San Juan River/Canyon Country Discovery Center
“Say that I starved, that I was lost and weary, that I was burned and blinded by the desert sun, footsore, thirsty, sick with strange diseases, lonely and wet and cold, but that I kept my dream!” ― Everett Ruess, Artists, Writer, & Poet. 1914-1934
Sunset. Second night camp. San Juan River.2021-2022 School Year
Updated August 24, 2021
Our sixth graders kick off the year by spending five days in southern Utah with the Canyon Country Discovery Center. This is a culminating experience students work towards from the time they enter kindergarten and builds upon their fifth grade experiences at Teton Science School. Students spend their first night at the newly built Canyon Country Discovery Center (map) in Monticello, Utah learning about the Colorado Plateau and gazing through their massive telescope. They then spend two nights three days camping and rafting the gentle currents of the San Juan River from Sand Island Campground (near Bluff) to Mexican Hat, Utah (map). Along the way, students explore Ancestral Puebloan ruins and pictographs--immersed in the ancient civilizations aspect of the social studies curriculum and astronomical and ecosystem components of the science curriculum. There are also multiple math connections and a strong writing component.
Professional river guides supervise our sixth graders along with four EBLS faculty members, bringing the student to adult ratio to about 3:1 while we are on the river. All students will be required to wear Type V life jackets (which are provided) at all times on the water. Students will be assigned to boys and girls tents with five to six students in each tent and chaperones in separate tents nearlby. We chose September for this field experience for the lower, stable river flows, and cooler temperatures.
COVID-19 Precautions
To participate, students must have a negative COVID 19 test within one week of departure and students must wear masks on the mini-buses for the drive. Students will be spaced out in meal lines and while eating. Tent groups of four to five students are assigned by teachers. We will have students keep rain flies off the tents at night for more air circulation.
Fall 2021 San Juan Checklist
1) Please fill out this RSVP form indicating if your student is participating or not.
2) Complete legal Waiver by Friday, Sept 3rd (Enter "Edith Bowen 21" for trip name).
3) Complete Medical Form by Friday, Sept 3rd (Enter "Edith Bowen 21" for trip name).
4) Make contribution (See parent letter below for costs and suggested donation amounts). If you need financial assistance, please contact Mr. Justis.
5) Schedule COVID test and report resuslts to EBLS (negative tests one week in advance are required for participation).
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Important Information
2021-22 Dates & Photo Updates Depart Monday at 8:30 AM (please arrive by 8:15 AM). |
Curriculum Connections
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 Tiger Wall. San Juan River. Photo: Eric Newell |
 Eight Foot Rapid. San Juan River. Photo: Eric Newell |
 San Juan River, Utah Photo: Eric Newell |
 River House Ruin. San Juan River. Photo: Eric Newell |
2017 Photo Archives: Baggaley 2017 Jenkins 2017
2018 Photo Archives: Baggaley 2018 Jenkins 2018
2019 Photo Archives: Jenkins 2019 Baggaley 2019
2021 (Spring) Archives: April 2021 May 2021