Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

Statement(s) of goals and objectives for the program being submitted for consideration Our teaching philosophy is simple: learning happens best when one experiences it. Lives it. Breathes it. Hands-on activities combined with an unbelievably beautiful campus make our living laboratory the kind of educational experience you can’t get anywhere else.

The Credit Academy: Wilderness Ethics Program was created for those campers with a high interest in developing their knowledge and skills surrounding Minnesota’s’ ecosystems, as well as, their outdoor adventure and recreation skills. The goals and outcomes of the Credit Academy: Wilderness Ethics Program are in alignment with the State of Minnesota Academic Standards and are to; * Participate in hands-on field-based experiences with professionals to learn how scientific investigation is essential to understanding and responding to real life issues * Earn Minnesota high school science credits and/or college credits in accordance to Minnesota state policies and regulations of teaching hours accomplished and content covered. * Strengthening the participant’s interest in environmental concerns * Understand that natural systems and include a variety of organisms that interact with one another in several ways * Understand that science is a way of knowing about the natural world and is characterized by empirical criteria, logical argument and skeptical review * Men and women throughout history of all cultures, including Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities have had connections to the land for survival * Understand that humans have a great ability to alter natural systems * Develop self-reliance, self-confidence and self-respect * Develop the skills needed to be a self-leader, peer leader, designated leader and active follower * Grow individually; to provide situations for each camper to set goals and learn new skills while reflecting on their camp experience * Gain the skills needed to display a tole

Activities

The Credit Academy: Wilderness Ethics Program explores the science of ecosystems, plus relationships between people and their freshwater environment. We encourage participants to consider how their values and behaviors can influence and ultimately impact the world around them. Our curriculum and activities provide hands-on, memorable experiences that involve the whole person and address multiple learning styles.

We choose curricular content for the based on the local, natural and cultural history of Minnesota, as well as broader environmental issues. Science-based classes provide opportunities to learn more about our planet and how it works; cultural history classes give a glimpse of the way our predecessors interacted with local ecosystems to create a life for themselves; current event classes help us to understand emerging issues; personal growth and team-building classes develop skills for meeting personal and group challenges; and outdoor skill classes help participants discover ways to keep learning about their environments for a lifetime.

Activities and classes in the Credit Academy: Wilderness Ethics Program includes; * Classes and activities focus on environmental ethics and land use * Investigate society’s evolving views of wilderness through its depiction by artists, writers, and ecologists * Examine how land use choices impact the environment * 7 day backpacking trip to Isle Royale National Park * Develop your personal ethic regarding land and the environment * Meet with researchers and park rangers on Isle Royale National Park to learn about human impacts * Use art to present your environmental ethic

Program Dates

June 23 - July 6, 2019 July 28 - August 10, 2019

All sessions are 2 weeks in length

Can students reside on campus? Yes

Can students commute to campus? No

Can students take online classes?