2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Here is the crew from the 2009 trip.

7. Abbey and Autumn conquered the mountain!

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

9. Alex, Gabe, Kally, Indigo, Wilson, Matt

10. “ 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

11. Kally & Amanda

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

13. Who can apply?  All WSR high school students

14. What do we do?  Backpack  Camp  Day hikes  Fishing

15. What we do?  Sledding  Swimming (it’s cold)  Photography

16. 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

17. Gear Provided by WSR  Backpacks  Tents  Water filters  Stoves  Pots and pans

18. 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

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

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

21. Here is a deer we saw along the trail.

22. Many different species of flowers.

23. Mountain lakes and streams

24. Amazing Views

25. 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 5 th & 6 th Pre-trip campout at Volga River State Forest  June  Road Trip!

26. Timeline continued  Tentatively planned for June 19 th -July 1 st  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 2 nd = clean and return equipment

27. Applications 1. Complete the online application 2. Submit and interest letter 3. Submit a reference letter 4. Pay a $75 deposit

28. How to apply

29. Cost?  Total = $475  $75 deposit at time of application  Your money will be returned if you are not selected  $200 by January 31 st  $200 by March 31 st  Scholarships are available for qualified students  Other money for:  Food on car ride  Shopping  Day spent in Crested Butte

30.  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

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

32. Are you up to the challenge?

33. Questions?  Contact Mr. Reyerson  Jason.reyerson@wsr.k12.ia.us 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.Crawdaddy Outdoors