Summer Field Studies 2026
Summer Field Study is a class offered by Roncalli, Cardinal Ritter, and Bishop Chatard High Schools. The program is one part academics, one part adventure, and one part retreat. Students hike, climb, camp, cook, swim, raft, backpack, play and pray in a uniquely challenging program that teaches students to respect themselves, to become leaders, and to work to achieve their dreams. Most importantly, students learn to read from the Book of Creation that God has given us to make known His grandeur, wisdom and love for each of us. Over 3,500 students have participated over the past 45 years.
Destinations:
BaseCamp 1 – Reunion Flats, Alta, WY is located in beautiful Teton Canyon in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Hiking, backpacking and horseback riding are popular activities in this scenic region. A vast majority of our exploration is in Grant Tetons National Park as students will experience nature in its most rugged state.
BaseCamp 2 – Printer Boy Campground, Leadville, CO is located just outside the highest incorporated city in the United States, Leadville, CO at 10,142 ft above sea level. The campground abuts up to Emerald Lake which is fed from the snow runoff of the tallest mountains in Colorado. Students will be able to hike alpine forests that give way to alpine prairies as they ascend above the treeline. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to summit one or two of the tallest peaks in Colorado.
Auxiliary Adventures:
Mountaineering – Students will have the opportunity to climb one of Colorado’s majestic peaks reaching into the sky over 14,000 ft above sea level. This adventure will test even the most fit person’s endurance but the views from the top are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whitewater Rafting Noah’s Ark – Every student will have the opportunity to complete a whitewater rafting trip with Noah’s Ark during our adventure. Noah’s Ark is located just outside Buena Vista, Co and at the north end of the Arkansas River. While on the river the students will not only be exhilarated with the rapids they encounter but also will get to take in the grandeur of Brown’s Canyon.
Rock Climbing/Repelling – Students interested in testing their abilities to climb the face of a mountain or repel off cliffs will have opportunities at both locations.
Dates – June 14 – 27, 2026
Eligibility – Current Juniors and Seniors at Roncalli, Cardinal Ritter, and Bishop Chatard High Schools. Guaranteed spots are based upon families filling out the 2026 Summer Field Study Registration Form and paying the preliminary deposit per the schedule indicated. Guaranteed spots per school are as follows:
Roncalli High School – 74
Bishop Chatard High School – 20
Cardinal RItter High School – 10
There will be a waiting list for interested students whose registration is received before the deadline and will be offered spots as they become available. Should a school not fill all their spots these will be opened to other schools at the discretion of trip leadership.
Tuition – $2,000 – The tuition covers all transportation, food costs, backpacks, sleeping pads, camping and park admission fees, rafting fees, laundry, showers and lodging expenses. Students provide their own sleeping bag, daypack, and tent.
2026 Registration Form (Due November 22, 2025)
2026 Student Trip Information Form (Due May 8th, 2026)
2026 Field Trip Information and Permission Form (Due May 8th, 2026)
Payment Schedule –
November 22, 2025 – Preliminary Deposit Due – $500.00 – Check made out to Roncalli High School – Please put student name and SFS on the memo line. (Fully refundable until March 06, 2026)
March 06, 2026 – Confirmation Deposit Due – $500.00 – Check made out to Roncalli High – Please put student name and SFS on the memo line.
May 08, 2026 – Final Balance Due – $1,000.00 – Check made out to Roncalli High – Please put student name and SFS on the memo line.
Important Dates
April TBD, 2026 – Family Planning Night – 7:00 PM in the Roncalli High School Auditorium.
April TBD, 2026 – Family Planning Night – 7:00 PM in the Main Gymnasium at Bishop Chatard.
June 12, 2026 – Gear Drop Off – 6:00-8:00 PM – Front Entrance of the Ascension St. Vincent Gymnasium (Door 15) at Roncalli High School or the Parking Lot of Bishop Chatard High School.
June 14, 2026 – Meet at Roncalli at 1:00 PM. Entry through Door 1 to the Cafeteria. Depart Roncalli at 2:00 PM.
June 14, 2026 – June 28, 2025 – Summer Field Study Adventure.
June 27, 2026 – Return to Roncalli High School around 6:00 PM.