Professor Valley Field Camp – Student Program

AdM teaching colorado river daily

Many of our school programs take place at our recently upgraded Professor Valley Field Camp.

During our Professor Valley Field Camp program, students immerse themselves in the high desert environment of the Colorado Plateau, a landscape of stark beauty, vast spaces, and unique geological, biotic, and cultural history. Join us for a guided, curriculum-rich experience, and let our educators lead your students in a variety of science, art, social emotional, and hands-on curriculum.

Professor Valley Field Camp is located about 40 minutes from Moab, Utah. The facility was recently upgraded and has bell tents, cots for sleeping, flush toilets, and a full kitchen with meals provided for your group. Days begin and end at the camp, but the rest of the day is spent exploring the surrounding areas.

There is plenty to explore at and near the Professor Valley Field Camp. The program comes with educators to lead your students through hands-on activities at archeology sites, riparian ecology zones, and a day of whitewater rafting.

Whitewater Rafting River Trip included

The Professor Valley Field Camp program includes a day trip down the whitewater rapids of the Colorado River! Students spend the day on the water, stopping at beaches for lessons and a packed lunch. They learn about river dynamics, invasive species, water rights, and develop skills navigating rapids.

Archeology, Geology, Ecology, and more!

Professor Valley Field Camp shares land with generations of humans who have come before us. At a documented archaeology site near camp students can find for lithic scatter while learning about historic uses of the native species found throughout the area. Our uplands hike climbs through canyons up to a large petroglyph panel believed to be at the intersection of ancient trade routes. As they explore these sites, your students will develop connections with and learn from humans who once lived in this area.

All inclusive outdoor education field camp experience

We know how hard teachers work. At Professor Valley Field Camp, once your group arrives, our guides will take care of camp orientation, cooking three hearty meals each day, and providing meaningful, connective educational experiences during your trip. From campfires, to snacks, to night hiking; we’ve got it covered! We love what we do, and we are excited to invite your students into a unique, inspiring environment.

Read more about the Professor Valley Field Camp facility where this program takes place.

Location:
Professor Valley Field Camp, 40 minutes away from Moab, Utah
Date:
PVFC is newly updated and ready for Fall 2026!
Drop Off/Pick Up:
3:30 on Monday to 10:00am on Friday
Duration:
5 days and 4 nights, or # days and 2 nights
Group Size:
20 – 60 participants  
Age Range:
6th Grade through 12th Grade
Accommodations:
Bell tents with cots, commercial camp kitchen, flushing toilets
Challenge:
Level-
?

This is how we rate the challenges you might face on a CFI trip.


Level 1 - Easy

  • Low level of physical activity, minimal movement required
  • 0 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking or walking 0-2 miles per day

Level 2 - Moderate

  • Medium level of physical activity, some movement required
  • 1-4 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 4 miles per day
  • Flatwater or mild whitewater rapids

Level 3 - Active

  • Medium or high level of physical activity
  • 1-5 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 5 miles per day
  • Class I - III whitewater rapids

Level 4 - Challenging

  • High level of physical activity
  • 1-6 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking 5 or more miles per day
  • Class IV whitewater rapids
CFI's Essential Eligibility Criteria outlines specific challenges that you may face on CFI trips. Please consult the EEC for information on responsibilities of participants.
Notes:
  • Program fee includes a $2 per person Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands fee for the rafting trip on the Moab Daily
  • Program fee does not include guide gratuity. Our educators work extremely hard and appreciate getting tipped.

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Trip Narrative

View the 3 day, 2 night PVFC Program Outline

View the 5 day, 4 night PVFC Program Outline

The Professor Valley Field Camp Program is a Monday through Friday immersive educational experience! Teachers can take a step back while CFI educators engage students in scientific investigations, artistic projects, social emotional learning, teambuilding, and more.

On Monday afternoon, your students will be greeted by the CFI educators, and oriented to the 30 acre field camp. Students will be given a chance to unpack into their tents for the week, unroll their sleeping bags, and explore their new surroundings! After dinner, we will take a short hike out into the desert to watch the day turn to night, and to develop our sense of place.

Tuesday and Wednesday are filled with field studies. We will explore the riparian creekbed that flows through camp, and may investigate macroinvertebrates, practice scientific journaling, and discuss ancient cultures. We will also take a longer hike, and may stop at a few archeological sites, including a renowned petroglyph site. Overall, our curriculum is designed to engage broad student populations through art, science, and connection.

Thursday is our river day! We will pile into CFI rafts and take a trip down the Moab Daily section of the Colorado river. This trip, valued at $80 per person, is included with the experience at no additional cost. We will stop along the way for lunch, hydrology lessons, and games! On the boats, guides may engage your students in discussion around invasive species, land use, water rights, and more.

Before you know it, the time for goodbyes will come! On Friday morning, students pack their tents, eat breakfast, and venture out into the desert one last time for a closing ceremony. We’ll say our goodbyes, and send you off with a packed lunch for the road.

Meals from dinner on Monday through lunch on Friday are all included. The camp is outfitted with tents and cots for sleeping, an climate controlled indoor classroom yurt, a full kitchen, bathrooms with flush toilets, and 30 acres of natural desert ecosystem to explore!

FAQ

Need to Know

  • CFI staff are trained educators and guides with first aid and CPR certifications. Back-country trips carry satellite communications devices.  
  • All cook and dishware, meals, snacks, and river gear are provided by CFI.

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Upper San Juan River – School Program

Ruby-Horsethief Canyon – School Program

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CFI is a non-profit organization and fees are not taxed. By choosing CFI, you are supporting our efforts to provide lifechanging outdoor experiences for hundreds of children per year.  Scholarships are available on an as needed basis.