Student Travel Opportunities

Elkhart Community Schools has a long tradition of providing educational summer field experiences for our high school students. Summer field experiences have provided life-long memories, amazing travel experiences and real-world educational opportunities for the thousands of ECS students who have participated. All summer field experiences are eligible for credit toward a high school diploma.

Summer Field Learning Opportunities

Colorado / Earth Science

Students who participate in the Colorado trip will gain experience in Earth Science and visit numerous historical landmarks as they ride in a bus from Elkhart to Colorado. The Colorado trip includes:

Air Force Academy
Olympic Training Center
The Great Sand Dunes
Mesa Verde National Park (2 days)
Indian Cliff Dwellings
San Juan Mountains (5 days)
White water rafting on the Colorado River

Details of the Colorado trip:

Open to Elkhart High School students, grades 9-12
48 spots per trip available for students (two trips with 24 students)
Students will be camping throughout the entire trip
Equipment needed: backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cookware, tent and hiking boots (equipment is available to borrow through the school)
Students who successfully complete all academic requirements will earn 1 credit toward their diploma
Contact: Ed Hibshman at ehibshman@elkhart.k12.in.us or 574-262-5600
Please visit https://sites.google.com/a/elkhart.k12.in.us/colorado-trip/ for information or applications.
Please visit the Elkhart Earth Science Colorado Trip Facebook page to see photos from previous years.

East Coast / Marine Biology

Students who participate in the Marine Biology trip will explore aquatic biology and the marine ecosystem of the East Coast. The Marine Biology trip includes:

Boston, Bar Harbor and Plymouth
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
Aquariums
Nature boat cruises
Whale watching
Handling ocean organisms, like lobsters and sea cucumbers
Kayaking
Canoeing
Paddleboarding

Details of the Marine Biology trip:

Open to Elkhart High School students, incoming grades 10-12, must have passed their grade 9 science course
28 spots available for students
Students will be camping throughout the entire trip
Equipment needed: sleeping bag, cookware and tent (equipment is available to borrow through the school)
Students who successfully complete all academic requirements will earn 1 credit in high school science toward their diploma
Contact: Heidi Krusenklaus at hkrusenklaus@elkhart.k12.in.us or 574-262-5600
Please visit the Elkhart Marine Biology Summer Program Facebook page to see photos from previous years.

Washington DC / U.S. History

Students who participate in the U.S. History trip will explore our nation’s capital and historical landmarks, as they learn about U.S. History. The U.S. History trip includes:

White House (exterior)
Washington Monument
Capital Building
Vietnam Memorial
WWII Memorial
Lincoln Monument
Arlington Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
JFK/RFK Burial Site
DC at Dark Tour

Details of the U.S. History trip:

Open to Elkhart High School students, incoming grades 10-12
20 spots available for students
Students will be traveling via Amtrak train and staying in hotel rooms
Equipment needed: detailed list will be provided at a later date
Students who successfully complete all academic requirements will earn a second semester US History II credit, a Sociology credit, or a “General” Social Studies credit toward graduation.
Contact: Steve Asbury at sfasbury@elkhart.k12.in.us or 574-262-5600

Elkhart Community Schools believes that each student who has the desire to travel for educational purposes and life experience should have the opportunity to do so. Through donations from individuals and groups throughout the community, financial support may be available to students who qualify. Please contact the trip coordinator for details.