Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Welcome to the Iditarod 2008 Boot Camp for Educators!
Welcome!We hope that this will be an incredible experience for you and that you will meet all of the goals that you have, making this an experience that expands your horizons!
Read the articles, leave comments, and plan for your journey!
Post your own articles, too!
We will soon post an updated conference schedule, as there will be a few slight changes from the current schedule on the website. (No worries, I said slight! Just little details!) So, keep an eye on the blog for updates.
Check this blog often and remember to read the comments that are left.
Also, feel free to post an introduction so that we all get to know you better! You can post your introduction in a comment to this article or you can create your own posting.
Who will be attending our conference? This list will be updated as we draw closer to the conference and others finalize their plans.... so check back again!
Our 'Campers' (and there will be more of you!)
Paula from Arkansas
Ellen from New Jersey
Janet from New Jersey
Cindy from Ohio
Jill from Washington
Dawn from Montana
Katie from Florida
Nikki from Florida
Jeanne from Minnesota
Ann from Minnesota
Anitra from Utah
Herb from Pennsylvania
Betsy from Michigan
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Diane Johnson
Iditarod Education Department
* Publish a post to introduce yourself to the group. Where are you from? What do you teach? What are your conference goals? Are you renting a car or willing to share car pool responsibilities? When are you arriving? How long are you staying? What do you want to do, see, or accomplish? What other plans do you have? What do you want us to know?
** If you have trouble posting send me what you want posted and I'll do it for you! djohnson@iditarod.com
Oh the Places We'll Go---- Iditarod Headquarters
We'll begin our Boot Camp experience by meeting at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska.The ITC Headquarters is a historic museum and gift shop.
Make sure you bring your camera because you'll be able to see historic items from sleds to trophies, to news clippings framed and on the wall. Although this building is small, it is jam packed with Iditarod history.
This building also serves as the offices for the race.
Your behind the scenes tour will provide you a glimpse of life---- Iditarod style!
This location will also be the site of the Volunteer Picnic and Iditarod Sign Up event on our final conference day.
Each year, the Volunteer Picnic is held on the last Saturday in June. This picnic celebrates and thanks the volunteers for their hard work. Many volunteers return from the lower 48 for this event which also marks the first day to sign up for the next race. Many mushers who'll be running the race will be at the picnic. You'll be able to take pictures, get autographs, and talk to mushers, volunteers, and staff.
Oh the Places We'll Go---- Jon Van Zyle's Home and Gallery
Jon and Jona Van Zyle open their home, dog kennel, and art gallery for us, allowing us a glimpse of their life and passion as artists and dog mushers.Jon is the Official Artist for Iditarod and an Iditarod race veteran. His stories will delight you, but his art work will enrich your appreciation for the race and Alaska. Jon has illustrated many books, too. You'll get to see Jon's studio and the work he is currently involved in as well as many examples of his art.
Jona is an artist creating incredible one of a kind jewelry, unique purses, sketches and paintings.
You will be able to purchase art work and illustrated books. Jon and Jona will autograph their work in a personal way, providing you with wonderful treasures.
And wait until you meet their sled dogs! The dogs are wonderful athletes and family friends. Bring your camera!
Learn more by visiting: http://www.jonvanzyle.com/
Oh the Places We'll Go---- The Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a museum and cultural center that will provide a complete and in depth opportunity to learn about the cultures of Alaska.From the moment you walk in the door, you'll be enriched by being surrounded with this experience which allows you to get a look at the different groups of people living through out the state.
In the Hall of Cultures, you will discover:
Athabascan - How the Athabascan People Use Moose
Yup’ik, Cup’ik - Dancing & Healing, Healing & Dancing
Inupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik - Take the Best of Both Worlds
Aleut, Alutiiq - Basketry Through Time
Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian - Fishing How Families
(http://www.alaskanative.net/en/main_nav/exhibits_collection)
The outdoor exhibits are incredible opportunities to 'walk through' the homes from the cultural groups and discover the way of life in the villages of long ago.
The Gathering Place, the indoor stage, hosts native dancing and other demonstations that will facinate you! This is a great opportunity to take a little video to show your students!
Don't miss the gift shop!
To learn more: http://www.alaskanative.net/
Oh the Places We'll Go---- Talkeetna, Alaska
We'll travel together to Talkeetna, Alaska, which is about 45 minutes or so from The Dream a Dream Dog Farm.Talkeetna is a small, artistic village. There are several little shops and places of interest.
We'll dine at the restaurant owned by Jerome Longo, a veteran Iditarod Musher. Before mushing in Iditarod, Jerome was a Presidential Chef, so get ready for an incredible eating experience.
If we are lucky, they'll be serving their famous 'Iditarod Carrot Cake'.
If you are lucky, as we drive we'll get an incredible view of Denali~ The mountain isn't always 'out', but if it is on this day, you'll see it as we drive and at the scenic turn off points along the way.
Learn more:
http://www.talkeetnachamber.org/
Jerome's Wildflower Cafe
http://www.talkeetnasuites.com/wildflower-cafe.html
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Meet our Staff! Target 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, Cathy Walters
North Carolina Pre-K teacher, Cathy Walters has been selected as the Target® 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ and will begin her official duties in June. Cathy teaches at the Carolina Day School, Asheville, and also runs a summer Iditarod Camp session as one of the special camp activities for students. From the beginning of the year to the end, and into the summer months, Iditarod has been integrated into her teaching.At the Summer Boot Camp for Educators, Cathy will be one of our staff members, helping to facilitate our conference. You'll gain a glimpse of Cathy's goals and plans for her year as Target 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail. Meeting Cathy will provide you with the opportunity to make connections with her projects and inspire you to develop your own.
Meet our Staff! Target 2008 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, Jane Blaile
Jane Blaile is the Target(r) 2008 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail(tm). She is from Phoenix, Arizona. Jane teaches at Christ Lutheran Christian School.
The excitement and adventure of the Iditarod is what first lured Jane into using it in her classroom. The value of using it became stronger as she saw that the Iditarod is the story of the Alaskan people, their spirit, their commitment, and their history. Jane uses the Iditarod throughout all the curricular areas in her classroom, from art to science, P.E. to writing. She encourages others to use the Iditarod in their classrooms as a tool to reach all learners.
At the conference, Jane will share her incredible experience with you giving you a glimpse how this experience has impacted her teaching and her life. Having just journeyed the trail this past race, Jane has many digital images and stories to share with you. She is also invested in helping you reach your own professional, educational, and personal goals.
Meet our Staff! 2006 Teacher on the Trail Terrie Hanke
2006 Teacher on the Trail, Terrie Hanke will be a speaker and leader at the 2008 Iditarod Summer Boot Camp for Educators.Although Terrie, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is now retired from teaching, she continues to share her experiences from the trail with classrooms and community groups in her state. Terrie is also an Iditarod Volunteer, having worked during Iditarod 2007 and 2008 in Skwentna.
What did Terrie gain from her experiences during her 2006 Iditarod experience? What trail has that led Terrie to today? Terrie will share images and stories from the trail, inspiring you to work towards your own goals as you discover how Iditarod as a tool in the classroom, enriches education. If you are looking to someday apply to be Teacher on the Trail, Terrie has tips and pointers from her own experiences and personal knowledge that will help you work towards your own goals.
You will be inspired by Terrie's presenation and enjoy her leadership during our conference.
Terrie also has many great ideas for your 'after conference hours' activities.
AND, if you ride a bike, has she got a project for you!
Meet our Staff! Shannon Keene
Each year, Shannon provides participants at our conferences with information that helps bring about a better understanding about living in Alaska. She has teaching ideas and connections for us.
Shannon will be bringing items from her personal collection--- to 'show and tell' about Alaska. You'll be provided with time to look at her collection and ask questions. (Caution: this session may wake up the 'shopping bug' in you.... because her items are wonderful treasures!)
Shannon also has many great ideas about what you can see and do while enjoying your stay in Alaska.
Meet our Staff! Sara Lamont
Sara was born and raised in Minnesota and moved to Alaska to begin her teaching career. Having lived in small villages in Alaska, she is experienced in all things Alaska.
Each year, Sara volunteers at the Restart of the Race in the area of Dog Handling. Sara's leadership helps make sure volunteers get the teams to the starting line of the race.
Sara has many great ideas about things to do and see while in Alaska.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Meet our Staff! Diane Johnson
Diane Johnson, Director of Education for Iditarod and 2000 Teacher on the Trail, lives in Aberdeen, South Dakota and manages the Iditarod's educational projects and activities from her home office.She and her family own the 'Over the Hills Kennel', home to 15 Alaskan Huskies and 3 Alaskan Klee Kai. (miniature sled dogs). Diane's husband and 12 year old son, Michael ran in their first dog sled sprint races last winter.
Diane travels to Alaska several times a year.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Dream a Dream Dog Farm
Our Iditarod Boot Camp adventure will begin at the Iditarod Headquarters on June 22. After our first session, we will journey to the Dream a Dream Dog Farm in Willow, Alaska!
Three days of our conference will be held at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, home and kennel of Susan Whiton and Vern Halter. Both Vern and Susan have run Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. Vern is a Yukon Quest Champion.
Participants have the option of over-nighting at the kennel. Our conference will be held at the kennel during the conference hours on Sunday evening, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.
Our conference sessions will be held in the training center and outside as weather permits. We'll be 'camping' out bunk house --- dorm style in the upstairs of the training center.
After our breakfast each morning, we'll have the opportunity to go on a walk with the puppies and learn how to harness a team. We'll also help with the morning dog chores. Before our three days are over, you'll know the personality of many of Vern and Susan's dogs. If you are lucky, the dogs might even teach you how to sing a howl song with them.
Our activities and sessions will help you connect the race and Alaska to your curriculum in a way that impacts your students in an incredible way!
To learn about the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, visit www.vernhalter.com.
To view pictures from last year's Boot Camp, Click Here!
(This is a PDF document on our website telling about the conference.)
What are our Conference Goals?
What are our goals? We have many goals and we know that you have your own goals to meet by attending our conference. Our goals include:
Our first goal is to provide a conference that meets your goals!
We want our workshop agenda and experiences to provide you with the knowledge and the opportunities that allow you to lean what you need to learn and experience Alaska in a way that helps you when you return to your respective classrooms and experiences.
We have discovered that teachers in all grade levels--- from pre-school through university level, and teachers of all curriculum areas, use Iditarod as a theme and instructional tool. These teachers are from Alaska, Hawaii, the lower 48 and all around the world. Each of you at our conference comes to the us with your own curriculum area and grade level, and your own specific professional and personal goals. Each of you are not only unique in your needs, but also have many commonalities with teachers around the world. OUR GOAL is to first and foremost, help you meet your own goals while you collaborate and connect with other educators and the Alaska, mushing community.
Content standards, cultural standards, and character education are all components of an Iditarod educational project.
Goal 2:
Provide a learning environment that inspires you to use best practices of teaching and learning, researched based methods of instruction, and standards driven curriculum connections. Our speakers and our locations have been chosen to provide you with a wide variety of opportunities to meet a global overview of how Iditarod is used as a tool. We also know that NCLB is a REASON to use Iditarod in the classroom. Our conference agenda provides the opportunity for educators to learn first hand, about Alaska, Iditarod, and sled dogs.
Conference participants go home with photogrpahs, autographs, and experiences that are not just great memories, but opportunities to expand the curriculum.
You will also meet the Target 2008 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, Cathy Walters, from North Carolina. Don't be fooled thinking you can't learn from a preschool teacher! You'll immediately recognize that Cathy has many ideas for you and your students, despite the grade or area you teach.
You'll also meet past Teacher on the Trail educators and be inspired by their journey, past, present, and future.
Interested in being a Teacher on the Trail someday? You'll learn about this, too!
Even if your goal isn't to be the chosen teacher someday, you'll discover many important pieces of information that will boost your curriculum.
Goal 3:
Demonstrate that technology based instruction impacts teaching and learning.
Iditarod Insider is a technology tool that brings the race as close to the classroom as possible.
When educators create standards driven curriculum that brings a real time event such as Iditarod, to within the classroom walls in real time, an adventure learning project impacts academics in a positive way. Students transition the learning to their 'local' level and develop service learning projects that result in life long learning.
Goal 4:
Encourage the Iditarod as a teaching theme and a life long interest. Provide tips, tools, and resources and information about products that may enhance your teaching.
Goal 5:
Create a community of learners of all ages, willing to collaborate on topics and projects.
Goal 6:
Provide the teachers at our conference 'special' opportunities that most other teachers and race fans won't have, after all, you've come to our conference, we want you to go home with more than a sled full of ideas, projects, and connections for the NEXT LAST GREAT RACE.
We've other goals, too! At our conference, you'll discover those goals. More importantly, you'll discover that our goals connect with your goals and result in quality educational projects that empower students to learn.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Lodging while in Alaska
For those of you not staying at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, remember you'll need to arrange your transportation to and from your lodging to Dream a Dream.
The Grand View Inn will give you a discount if you stay at the Grand View before, during, or after the conference if you make your reservations before May 21. When making reservations, use the following discount code: 0621 IE
If you are interested in sharing costs by sharing a room with a conference participant, feel free to contact each other by making blog comments.
Ground Transportation
Wasilla, Alaska, is about a 45 - 60 minute drive from the airport in Anchorage, Alaska.
Taking a taxi from Anchorage to Wasilla is VERY expensive. Therefore, we'll assist everyone with making ground transportation arrangements.
1. First: Once you have finalized your travel arrangements, contact Diane Johnson with your flight number, your expected time of arrival, and whether you are renting a car or not renting a car.
2. It is very possible that other participants may be arriving on the same flights. We'll share arrival times on the website so we can communicate transportation information and help each of you either meet up with someone who is renting a car and car pool to Wasilla or we will arrange for you to be picked up in Anchorage. A slight fee for transportation may be necessary, but we guarantee it will be cheaper than the taxi!
3. Once you are 'with us' at the start of the conference, our staff will assist with transportation as will other volunteers. Those renting cars will be willing to share rides, too, car pooling is a great way to cut everyone's expenses! We will also assist in getting everyone back to their flights following the conference.
4. IF YOU ARE RENTING A CAR and willing to have someone chip in money for fuel and car pooling, please let Diane Johnson know as soon as you are sure of your plans.
5. If you travel flight changes, please let Diane Johnson know.
What about the Weather?
June is a great time to visit Alaska. Although the weather conditions aren't easy to predict, it is certain that there will be plenty hours of daylight each day!You will want to keep an eye on a weather website for current weather conditions. The Iditarod website (www.iditarod.com) also has the current temperatures of Anchorage, Wasilla, and other places in Alaska.
We ate in the rain at the 2006 conference!
Depending on where you are --- the weather conditions may differ. Temperatures during the day will be warmer, perhaps the 60 - 70 range. Temperatures in the evening will be cooler. Temperatures could drop to the 40 - 50 degree range. I've enjoyed 75 degree days in June in Alaska and I have seen many 'sun-burned' people, so don't forget your sunscreen! Bottom line, we can't predict the temperature, so do your research, pack to meet the needs of the weather, and dress so your stay in Alaska is comfortable.
If it rains, it will be cooler, if it doesn't it will seem warmer. Think cooler temperatures vs. hot temperatures, and dress accordingly.
Don't forget--- there are mosquitoes in Alaska! Be prepared!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Packing for the Conference
What should you pack?
Dress casual! Dress comfortable! Slacks/pants/jeans, long sleeve/short sleeve, think comfort!
Dressing in layers may help you be more comfortable. The temperatures are hard to predict and often vary depending on where you are and what you are doing.
Suggested items to pack:
A warm jacket, sweater/sweatshirt, etc.
Rain jacket, umbrella, shoes to wear in rainy weather
Comfortable shoes for everyday
Bug spray and sun screen
* We will be spending lots of time in the dog kennel. Make sure you bring boots or shoes appropriate for helping with the chores and wandering around the kennel. Some people bring muck boots or knee high rubber boots, which are great for rainy weather and chores at the kennel. We’ll be going on early morning walks through damp wooded area with the puppies in the morning. Bring what you’ll be comfortable wearing for this situation.
BRING YOUR CAMERA! Bring extra camera batteries or buy some when you get to Alaska. You will have endless opportunities to take photographs. If you use a digital camera, you might want to bring extra memory cards. You will want to take as many pictures as you can to use in your classroom and to remember your experiences.
If you collect autographs, there will be plenty of opportunities for that, too!
For our conference:
Are you interested in sharing how you currently use Iditarod in the classroom? If so, bring pictures, lesson samples, or a handout for workshop participants if you would like share, or simply share your ideas with us during our discussion times. Taking time to share and collaborate is a very important part of our conference, so if you have something to share, please do!
For our conference, Team Building Activity!
BRING THIS WITH YOU TO ALASKA!
One of our special activities is designed to help us get to know you and for all of us to learn more about time and place.
Please bring one item for each participant or one item that the group can share— that helps us get to know you and/or where you are from. See the example ideas below.
Examples:
If you are from a coastal area, you could bring a sea shell for each person
If you play the guitar, you could give each participant a guitar pic.
If golf is your favorite sport, present each participant with a golf ball or a golf tee.
To teach about your state or your school, you could present each participant with: a pin or button from your city/state, or a pencil with your school logo on it, a bumper sticker with the school logo, a city or state map,
YOU COULD bring one thing for everyone to share…. For example, if you are from Florida, a Key Lime pie would be delicious treat for all of us to share.
This item shouldn’t cost you much money and it is meant as a way to share about you and/or your location. From this, we will be doing a project and making connections.
AN EMPTY SUITCASE if you like to shop! (Many of our workshop participants buy a suitcase or mail items home!) Another words, pack light if you like to shop! Check air line regulations about luggage, however, you might want to mail a box from Alaska back to your home.
Bring questions you’d like to answer or topics you’d like to know about! We will help you learn all you want to learn so that this workshop is a BEST EVER opportunity!
Don’t worry if you forget something! There are PLENTY of places to shop in Alaska!
What to Wear?
Dress casual! There is no need to bring dress up clothes unless you really want to go out and be fancy! Even if you do want to do that, casual is still often the norm!
Dress for the weather and/or for your own comfort!
If you get cold easily and don’t like being cold, bring a sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket to add a layer.
As system of layering might help you because it is often cooler in the evening and mornings, and nicer in the afternoon. The temperature is different depending on where you are during the day. It might be warmer in Anchorage than it is in Wasilla.
Wear comfortable shoes. We will be doing some walking or light hiking, so you will want to have appropriate shoes! Walking around in the dog yard requires every day shoes, nothing fancy! Taking walks through the woods with the puppies is more fun and safer when you wear appropriate walking shoes.
Bring and wear bug spray and/or sunscreen!
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING TOWELS, SLEEPING BAGS, OR BLANKETS. IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS, LIKE A FAVORITE PILLOW, ETC. BRING THAT... IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW OR BRING ESSENTIAL ITEMS.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Packing for the Conference: Dream a Dream
Spending time at a musher's kennel means you'll be in the dog yard! Don't forget to pack appropriate clothing. We'll be helping with chores, walking pups, and outside, no matter what the daily weather conditions.
After Hours and Tourist Opportunities
Our advice is that you set your goals for what you'd like to see and do beyond our conference, and group up with other conference participants and staff who have like interests. You will then be able to car pool and share expenses to make the most of your time in Alaska.
Decide, what are your interests? Discuss your ideas with each other.... and we'll add more information to this section of the site as we see what your interests and questions concern.
Glacier hiking, nature hikes, kennel tours, fishing, visiting museums, driving excursions, musk ox farm, reindeer farm, art, wild life, native crafts, interesting restaurants...
Here are some ideas for how to spend your time outside our Boot Camp experience.
Leave comments for other participants and continue to check back for additional information.
Click here for some general information!
Click for information on these Iditarod Business Partners:
Alaska Kayak Academy
Alaska Fishing Guide
Sky Trekking Alaska
Denali Flightseeing Tours
Salmon Berry Tour Company
For Information on opportunities in the Wasilla and Palmer area, CLICK HERE!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
What Questions Do You Have?
Staff and other participants will post answers to the questions.
We hope that you enjoy this Iditarod Boot Camp experience!
