At least once during their stay at Yellowstone, guests of The Children’s Grand Adventure are awakened at 5:00 a.m., sometimes earlier, to depart for Lamar Valley in search of wildlife. Bison, bears, eagles, elk and wolves are among the many animals that frequent this area and are often active during early dawn hours.
Excursions such as this epitomize the Grand Adventure – a journey that combines education and self-discovery in an inspiring communal setting. Program directors, guides and researchers of Teton Science Schools observe that such experiences are especially meaningful for children who may have “missed out” on friendships and activities with others through interruptions in their traditional schooling.
The return to Jackson from Yellowstone is marked by several occurrences that, for many Grand Adventurers, prove to be among the most memorable and meaningful. Youngsters board Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s historic aerial tram, a.k.a. “Big Red,” and rise 4,000 feet to the heights of Rendezvous Mountain. From here, children take in a panoramic view of Jackson Hole Valley as they play in a pristine snowfield. For many, packing snowballs, stacking snowmen and leaving their feet to form snow angels are completely new experiences. Like never before, these young cancer conquerors can truly revel in the joys of childhood.
