Paleocamp


Kids holding fossils

What Is Paleocamp: Teens?

Paleocamp: Teens is a free camp for high school students held during Thanksgiving break at the Kansas Geological Survey and broader University of Kansas campus. Campers will learn about, discover, and prepare their own Kansas fossils and engage with paleontologists, exploring career opportunities and what it takes to pursue paleontology. The two-day camp is free but is limited to 12 spots. We will accept campers on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Is Expected of My Camper?

Campers will regularly go outside in November weather. Prepare for outdoor conditions, including cold, rain, wind, and sun, as well as walks through tall grass and the potential for ticks.

Campers will be expected to:

  • Act respectfully with camp leaders and their peers.
  • Engage with lessons, materials, tours, and field trips.
  • Communicate with parents and camp leaders on pickup and drop-off logistics.
  • Have fun!

2026 Paleocamp Details

Paleocamp High School 2026 poster

What is Paleocamp Junior?

Paleocamp Junior is a free camp for fourth- to sixth-graders held during spring break at the Kansas Geological Survey. Campers will learn about, discover, and prepare their own Kansas fossils and engage with paleontologists. The camp is free but is limited to 12 spots. We will accept campers on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is expected for my camper?

Your camper will regularly go outside in March weather. Prepare your camper for outdoor conditions, including cold, rain, wind, and sun, as well as walks through tall grass and the potential for ticks. Campers are expected to be well behaved. If they repeatedly fail to listen to counselors, they will be asked to withdraw from the program.

What Is Paleocamp: Teens?

Paleocamp: Teens is a free camp for high school students held during Thanksgiving break at the Kansas Geological Survey and broader University of Kansas campus. Campers will learn about, discover, and prepare their own Kansas fossils and engage with paleontologists, exploring career opportunities and what it takes to pursue paleontology. The two-day camp is free but is limited to 12 spots. We will accept campers on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Is Expected of My Camper?

Campers will regularly go outside in November weather. Prepare for outdoor conditions, including cold, rain, wind, and sun, as well as walks through tall grass and the potential for ticks.

Campers will be expected to:

  • Act respectfully with camp leaders and their peers.
  • Engage with lessons, materials, tours, and field trips.
  • Communicate with parents and camp leaders on pickup and drop-off logistics.
  • Have fun!

2026 Paleocamp Details

Paleocamp High School 2026 poster

What is Paleocamp Junior?

Paleocamp Junior is a free camp for fourth- to sixth-graders held during spring break at the Kansas Geological Survey. Campers will learn about, discover, and prepare their own Kansas fossils and engage with paleontologists. The camp is free but is limited to 12 spots. We will accept campers on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is expected for my camper?

Your camper will regularly go outside in March weather. Prepare your camper for outdoor conditions, including cold, rain, wind, and sun, as well as walks through tall grass and the potential for ticks. Campers are expected to be well behaved. If they repeatedly fail to listen to counselors, they will be asked to withdraw from the program.

Paleocamp Teens 2026

  • 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Nov. 23–24

  • Registration opens Oct. 5 at noon CT

Register Now!

Paleocamp General Information

  • Drop off and pick up every day at the Kansas Geological Survey headquarters located at 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047.

  • Paleocamp Junior is open to fourth- through sixth-graders

  • Paleocamp Teens is open to ninth- through 12th-graders

2027 Paleocamp

  • Dates for 2027 Paleocamp TBD.

To learn more about Paleocamp

Parents’ reviews of Paleocamp

“This was a superb opportunity for my kid to learn from experts in the field of paleontology and to spend time on a college campus. It was also wonderful for my camper to be with other kids with similar interests.”

“This was a wonderful opportunity and learning experience for him. It made learning about something he loves fun! He has continued to talk about different things he has learned.”

“My child LOVED LOVED LOVED this camp and all the staff including the guests. I feel so grateful for this opportunity!”

To Learn More About Paleocamp

Contact KGS Outreach at kgssocials@ku.edu