Some Science Projects You Can Dig

Teen-agers who dream of a glamorous, Indiana Jones-style profession can get a taste of the scientific lifestyle by participating on actual expeditions. Two organizations, Earthwatch and Foundation for Field Research, organize volunteers for scientific projects.

Scientists of more than 150 projects in North America and abroad need inexperienced teen-agers and adults to assist from several days to several weeks. These volunteers not only provide an inexpensive labor force, but they are also charged a fee, which further subsidizes the projects.

Youths should know that they are not signing up for a tour. They’re only to provide physical support.

That can mean many hours of digging on archeological excavations or studying the behavior of animals for scientific studies. Living conditions vary, too, depending on the project. Accommodations could be in a university residence, tent or even a castle.

Earthwatch represents about 130 scientific projects around the world, from studies of the howling monkeys of Costa Rica to exploring dormant volcanoes in Iceland. A minimum age is generally 16, but applicants 14 and 15 years will be accepted if they go along with their parents. Depending on the project, cost is from $800 to $2,000, plus air fare, for two to three weeks.

Four more information, contact Earthwatch, 680 Mt. Auburn St., Box 403N, Watertown, Mass. 02272, (617) 926-8200.

The Foundation for Field Research offers about 30 different programs through the year, from a five-day archeological dig of a former stagecoach stop in the San Diego area (cost $395) to a two-week elephant study program in Mali, West Africa (cost $1,672).

Participants as young as 13 who can provide references from their teachers and parents will also be considered.

Fees for both groups cover accommodations, meals, equipment and local transportation. Air fare is extra.

For more information and a free copy of Explorer News, contact Foundation for Field Research, P.O. Box 2010, Alpine, Calif. 91903, (619) 445-9264.

Backpackers heading through the Canadian Rockies this summer and who use youth hostels are being offered special transportation rates by Brewster Transportation and Tours.

A bus stops to pick up youths at designated spots in the vicinity of each hostel along the scenic Banff-Jasper Highway.

For example, the bus will leave the depot in Banff at 3:15 p.m. and travels north to stop at the Lake Louise Inn (closest point for Castle Mountain and Corral Creek hostels). If requested, it will also stop at Mosquito Creek, Rampart Creek, Hilda Creek, Beauty Creek and Athabasca Falls, arriving in Jasper at 7 p.m.

Complete cost of the Banff-Jasper trip is $34.24. From Banff to the Lake Louise Inn, the cost is $8.56. Between the Lake Louise Inn and Jasper, it’s $4.28. This service and fare is available to hostelers until Sept. 30.

For more information, call the Banff International Hostel at (403) 762-4122.