The Work The location of the camp gives us access to projects in the Precambrian crystalline rocks and Paleozoic cover rocks of the Southern Rocky Mountains, and the classic Mesozoic and Cenozoic sections in the surrounding areas, including the Rio Grande Rift Valley. This location is an ideal place to learn field geology and has the added attraction of scenic and cultural uniqueness. The curriculum is designed to train the student to make accurate observations, develop field techniques, and learn to solve geologic problems in a comprehensive fashion. Students will learn to construct and use topographic maps; to construct stratigraphic sections with detailed descriptions of lithologic units; to map outcropping strata; to record and interpret structural data; and to combine geological observations into a comprehensive geological history of the area.
The Facility We lease a condominium complex at the entrance to the Taos Ski Valley as a base of operations. Rooms hold 2-3 students with private baths, T.V.'s and phones. Kitchens serve 4-6 students, and each student is responsible for preparing his/her meals. Often students will pool cooking duties with a few other students. Camping is limited to the trip out and two 2-day road trips, for which camping gear is needed.
The Prerequisites Prerequisites for this course include physical and historical geology, mineralogy, petrology, structure, and a field methods course (if possible).
The Cost The camp cost is $950.00 excluding tuition. This cost covers lodging, transportation (Tallahassee -- Taos -- Tallahassee; leave 5/6, return 6/13), and some expendable supplies but does not cover food. Tuition (6 hours) is currently $542.52 for Florida residents. Out-of-state students register for the class through the Florida State University Center for Professional Development and pay the in-state tuition plus an additional registration fee of $75. A refundable $200 deposit is required with application. For those students going directly to Taos, the first working day of camp is May 9.
Applications and Inquiries. Application deadline for the '04 camp is April 1, 2005. Download an application HERE. Inquiries should be directed to: