w-sr wilderness studies

W-SR WILDERNESS

STUDIES

The class was developed to promote student awareness of, and compatibility with, the natural environment.

Students are introduced to the geologic and biologic processes of the mountain environments.

Just a quick note:

You will receive a science credit for this class and your grade will be added to you GPA.

Grade is base on pre-trip meeting attendance, assignments, notebook with journals, and attitude and participation on the trip.

Program Leaders

1986-2002 John Verdon and Dave Sage

2003 – 2008 Darrin Siefken , Jim Gates, Jason Reyerson, Ben Olsen, and others.

2009 – present Jason Reyerson

Here is the crew from the 2009 trip.

Abbey and Autumn conquered the mountain!

Autumn, Michelle, Abbey, Lauren, & Mrs. Bates

Alex, Gabe, Kally, Indigo, Wilson, Matt

“ I can now say I have not merely hiked in the mountains, or around the mountains, but that I have hiked over a mountain. I have stood atop a peak, and looked around 360 degrees. Okay, so it wasn't Everest, and there were taller mountains around me.  But none of that diminishes the fact that I did it. And I did it carrying 35lbs on my back.”

Indigo Scott

Kally & Amanda

Ryan, Mr. Olson, Mr. Reyerson, & Matt

Who can apply?

All WSR high school students

What do we do?

Backpack Camp Day hikes Fishing

What we do?

Sledding Swimming (it’s cold) Photography

Fun Quotes "It's just around the corner“ -- Ben "Are we in Minnesota?“ -- Michelle "Oh Alice“ -- the girls car "Backing up...you're good...backing up...backing

up"--the girls car "Did I say corner? I meant corners..." -- Ben "Mark it!"-- Bates "Don't stare. " *click* -- JRey "It's just around this group of trees..."--

Everyone at some point in time does anyone need to filter water?-- Michelle "Is it Blake or Bryce?" -- everyone sometime  I can feel it we're gonna see a moose -- Bates

Gear Provided by WSR

Backpacks Tents Water filters Stoves Pots and pans

Stuff you will need. Food Clothes

Hiking boots Close-toed shoes for river crossings Rain gear Stocking cap & gloves Extra clothes

Sleeping bag Sleeping pad First aid Gear can be rented from

Lessons include

Wild flower identification History - Visit a mining town Astronomy Ecology Geology Weather Wilderness travel and preparation Leave no trace

Here is a bear from our last trip – less than ½ mile from camp!

Here is a deer we saw along the trail.

Many different species of flowers.

Mountain lakes and streams

Amazing Views

Time line for the class.

Now –November 30th Apply for acceptance

December Receive an acceptance or denial letter

January – May Monthly meetings to prepare for the trip. May 5th & 6th Pre-trip campout at Volga River

State Forest June

Road Trip!

Timeline continued

Tentatively planned for June 19th-July 1st

2 days to drive out Short hikes to acclimate to

altitude One day in town = showers &

shopping Long hikes 2 days to get home July 2nd = clean and return

equipment

Applications

1. Complete the online application2. Submit and interest letter3. Submit a reference letter4. Pay a $75 deposit

How to apply

Cost? Total = $475

$75 deposit at time of application Your money will be returned if you are not

selected $200 by January 31st

$200 by March 31st

Scholarships are available for qualified students

Other money for: Food on car ride Shopping Day spent in Crested Butte

 We hiked a lot - I think the total for our group was about 50 + miles.

We did some fishing and ate some great  trout. We studied flowers, geology and astrology. We saw snakes, deer, elk, a bear, a porcupine and

many a marmot.  We played cards and fun games around the fire.  We got a shower ( a glorious event) and had fun in

town for the day. Mostly though we found out that we are but a small

part of a great big wonderful world. IT WAS A GREAT TRIP                                    - it was fun - it was hard - it

was great.  I am happy and proud to have went and hope that

many more students and chaperones take advantage of this opportunity.

Deb Wadding

" It is not the goal but the way there that matters, and the harder the way the more worthwhile the journey. “ Wilfred Thesiger

Are you up to the challenge?

Questions? Contact Mr. Reyerson

Jason.reyerson@wsr.k12.ia.us Room 131 = PLTW lab

The great people at Crawdaddy Outdoors are familiar with this trip. They can help with questions and equipment selection.