Do you need a strong background in math and science to do this? The participatory model allows multiple entry points. While physically doing the same activity, student – advisor discussion occur at different levels. Curiosity and a willingness to engage are important.

Participants will be mailed, once a deposit is received, an outline and curriculum for the academy. Participants should study the curriculum and do some research on their own before they arrive.

Is this work dangerous? Safety is our first concern. The work is not dangerous, though that is not to say there are not risks of bumps and scrapes. We work with hammers, chisels, and other hand tools in the quarry. Gloves, eye protection, and face masks are all available when needed for a specific job. There are rattle snakes in the area, but they have not been a problem in the past. All work inside is conducted in a professional lab with all safety features and personal protective equipment provided.

What kind of privacy will I have? You will be sharing a cabin with up to 3-4 other individuals. The cabins have bunk beds, and one full size bed. There is a shower facility with separate shower stalls, but a common room (locker room setting with individual showers).

How “rustic” is the setting? Thermopolis is a town of about 3,000 people. There are no malls, shopping centers, Wal-Marts, or large retail stores of any kind. It is more remote than rustic, that is to say it is a long way to any sizable city. The water is good, the rooms comfortable, and we'll be working in the hills around town.

What do I wear? Bring clothes that you don't mind getting dirty! There is a lot of dirt, both in the lab (where we make big rocks in to little rocks all day), and of course, in the field.

How do I go about getting college credit set up? College credit is available through Central Wyoming College, in Riverton, Wyoming. Information will be given to those interested in the one (1) hour credit. This college credit is optional and is in addition to all fee(s) for the Dinosaur Academy.

What about medical or dietary issues? Most dietary issues can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Food allergies can also be dealt with on a case by case basis. No dietary constraint should hinder anyone from attending. Please let us know in advance of any dietary issues. Medical issues: We are situated in the high plains desert, any medical issues that would be exasterbated by high altitude (~5,000'), dry climate, or hot temperatures (~105 on hottest days) will need to take these conditions into consideration. Again, most medical related issues can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

What is there to do during down time? There will not be a great deal of down time, the hours of the day are fairly well filled. There are activities planned throughout the week in the evenings, but the days are full with academy projects and field trips.

Are iPods and cell phones allowed? Yes; with the caveat that you are responsible for their proper use, and risk of damage or loss. Calls will not be allowed (really there isn't much of a signal anyway) on the hill or the lab. But cell phones have become quite prevalent and use as a camera (or to text/photomessage) is allowed in moderation... after all it's pretty cool to be able to send a photo of you and the dinosaur bone you just found to your friends and family in real time. Likewise, mp3 devices are allowed, but again with moderate and responsible use (e.g. don't wear your earphones during a discussion).

What is the deposit to hold a spot?: A $200 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required to hold the participants spot. The deposit must be sent with the Dinosaur Academy Participant Application to the Big Horn Basin Foundation office. Call for availability as there are limited spots and participants are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. (307) 864-2997 x229.

When must the final payment be remitted? Payment must be received by the BHBF no later than one week prior to initial attendance date. Make Checks payable to Big Horn Basin Foundation and mail to: Dinosaur Academy; 110 Carter Ranch Rd, Thermopolis, WY 82443 (we also accept Visa, MC, and Discover)

What is our Refund Policy? Deposits are not refundable under any circumstances so plan carefully. In case of homesickness, dismissal, or voluntary withdrawal after the session has begun, there is no refund of any fees. Any cancellation less than two weeks prior to the start of the registered session will result in a refund of 75% of the Academy Fees less the deposit. Cancellation with less than one week’s notice will result in a refund of 50% of the Academy Fees less the deposit.

Medical Refund: A written physician-authorized medical excuse is required to be considered for a full refund (less the deposit). Requests for refunds with special circumstances must be submitted in writing for consideration. If a participant does not show for a registered session without notice, no refund will be issued.

What should I bring? Sleeping bag, pillows, pajamas or sweats, underwear, socks, pants, shorts, shirts, two-long sleeved shirts, hiking shoes/boots, light jacket, sweater/sweatshirt, bathing suit and towel, water bottle, flashlight, hat, sunscreen, soap, shampoo, comb, toothbrush, toothpast, lotion and any other necessary toiletries. Bring old clothes that can get dirty (we are digging in the dirt, or outside for much of the program). If ANY prescription medication is brought to the program, it must be in the original container, with the original label, and in the participants name.

What's NOT allowed at the program? Weapons of any kind, knives (what is needed in the field is provided), fire works, lighters, or matches. Anything of considerable expense should not be brought, or brought at the owners risk. BHBF nor the WDC are responsible for lost or stolen articles.

What About Medical Insurance?: In the event your child needs medical treatment and/or prescriptions, the family’s insurance will be billed. Parents will be notified of any serious accident or illness that requires treatment. Public health facilities are less than 3 blocks from the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, and less than five miles from the quarries.

What forms do I need to fill out? Aside from the application form, you will need to fill these forms out and submit them at the time complete payment is made.

Participant Health History Form: Parent or legal guardian is required to complete the Heath History Form.

Waiver & Release/Participant Behavior Form: Please put participants full name and age at top of form. Read the agreement completely and sign at the bottom. If there are any limitations that the participant has that would make participation in these activities hazardous, please list at the bottom of the form.

Image Release Form: The Image Release form is to be completed by a parent or legal guardian. It allows either the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, or the Big Horn Basin Foundation, to use photographic, digital images, or video of participants for the purposes stated on the release form.