Field Trips

3rd - 5th Grade Winter Experience Field Trips

Grade Level:
Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject:
Literacy and Language Arts,Science
Common Core Standards:
4.RI.1, 4.RI.3, 4.RI.9, 4.SL.4, 4.SL.5, 4.SL.6, 4.W.1, 4.W.7, 4.W.8, 4.W.9

The application period for the Winter 2024-2025 Winter Experience programming season is open as of Sept. 1, 2024. Funds for busing reimbursements may be available. See grant information below.

Students will be guided through age-appropriate programming related to watersheds, climate change, and winter ecology, among other topics.


To apply: 

Scheduling a field trip

We cannot schedule your trip until we have your Education Program Request FormEmail us the completed form. Please let us know the best time for a phone call to confirm the details of your visit.
When you email the form also include the dollar amount requested for bus funding. See below.

Bus Transportation Information 

Funds may be available to cover the cost of transportation from your school to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Grants are administered by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a non-profit, charitable organization supporting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The grants awarded may not cover all of your transportation costs. Money from your school, PTA, or your own fundraising efforts may be needed to make up the difference. Please communicate directly with your bus company in order to provide us with the most accurate cost estimate.  
 

Grant Criteria  
Transportation grants will be awarded competitively based on need and cost per student. Due to the nature of the grant, priority is given to Title 1 schools.  

  
Transportation Estimate  
When calculating the bus transportation estimate, please use the address. Please also note that the bus(es) will drive an additional 6-10 miles during the field trip.  

Philip A. Hart Visitor Center  
9922 West Front Street  
Empire, MI, 49630  


  
Grant recipients will be notified mid-November, 2024. Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes will only pay the amount agreed upon in the grant award. If bus invoices exceed this amount, schools will be responsible for making up the difference. To receive the funds, you must send an invoice AFTER the trip has been completed.

Materials

Pre and post snowshoe hike lesson plans

Download Snowshoe Hike Lesson Plans

Last updated: August 30, 2024