Two places. One expedition.‍ ‍Endless discovery.

What is a Changing Elevations Expedition?

An expedition combines science, adventure, and travel to compare ecosystems in two different locations. Students start their expedition with the Coastal Adventures science camp in Galveston, Texas. Then the group travels to a new location to compare the ecosystem they studied in Galveston to the ecosystem of the new location.

Is there an age limit to expeditions?

Expeditions are designed for middle and high school students. Students must have completed 7th grade in order to participate in an expedition.

What expeditions do you offer?

We are currently offering the Gulf to Atlantic: Galveston to Bar Harbor expedition in the summer of 2028. Be on the lookout for Salt Marshes to Coral Reefs: Galveston to Key West and Beaches to Mountains: Galveston to Yellowstone coming soon!

Do all expeditions start in Galveston?

Galveston is the starting location for all expeditions. Students will take part in the Coastal Adventures science camp in Galveston prior to traveling to a new location for the remainder of the expedition.

Can students who are not local to Galveston participate in an expedition?

Students who are not local to Galveston can still participate in an expedition. Coastal Adventures science camp takes place from 9am-3pm for the first week of the expedition. Parents are responsible for accommodations during the Galveston portion of the expedition and transporting the student to and from the meeting point each day.

What if a teacher is interested in taking a class on an expedition?

Custom expeditions can be created for teachers who want to bring a class on an expedition. Custom expeditions would still include the Coastal Adventures science camp, but evening activities would be added for classes who require accommodations during the Galveston portion of the expedition.

What is included in an expedition?

Expeditions include:

• A week of Coastal Adventures science camp

• Roundtrip airfare from Houston to second location

• Accommodations for the second location

• Meals in the second location (meals not provided during Coastal Adventures science camp)

• Transportation and driver

• Admission to scheduled activities

• Insurance

• Field journal

• Adult supervision throughout the trip

What makes an expedition different from a summer camp or other student travel opportunities?

An expedition is different summer camps and other student travel opportunities because students will be spending two weeks comparing two different ecosystems. Students will immerse themselves in two distinct locations, allowing them to connect with each location and appreciate how our planet is connected. Along the way, students also form lasting bonds with their fellow explorers as they experience adventure, overcome challenges, make discoveries, and learn together. By the end of the expedition, they return home with new friendships, greater confidence, unforgettable memories, and a broader understanding of the natural world that can only be gained by experiencing it firsthand.

How does Changing Elevations keep campers safe?

The safety and well-being of every camper is our highest priority.

Our program includes:

• Experienced adult leaders who supervise students throughout the expedition.

• Daily safety briefings before all activities.

• Professionally guided excursions, such as kayaking and whale watching.

• Comprehensive emergency procedures and communication plans.

• Required medical and emergency contact information for every participant.

• Travel insurance included with registration.

• Appropriate student-to-chaperone ratios to ensure close supervision.

Who leads an expedition?

Expeditions are led by certified science teachers. Each expedition will have at least two science teachers.

How large are the groups in an expedition?

Expeditions can hold up to 20 students. In order for an expedition to take place, there must be enough students signed up to cover the cost of the expedition. In the event that an expedition does not meet the minimum numbers, the expedition will be canceled for a full refund.

Can parents join an expedition?

Parents are welcome to join an expedition. The price for a double room for adults will cost more than the cost of a quad room for students, so parents will pay a little more.

What is the cancellation policy?

We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and we strive to be as fair as possible while recognizing that significant travel expenses are incurred well before an expedition begins. Because Changing Elevations must reserve flights, lodging, transportation, and activities in advance, the following cancellation policy applies to all expeditions.

• Registration Deposit

  A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a student's place on an expedition. This deposit secures your student's spot and helps cover initial planning and reservation costs.

• Participant Cancellations

  • More than 120 days before departure: Any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit will be refunded.

  • 90–119 days before departure: Refund of 75% of the remaining trip balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable expenses already incurred on your behalf).

  • 60–89 days before departure: Refund of 50% of the remaining trip balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable expenses).

  • 30–59 days before departure: Refund of 25% of the remaining trip balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable expenses).

  • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund will be issued.

• Non-Refundable Expenses

  Some trip expenses, including airline tickets, hotel reservations, activity reservations, and other prepaid services, may become non-refundable before the expedition begins. Any non-refundable expenses already paid by Changing Elevations on behalf of a participant will be deducted from any eligible refund.

• Travel Insurance

  Comprehensive travel insurance is included with each expedition. Depending on the reason for cancellation and the terms of the insurance policy, families may be eligible to recover certain non-refundable expenses through the travel insurance provider. Changing Elevations cannot guarantee reimbursement through the insurance policy and encourages families to review the policy details carefully.

• If Changing Elevations Cancels an Expedition

  If an expedition is canceled by Changing Elevations due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances before departure, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made to Changing Elevations, including the registration deposit, unless the family chooses to transfer their payment to another program.

• Changes to the Itinerary

  Outdoor expeditions are subject to weather, park conditions, transportation schedules, and other circumstances beyond our control. Changing Elevations reserves the right to modify activities, accommodations, transportation, or the itinerary when necessary to protect the safety of participants or ensure the success of the expedition. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund.

• Early Departure

  No refunds will be provided for participants who voluntarily leave an expedition after it has begun, are sent home due to illness, injury, or violations of the Student Code of Conduct, or miss portions of the program because of personal scheduling conflicts.

  If you have questions about this policy, please contact us before registering. We are committed to providing clear communication and helping families understand the financial commitments involved in educational travel.

Is there a payment plan?

Payments can be made over time.