Our courses were developed to promote a conservationist attitude for future generations. We want students to not only learn about the Alaskan Wilderness, but also make it the very fabric of their lives. If the Wilderness becomes a part of them, they will take care of it and teach others to do the same.
The classes are offered as part of Cook Inlet Academy's Summer School Program. Since Cook Inlet Academy is accredited by the The Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, class credit earned can be transferred to any public or private high school
Students in our backpacking class will spend 2 days in class and 4 days in the "field". When in class, students will learn use and care of equipment, cooking skills, bear encounter skills, map and compass skills, and health and safety.
While in the field, students will use their newly learned wilderness skills. They will live and cook in groups of two (guys with guys and girls with girls). These small groups help disperse the impact on the land and enable each student more of an opportunity to master their wilderness skills. Each student will also get individual coaching from the instructors.
This year's trip will start at the Cooper Landing end of the Resurrection Trail, hike 19 miles, then head up over a mountain to connect to Summit Creek Trail for another 10 miles. Gary and Jill Leiter have hiked this many, many times and feel that it is a good challenge, as well as provide incredibly awesome views and opportunities to enjoy the best of Alaska.
At present, each class has a limit of twelve students. In previous years, classes have filled up quickly. If interested in classes, you should register early.
The cost for Environmental Science I is $395.00 per person per class. The cost includes all meals and snacks as well as the gear listed below.
Equipment Supplied By Adventure Alaska Wilderness Program:
*first aid/survival kits
*bear spray
*all cook stoves and fuel
*cookware and utensils
*all meals and snacks
*all transportation
*Nalgene water bottles
*REI tents
*water filters (PUR and Sweetwater Guardian)
*all maps and compasses
*textbooks
*two-way radios
*O degree REI sleeping bag
*Lowe Alpine backpacks
This Course teaches:
*stove use and cooking skills
*bear encounter skills
*map and compass skills
*equipment uses
*leave no trace techniques
*search and rescue sklls
*survival skills
*plant identification
*health and safety of self and others
*environmental concern
*first aid/CPR skills
*experiential journal writing
*trip calculations
*problem solving
*leadership skills
*general backpacking and camping skills
*trail maintenance
*water filter techniques
*stream crossing skills
*research skills
*equipment selection
*decision making skills
*setting and attaining personal goals
*nutrition needs
*organism relationships
*primary and secondary succession
*wilderness management issues
Our courses are designed to help students learn from experience. This being the case, students will cook for themselves, set up their own camp, demonstrate first aid and survival skills, demonstrate bear encounter skills, deal with the correct ways of hiking in various terrain, and show their skills in "Leave No Trace" Backpacking.
***For a more detailed list of skills learned, "click" on the "Grading Rubric" link above.
**All students need to provide is their clothing, hiking boots, and toiletries
**Because quality equipment can save lives and make the wilderness experience more enjoyable, we only use the best quality gear from REI, The North Face, MSR, Lowe Alpine, Nalgene, and Sweet Water Guardian.
(check with your school about the transfer of credit prior to registration). This is a benefit for those students needing a high school credit and find it difficult to do so during the regular school year. It also gives students who are just entering their freshman year of high school a head start in earning credits.
Thanks to REI--Anchorage for providing much of the gear which make our classes a success.
