For Schools

Teachers and Group Leaders

Siskiyou Field Institute offers place-based educational programming for youth ages 6 and up. We are celebrating over 20 years as an educational institution by deepening our youth program curriculum. These programs are designed to align with the SFI mission of student-driven inquiry and hands-on environmental science in the field.

Register your school early – our program calendar fills up quickly. Grades K-12 can register for all of our programs up to one year in advance! If the dates you want are already filled, you can be placed on our waitlist. We will notify you if there is a cancelation.

Contact our Youth Education Program Manager to register you group today: Call (541) 597-8530 ext. 106, or email at youthprograms@thesfi.org

Once a group leader has set a program date, they will receive a confirmation email within 3-5 business days. The confirmation packet will include deposit information, a cost estimate, all relevant deadlines and necessary paperwork.

Program Options

Thank you for your interest in a Youth Program with the Siskiyou Field Institute! 

After we receive your inquiry form, our Youth Education Program (YEP) Manager will contact the the group leader within 3-5 business days at the phone number provided. If you prefer to contact our YEP Manager directly please call (541)597-8530 or email youthprograms@thesfi.org

This form is designed for group leaders or teachers. Please see the “Parents” section of the website to register your child for summer camp.

Curriculum Content Areas

Year-round, grades K-12

Students explore two creeks and a pond at the SFI using data from a 2018 Forest Service stream survey.  By looking at the watershed through the eyes of our creeks’ Coho salmon, students learn why watershed science is important, and how to determine what makes a healthy waterway.

Module emphasis: stream inventory/survey, water quality measurements (pH, temp., oxygen) comparing ponds and streams, macroinvertebrates, aquatic food webs, stream retention and flow, salmon life cycle, and human barriers to successful salmon.

Year-round, grades K-12

Students examine the role of fire in ecosystems, what influences spread and intensity, and how fire can be used to maintain ecosystem health.  Due to the 2018 Klondike fire, the 2017 Chetco Bar fire, and the 2002 Biscuit fire, the SFI and surroundings demonstrate extensive successional changes that create the perfect lens for looking at the fires and their role in forests. 

Module emphasis: Human management of forestland, bark beetle study, fireboard study, carbon sequestration, vegetation survey, tree identification, plant adaptation to climate/fire, and exploration of the University of Oregon’s on-site climate study experiment. 

Year-round, grades K-12

Students explore the unique serpentine ecology of this region and the flora that has adapted in its mineral-rich, nutrient-poor soils.  Hosting a Darlingtonia fen and serpentine outcroppings, the SFI property provides ample opportunities for hands-on exploration of insectivorous and endemic plants.

Module emphasis: Tectonic plates, Siskiyou geology, serpentine endemic species, soil testing/comparison (pH, soil type), soil pit analysis, Darlingtonia study, abiotic/biotic relationships.

Year-round, grades K-12

Students practice citizen science by investigating animal and plant biodiversity and their adaptations.  SFI’s property is situated in the heart of the Klamath Siskiyou ecoregion, a global center of biodiversity that harbors more conifers than any other temperate forest in the world, 280 species of flowering plants that are found nowhere else, and an abundant array of wildlife. 

Module emphasis: Plant community exploration and identification, animal adaptations, songbird, and migratory bird observation, habitat requirements, animal specimen investigation, scat exploration, tracking, terrestrial food webs, interspecies communication.

Year-round (depending on weather), grades K-12

A Siskiyou experience like none other! The Ropes Challenge Course at SFI consists of three different elements: Diversity Trail, Vertical Spider Web, and The Bridge is Out (the low elements). Under the direction of our trained facilitators, students connect the challenges they face while completing the course with real-life obstacles, and develop self-confidence, trust, and teamwork. 

What to Expect

Each school is responsible for transportation to and from the Siskiyou Field Institute campus. We encourage each group to bring at least one personal vehicle in case of emergencies. Overnight program arrival time for the first day is 12:30 p.m. and departure is 10:30 a.m. Day Program arrival and departure times can vary. Transportation may be organized via carpool or bus. Buses are allowed to remain on SFI grounds for the entire program length, if needed.

We are proud to provide healthy and filling meals for our over-night campers. SFI asks that schools plan for the first day of overnight programming by bringing a sack lunch. The first meal served for overnight programs is typically dinner on the first day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared by SFI’s onsite camp cook. SFI serves snacks throughout the day. All allergies and sensitivities can be accommodated.
For our day programs, SFI asks that schools plan to bring sack lunches. Refrigeration is available if needed.

For overnight programs, teachers have the entire 8-hour field day free.  Teachers can choose to opt-in to the field day if they choose.  Please plan to spend at least 2 consecutive hours in a field group if you are choosing to observe the field day.  We also provide separate lodging accommodations in our Kendeda House.  Enjoy a private shower, climate control, and wifi!  

Day Programs

SFI Day Programs can be tailored to fit K-12 public, private, charter, and homeschool students. Day programs typically run four hours long and can include multiple curriculum modules over consecutive days. Pricing can be adjusted if a group would like more or less than four hours. Please contact the YEP Manager to customize your program schedule. One curriculum module per day should be chosen by the group leader.

SFI offers field-based, educational day programs that can be tailored to fit the needs of K-12 public, private, charter, and homeschool students. All SFI curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards.
Year-round (depending on weather)
A Siskiyou experience like none other! The Ropes Challenge Course at SFI consists of six different high and low ropes challenge course elements: Giant Swing, Catwalk, Staple Climb (the high elements), and Diversity Trail, Vertical Spider Web, and The Bridge is Out (the low elements). Under the direction of our trained facilitators, students connect the challenges they face while completing the course with real-life obstacles, and develop self-confidence, trust, and teamwork. Harnesses for the High Ropes section of the course accommodate waist sizes between 22-51 inches. Consider reserving it for your next business retreat, family reunion, or birthday party!
Pricing varies based on income eligibility guidelines. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required within 14 days of scheduling to reserve your date. If scheduling a day program less than 14 days in advance, your deposit will be due upon scheduling. Please see the Youth Education section of our website, siskiyoufieldinstitute.org for Day Program pricing.
% of students that qualify for federal free / reduced lunch Cost per student SFI day programs & high & low ropes course programs Cost per student Snow School In-class/on-site outreach fees per hour
0-40% $27 $32 $55
40-80% $26 $28 $50
80-100% $25 $25 $45

Outdoor School and Residential Programs

Our residential overnight programs provide an unforgettable learning experience for fifth grade through high school-aged public, private, charter, and homeschool students. Residential programs are typically one to four nights in length and include meals, lodging, instruction from qualified instructors, and evening campfire activities. All SFI curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards.

Year-round, grades 5-12
Fit more fun and exploration into your students’ field studies by staying overnight at SFI with your class! Our residential overnight programs provide an unforgettable learning experience for fifth grade through high school-aged public, private, charter, and homeschool students. Choose from one, two, or three nights of programming, and choose from our learning modules to fit your curriculum needs. All of our programs emphasize social and emotional development, deep nature connections, collaborative skills, active inclusion, and mindfulness.
Please contact the YEP coordinator to customize your program schedule.

SFI Day Programs can be tailored to fit K-12 public, private, charter, and homeschool students. All SFI curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards. Day programs typically run four hours long and can include multiple curriculum modules over consecutive days. Pricing can be adjusted if a group would like more or less than four hours. Please contact the YEP coordinator to customize your program schedule. One curriculum module per day should be chosen by the group leader.

A $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your date is required within 14 days of receiving your confirmation email and estimated cost invoice. The package fee provides lodging, food, snacks, equipment and instruction.

A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to keep the date, within 14 days of receiving your confirmation email and estimated cost invoice. If you schedule a day program less than 14 days in advance, your deposit will be due upon scheduling.

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