Everything that science studies, God has made.
Faith & Science Camp
Bring your middle school students to Trinity Woods and show them what the Catholic intellectual tradition has always known — wonder leads to worship.
Where Curiosity Meets the Creator.
Pope Francis put it plainly: there "cannot and must not be any opposition between faith and science."
Trinity Woods takes that seriously.
Faith & Science Camp is a three-day/two-night experience for Catholic middle school groups that integrates hands-on science and the Catholic faith. Students don't just learn about Creation — they get to be immersed in it – growing in their ability to observe, ponder, question, and relate to the One from whom all beauty comes.
Faith & Science Elements
Year Round Program Options
Tree ID
Tree ID
Students will examine trees from the inside out, looking at the interior of a tree and the function of each of its parts. They will complete a brief survey of the woods to determine forest diversity, make observations, and use a dichotomous key to identify each tree.
Camping Skills
Camping Skills
An engaging outdoor class where participants will learn essential camping skills while embracing Leave-No-Trace principles. In this hands-on program, learners will discover how to select the best tent sites, set up a tent, and safely build a campfire, all while minimizing their environmental impact.
Bald Eagles & Raptors
Bald Eagles & Raptors
This lesson provides students the opportunity to “experience the life of a raptor” through a series of activities: a human vs. raptor eyesight test, wingspan comparison, and speed/dexterity challenges. This learning unit also equips students to identify and distinguish each raptor family.
Map Skills
Map Skills
This lesson introduces the history and significance of maps, inviting students to reflect on the human desire to explore. Through collaborative activities, they will learn key map components and how symbols, scale, and direction connect to the real world.
Animal Tracks
Animal Tracks
Students will learn to become more thoughtful and attentive observers of their environments. This lesson includes exploration time, a discussion on evaluating hypotheses and engaging in scientific argumentation, direct instruction on the three key elements of track ID, and a tracking puzzle challenge.
Compass Skills
Compass Skills
This lesson equips students with essential compass-based navigation skills. Learners will explore the history of navigation, practice using a compass to take a bearing, and experiment with pacing. They will then embark on a navigation challenge, applying their newfound knowledge in a real-world setting.
Lichen
Lichen
By the conclusion of this lesson, students will be able to define what lichens are as well as discover their vital role in local ecosystems. They will work in groups to find and document various lichen types, fostering a deeper appreciation for these remarkable organisms.
Team Building
Team Building
This lesson begins with a brief discussion on the qualities of a “good team,” the traits which enable teams to achieve their goals, bear set-backs well, and remain unified. The multimodal challenges which follow encourage students to think critically, communicate clearly, and practice creativity and patience.
Owl Pellet Dissection
Owl Pellet Dissection
This lesson exposes students to owls’ unique adaptations, nocturnal life, role within local food webs, and distinctive digestive process through sensory experiments, a biomass calculation challenge, and pellet dissections.
Survival Skills
Survival Skills
This begins with an interactive discussion on universal human needs and the “Rule of Threes.” Following the intro, educators are invited to select from a “menu” of exciting survival-based mini-lessons: fire-building, knot-tying, shelter-building, water collection, and basic first-aid.
Forest & 5 Senses
Forest & 5 Senses
In this lesson, participants will hone their nature observation skills and ability to focus with the help of the BEETLES inquiry framework. They will become more aware of their innate capacity for wonder and the unique way we experience the world as body-soul composites.
Night Sky
Night Sky
This starts with a dynamic presentation on the science of star formation. Afterwards, the students will embark on a hike, involving multiple exciting sensory activities and experiments. This experience enriches their understanding of astronomy and nocturnal life while fostering creativity and collaboration.
Predator-Prey Simulation
Predator-Prey Simulation
In this simulation game, students take on food chain roles and gather survival needs from different locations. They practice predation and evasion strategies, build teamwork skills, and end with a discussion connecting their experience to real life.
Nature Poetry & Art
Nature Poetry & Art
This Montessori-style lesson provides students with the tools to explore their environment at a deeper level, engaging their senses and innate capacity for wonder. With the help of resources, they will translate their outdoor experience into a poem or visual arts piece.
Bird House Making
Bird House Making
This is a fun and engaging activity for students to enjoy with their classmates.
Seasonal Spring & Fall Programs
We provide a variety of adventure elements for schools to choose from. These activities are not only fun, but also provide an opportunity for students to challenge themselves and get outside their comfort zones.
Canoeing
Canoeing
Students will utilize Hoinville Lake as a practical learning environment to explore the history of canoeing, explore equipment parts, understand safety protocols, and refine paddling techniques.
Ziplining
Ziplining
This is a fun and engaging activity for students to enjoy with their classmates.
Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing
This is a fun and engaging activity for students to enjoy with their classmates.
Archery Tag
Archery Tag
This is a fun and engaging activity for students to enjoy with their classmates.
Seasonal Winter Programs
Frozen Lakes
Frozen Lakes
The lesson begins with a discussion on the four types of heat loss. Students then work in groups to insulate a “jar animal” of hot water. While the jars cool, they participate in winter activities. They finish by testing temperatures and discussing results.
Snow Shoeing
Snow Shoeing
In this lesson, participants will explore the rich history and evolution of snowshoes, learning about their purpose and origins. Through a guided snowshoe hike, participants will gain hands-on experience with basic techniques for walking, navigating obstructions, and safely getting up from a fall.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
An engaging cross-country skiing class designed for beginners! Participants will learn essential skills, including safely using equipment, mastering basic movements, and navigating beginner terrain. The class emphasizes fun and camaraderie while teaching techniques like the diagonal stride for controlling speed and direction.
Snow Tubing
Snow Tubing
This is a fun and engaging activity for students to enjoy with their classmates.
Faith Talks
Woven into the programming are lessons that connect what students observe in Creation directly to our Faith. Each night includes engaging theology talks designed for middle schoolers. Past topics have included the lives of the saints, the relationship between faith and evolution, Eucharistic Miracles, and the witness of Saint Carlo Acutis.
Science & The Catholic Faith
The Kerygma
The Eucharist
Evolution
Planning Your School’s Experience.
Our staff works with schools to plan an experience that will meet each school’s objectives and expectations. We encourage each school to bring their priest or chaplain so that the week can include the Sacraments. We provide the space, the staff, and the programming — and we build the experience around your students and your school culture as much as possible.
Sample Schedule
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Now Booking for the 2026–27 School Year.
We want to serve your students and give them the opportunity to get in touch with nature and God the Creator! Space is limited. Reach out to Jonathan and Mary Foster — Directors of Retreats — to start planning your trip.