News Release

Registration Extension for Youth Archeology Expedition High School Camp

Youth explore an archeological site in the national park with a ranger.

NPS

News Release Date: May 9, 2023

Contact: Kathy Faz Garcia, 719-378-6341

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will host two summer Youth Archeology Expeditions (YAE) for San Luis Valley middle school and high school students. YAE is a 6-day program that introduces participants to the discipline of prehistoric and historic archeology through place-based learning. Participants will gain an understanding of the various applications of archaeology and the need to protect and preserve archaeological sites through hands-on activities and fieldwork alongside archeologists, park resource management specialists, and other public land managers throughout the San Luis Valley. The goal of the program is to create the next generation of stewards by exposing them to the discipline of archeology (including excavating, and collections management) and the value in telling the story of local, state, and nationally significant sites.

The program is free and includes transportation, snacks and lunch, and supplies. Park employees will select a central location for pick-up and drop-off and transport students in government vehicles. Great Sand Dunes is extending the deadline for interested high school students to apply. Students completing 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th grade this spring are eligible to apply for the high school expedition which will take place July 10^th through July 15^th, 8:00am-5:00pm. Interested students must be pre-registered by May 14^th, 2023, to attend. Eligible students from all 14 districts in the San Luis Valley are encouraged to apply! Upon receipt of applications, the park will select 8-12 participants.

For more information about this exciting opportunity and to obtain an application, contact us at [e-mail] or visit our park website: https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/education/youth-archeology-expedition.htm