School Field Trips are Back!
by Asya L. Simons, Park Guide & School Programs Coordinator, Garden of the Gods Park
Garden of the Gods Park and the Visitor and Nature Center are excited for the 31st year of school field trips to start this semester! For the fall 2025 semester our long-time School Programs Coordinator Bowen Gillings stepped down and we welcomed Asya Simons to the position. She joins Bret Tennis and Jennifer Baldwin as the park’s full time interpretive staff. Our seasonal interpreters for Fall 2025 are Amber Meyers and Tara Laishley, both returning for their third 6- month season, and Scott Akers for his first season with the park.
This semester’s programs begin on September 16th and run through November 20th. For this semester, schools will meet us in Parking Lot #2 for a 90 minute walk through the Central Gardens. There they will learn about the area’s unique geology, ecology or human history – and sometimes all three! Many schools will be visiting the Visitor and Nature Center after their hike to learn more and to travel through time with the Geo-Trekker video. As with previous years, Title 1 eligible schools can attend field trips free of charge courtesy of a generous FOGG grant.
Our field trips would not be the same without our incredible group of volunteer leaders. At the end of August two trainings were held for both staff and volunteers, with the possibility for continued trainings throughout the semester. We are always in need of more volunteers to help with our field trips. Volunteers can share their love of the outdoors with the next generation of park enthusiasts, and may even learn something from the kids!
If you are interested in learning how you can help with the school programs, please call us at 719-219-0120 or email our staff at gardenofthegods@coloradosprings.gov.