Campus Expedition Slides Campus Expedition
Your Field Guide to
College & Beyond
Demystifying higher education, trade schools, and preparing for your first big fair adventure!
Counselor-Led Prep Grades 5–6
Slide 1 of 6
The Basics
Step 1: Understand the Map
What is Higher
Education?
Think of it as a specialized training camp after high school where you spend time focused on exploring what you love, making friends, and building hands-on skills for your future.
You don't need to have your career figured out yet! This guide is where you start to find that out.
A "Major" or "Trade"
Your primary subject of study (like Marine Biology, Automotive Repair, or Graphic Design).
A "Degree" or "Certificate"
The official certificate you receive when you finish your special training requirements.
Fun Fact: There are paths for both hands-on creators and big classroom thinkers! Slide 2 of 6
Pathways
Step 2: Choose Your Trail
Three Trails to Your Dream Career
1-2 Year Certificates
Trade School
Hands-on schools focused on highly specific skills. Great for starting careers fast as a Chef, Electrician, Vet Tech, Cosmetologist, or Car Mechanic!
100% Focused on practical skills
2-Year Degrees
Community College
Earn an Associate Degree close to home. Excellent for general studies, tech certification, or saving money before transferring to a university!
Flexible, affordable path
Broad Deep Dive
4+ Year Degrees
University
Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Offers full campus living, sports, and a massive variety of majors. Required for fields like Medicine, Law, or Marine Biology.
Rich campus life & resources
What kind of training matches how you like to learn best? Slide 3 of 6
The Basecamp
Step 3: Inside Campus Life
Living and Growing
on Campus
Many colleges and training hubs are like mini-towns! You don't just go to class there; you often live, eat, exercise, and socialize with students from all around the world.
Campus Culture
Every school has its own mascot, colors, sporting events, and unique traditions (like campus-wide scavenger hunts or midnight study breakfasts!).
Dorms
On-campus apartments where you share a room with a fellow explorer.
Dining Halls
All-you-can-eat cafeterias where you hang out and refuel.
Clubs
Student groups for gaming, robotics, cooking, drama, or volunteer work.
Sports
From varsity stadiums to fun weekend intramural leagues.
Imagine living on campus. What club would you want to join? Slide 4 of 6
Communication Guide
Step 4: Representative Rendezvous
How to Talk to
School Reps
The people at the booths are friendly guides! They are there specifically to answer your questions. Don't be shy—use the three-step Explorer Protocol.
Explorer Pro-Tip
Rep representatives love giving out stickers, pencils, and cool brochures. Just make sure you ask them at least one question first!
1
The Friendly Intro
Smile and say: "Hello! I am in 5th/6th grade. Can you tell me about your school?"
2
The Scouting Question
Ask: "What are some of the most popular majors or certifications at your school?"
3
The Thank You
Say: "Thank you so much! May I have a brochure?" then write down their answers!
Practice with a partner: Try saying the Step 1 line out loud! Slide 5 of 6
The Expedition
Final Mission Briefing
Your College Fair
Mission
Armed with your Field Guide Scavenger Hunt, you will enter the college fair not just as a visitor, but as a pathfinding detective!
Complete the checklist, interview 2 booths, and return with your field log completed!
Field Objectives:
✓ Identify at least one community college, trade school, and university.
✓ Discover 3 cool majors or trades you didn't know existed.
✓ Collect information on campus traditions and mascot details.
✓ Keep your voice at level 2 (classroom conversation level).
Remember: Respect the reps, take only brochures you will read, and have fun! Slide 6 of 6
Campus Expedition Scavenger Hunt Official Student Field Log
CAMPUS EXPEDITION
Mission Card
Explorer Name
Date of Expedition
Basecamp / Room
Field Guide Quick Vocabulary:
Major/Trade: The subject or hands-on career skill you focus on.
Certificate: A document showing you mastered a specific hands-on trade.
Degree: The official title you receive from community colleges or universities.
1 SCIENTIFIC SCOUTING: Find and Complete
Explore the booth hall and find colleges that fit each clue. Write down the name of the college next to each clue!
1. The Distance Runner
A college located in a different state from yours.
School Name:
2. The Culinary Camp
A school that offers certificates in food, baking, or cooking.
School Name:
3. Hands-On Trade School
A vocational/technical school for trades (automotive, welding, HVAC).
School Name:
4. The Tech Titan
A college featuring engineering, robotics, or gaming design.
School Name:
5. The Wildlife Mascot
A school with an animal mascot (e.g., bear, wildcat, bulldog).
School Name:
Mascot Wildlife Sketch:
Pick any school mascot & draw them below!
Mascot Name: _______________________
School represented: _______________________
CAMPUS EXPEDITION © 2026 Turn page over for interviews! ➔ Page 1 of 2
Official Student Field Log
REPRESENTATIVE ENCOUNTERS
Mission Checklist
The Friendly Explorer Script:
"Hello! My name is _____ and I'm a student pathfinder. Can I ask you a few quick questions about your school for my field log?"
Encounter 1
School / Trade / College Name
Location (City & State)
Two Popular Majors, Trades, or Certifications Offered
1. __________________________________ 2. __________________________________
What is a fun school tradition, mascot, hands-on workshop, or club they have?
Rep Signature or Sticker
Encounter 2
School / Trade / College Name
Location (City & State)
Two Popular Majors, Trades, or Certifications Offered
1. __________________________________ 2. __________________________________
What is a fun school tradition, mascot, hands-on workshop, or club they have?
Campus Expedition Chat Cards Preparation Activity
CAMPUS QUEST TALK CARDS
Cut along the dashed lines. Use these cards in pairs or small groups to practice speaking with college and trade school representatives and figuring out your interests before the big fair!
Scenario Roleplay
The Shy Pathfinder
You feel nervous or shy to walk up to a college or trade school booth.
"How can a classmate support you? Practice walking to a booth together!"
Card 1 / 8
Topic Explorer
The Gamer's Question
You love computer coding, gaming, or drawing digital art.
"How would you ask a rep if they have a major or certificate related to game design?"
Card 2 / 8
Vocabulary Prep
Major Matchmaking
One of you is a "School Representative" and one is a "Student Pathfinder".
"Ask the Rep: 'What are the two most popular majors or trades at your school?'"
Card 3 / 8
Topic Explorer
The Athletic Explorer
You love playing soccer, running track, or cheering for sports.
"Ask your partner: 'What sports or clubs do colleges have besides classes?'"
Card 4 / 8
Vocabulary Prep
Trade Schools
Schools focused on hands-on careers (like cooking, auto repair, IT, or beauty). You earn a "Certificate" in 1-2 years.
"Ask: 'How much of your program is hands-on work versus classroom listening?'"
Card 5 / 8
Scenario Roleplay
The Mascot Hunter
School mascots can be animals, natural elements, or mythical creatures!
"Practice asking a rep: 'What is your school's mascot and why is it special?'"
Card 6 / 8
Topic Explorer
Basecamp Living
Living in on-campus student housing is called living in "Dorms." (Note: Universities have dorms; trade schools usually do not).
"Discuss: What would be the best part of living in a dorm with a roommate?"
Card 7 / 8
Topic Explorer
The Wildlife/Nature Path
You love animals, protecting forests, or hiking in the wilderness.
"Ask: What major fits this? (Hint: Zoology, Forestry, Vet Tech, or Geology!)"
Card 8 / 8
CAMPUS EXPEDITION © 2026 Practice builds confidence! Prepare well. Page 1 of 1
Campus Expedition Exit Ticket Post-Event Reflection Log
DEBRIEF & REFLECTION
Basecamp
Pathfinder Name
Date Completed
Basecamp Room
1 FIELD OBSERVATION DEBRIEF
Question A: What was the absolute coolest thing you learned, saw, or collected at the college fair?
Question B: Name 2 different majors you discovered today. What makes them sound interesting or cool?
Major 1: ____________________________ is interesting because...
Major 2: ____________________________ is interesting because...
2 PATH TO THE PEAK: My Future Goal Map
Fill out your trail map! Write one action or idea in each marker to guide your journey from middle school to your future peak.
Step 1
Middle School Basecamp
What is one good habit I can build right now to prepare for my future? (e.g. daily reading, turning work in on time)
Step 2
High School Trail
What is one thing I want to try in high school to explore my interests? (e.g. join robotics club, take art class, play sport)
The Peak
My Summit Peak
Based on what I learned, what general area of work or major sounds exciting to explore for my adult life?
Great exploration, Pathfinder! Remember: The path to higher education is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking small steps now—like asking questions and being curious—prepares you for the summit!
CAMPUS EXPEDITION © 2026 Keep climbing and exploring your future! Page 1 of 1