Frequently Asked Questions

What is TNSS? Thorne Natural Science School is Thorne Ecological Institute's 50 year old, flagship, summer program. All classes are outdoors where students explore and learn about the ecosystems they are a part of through hands-on activities.   Classes are split into age groups: 3-5 with a grown-up, 6-8, 9-11, and 12-15.

What are the TNSS class times? TNSS morning classes are from 8:15 - noon and we ask parents to drop their children off starting at 8:15am (see below for drop-off/pick-up sites). The TNSS Afternoon Session is from 12:00-5pm though we strongly encourage that children participate in the morning field classes...not just the Afternoon Session.   The TNSS classes Biking Boulder 's Greenways, Environmental Leadership, River Ecology By Bike, Rivers and Reels, Survival Skills, and Wild Skills Advanced are from 9am-3pm. Biking and Birding is from 8:30am - 12:30pm.  Rivers and Reels Advanced is from 8am-3pm.  Wild Skills Advanced and Survival Skills includes an overnight trip at Calwood Education Center from Thursday to Friday the week of class.

How much does a TNSS class cost?   One class M-F, 8:30am-noon costs $180. The full day field classes Biking Boulder 's Greenways, River Ecology By Bike, Rivers and Reels, and River and Reels Advanced cost $300 - $315.  The full day field classes with overnights Wild Skills Advanced and Survival Skills cost $430.00. Environmental Leadership Series costs $600.00 for two weeks 9am- 3pm.  The Afternoon Session 12:00pm - 5pm M-F costs $225.  Register online by February 29, 2008 and receive the Early Bird Discount!!

When is payment due? At time of registration or 5 days after.  Please call us if you need to arrange a payment plan.

What is the Refund Policy? If cancellation is necessary, refunds will be allocated based on the chart below.  To process ANY refund, Thorne Ecological Institute requires a letter with the parent name, student name, class title, class dates, and reason for cancellation.  This letter may be mailed, e-mailed, faxed, or dropped by the office and MUST BE RECEIVED by the refund deadlines referrred to below.

What and when are the My Science School (3-5 year old) classes with a grown-up? 

My Science School classes are one day field classes for Parent and Child in Boulder and Waterton Canyon!  Join TNSS Instructors and explore pond and creek habitats.  Get ready to get wet, have fun, and learn to safely explore the great outdoors with your child!  Make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch.  Cost is $15 per child and their big person per class.  All explorers need a snack, water, a hat, sunscreen, sweatshirt, rain jacket, and an adventurous spirit!  Each class will meet at the designated trailhead at 9am (Waterton Canyon meets at the Kassler Center) and will end at 11am.  You will receive a confirmation packet specific to this class after registering.

Can my child and his/her friend be in the same class? Yes, but please let us know when you register.

What is the class ratio?   12:1 but usually 6:1. One Teacher and one volunteer Teaching Assistant. Maximum number of students is 12 for most classes, biking classes max at 10, and the more hands-on intensive classes are capped at 8 students such as Birds and Bird Banding, Rivers and Reels, Wild Skills Advanced, etc.   Minimum 5 students for a class to run! Spread the word!!

Who are the Teachers?   All TNSS Teachers have one year minimum outdoor environmental education experience outdoors with children. All are trained in First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Medication Administration.   Most Instructors are elementary and middle school teachers and Thorne Ecological Institute screens Teachers (and long term volunteers) through the State of Colorado with fingerprint and background checks.

Are you a licensed child care provider & what does this mean?   Yes. We are licensed by the State of Colorado as a child care provider. We are supervised by state regulations for our programs and meet strict criteria.  You may request to read a copy of our Child Care Inspection at any time.

Where are TNSS locations?  Boulder TNSS morning classes meet at the north parking lot at Boulder High School at 8:15am and are transported by school bus to various open space trails and state parks.  A schedule of these locations is given to parents on the first day of class and there are directions to each site in the Parent Handbook.  Waterton Canyon TNSS morning classes meet at the Kassler Center in Waterton Canyon and the afternoon session continues there as well.  The Boulder afternoon session is at the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center.  Click Here for directions to Sombrero Marsh or the Kassler Center. 

Can you transport my child from a morning class to the Afternoon Session? (Boulder Only) All children staying for the Afternoon Session that are participating in classes that end at noon stay on the schoolbus and are driven to Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center for the Afternoon Session. 

Can you transport my child from a biking class or a class that ends later than noon to the Afternoon Session? (Boulder Only) Thorne Ecological Institute does not allow children in personal vehicles. As we fundraise this year to purchase a company van to transport students, we ask that you make alternative arrangements for the transportation of your child between classes.  Options to consider are to coordinate with a friend; ask your neighbor, nanny, or other family member; look into children's transportation services; and if your child is old enough to use the RTD.  We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.