Summer Field Camp Course Information
Summer 2025 Field Camp
Contact Information
Dr. David B. Hacker
Director, Geology Summer Field Camp
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242
dhacker@kent.edu
Dr. Hacker's Voicemail: (330) 672-7883
Department of Earth Sciences Secretary: (330) 672-2680
APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
- Download PDF (includes application and scholarship forms).
- $100 Deposit and completed application form should be submitted to Dr. Hacker's mailbox in the Earth Sciences office, 221 McGilvrey Hall. Cash or checks only, checks made out to Director, Geology Summer Field Camp
- For planning purposes, completed applications and deposits must be submitted by Tuesday, February 28th, 2025.
- All questions should be directed to Dr. Hacker at dhacker@kent.edu.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
KSU Earth Sciences majors may apply for KSU Field Camp Scholarships.
LOCATION
Black Hills, South Dakota, and adjacent parts of Wyoming
DATES
May 27, 2025 - June 29, 2025 (First 5 weeks)
COURSE AND CREDITS
ESCI 41092 (undergraduate) and 51092 (graduate) carry six semester hours of credit. This course is required for all B.S. candidates in the Department of Earth Sciences and for entering graduate students who have not completed a Field Camp requirement as part of their undergraduate study.
PREREQUISITES
Earth Materials I (or Mineralogy), Earth Materials II (or Petrology), and Structural Geology
SUGGESTED BACKGROUND COURSES
Students would also benefit from classes in Paleontology, and Geomorphology, although these are not required.
FACILITIES
Accommodations are in a dormitory at the Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota. Meals are provided through the college Monday through Saturday lunch and these board expenses are covered in the general charge listed below. Other meals are the responsibility of the students. Students also provide their own bedding and towels. During the traveling portion of the session, students are responsible for their own food costs.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
See the "Information Packet for Students" above.
INSTRUCTORS
The staff consists of senior faculty and experienced instructors at a staff-to-student ratio of about 1 to 10.
ESTIMATED FEES AND COSTS
(Exclusive of personal expenses, food and lodging while traveling, and subject to change)
| Student Category | Tuition | Room, Board, Maintenance, Camping Fees, Round Trip Transportation (Kent to Black Hills) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Ohio Resident | $3,354.00 | $2,100.00 |
| Undergraduate Out-of-State | $5,631.60 | $2,100.00 |
FINANCIAL AID FOR KSU EARTH SCIENCES STUDENTS
Many KSU undergraduate Earth Sciences students who attend field camp receive financial aid through merit or need-based scholarships. Funds for these awards are raised by generous alumni donations and through fundraising activities of the KSU Earth Sciences Student Organizations. These awards must be used at the KSU field camp and you must be a currently enrolled and declared major in Earth Sciences at KSU to be eligible.
Please contact the Department Office for more information regarding eligibility and the application process for Summer Field Camp Financial Aid.
APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION
Send the KSU Summer Field Camp Application and a non-refundable fee of $100.00 (which is applied toward the total room, board, and maintenance fee) to Director, Geology Summer Field Camp, Kent State University, Kent OH 44242 by Feb. 28, to ensure enrollment. Please make checks or money orders payable to Director, Geology Summer Field Camp. Pre-registration may be done by phone until mid-May. For guest student applications (for Undergraduate credit) (for Graduate credit) and exact registration information, contact the Admissions and Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.
I missed the deadline to send in my fee. Can I still send it in and attend Field Camp?
Please call the department office to see if it's too late to reserve a spot in our facilities. We have to reserve space well in advance of our trip, so the sooner you contact us, the more likely we'll be able to add a space.
2025 Virtual Field Camp Student Accessibility Options
(with KSU Field Camp Director's approval)
Indiana University Bloomington
The virtual, online version of Field Geology Fundamentals in Montana and Wyoming is designed to teach students field geology skills, thought processes and workflows without requiring them to actually go into the field. It is recommended for students who are unable to participate in a rigorous field experience.
Wichita State University
Offering both a traditional, in-person trip as well as a virtual Minecraft gamified format, depending on student needs and travel.