Leaves the Park
