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Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs


Program Info
Program: Wildlife Camp
Sponsoring Organization: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Main Contact
Name: Jenny Bushmaker
Title: Program Director
Address: 6282 Cranberry Road
Finland, MN 55603
Phone: (218) 353-7414
Email: jenny.bushmaker@wolf-ridge.org
Web Site:
https://www.wolf-ridge.org
Curricular area: Science
Grades Served: 5 , 6

Goals

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 Wildlife Camp Program was created for those campers with a high interest in developing their environmental science knowledge and skills, as well as, their outdoor adventure and recreation skills. The goals and objectives for the program are to; * Understand the difference between domesticated and wild animals. They will know why and how some wild animals end up in captivity. * Have a basic understanding of the care and management of captive animals; feeding, cleaning, enclosure safety, and enrichment. * Explore various career opportunities for wildlife related professions. * Understand the different methods of studying wildlife and help with ongoing research projects including bird banding and a monarch caterpillar survey. * Explore Citizen Science Projects and gather ideas to attract wildlife to your yard or local green space. * Understand that all living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem * Understand that humans have a great ability to alter natural systems * Gain an appreciation of their natural surroundings and take an active role in the conservation and stewardship of our environment. * Understand that a complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances. * Gather evidence that all living things acquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment. * To develop self-reliance, self-confidence and self-respect * To develop leadership skills to use in their own groups and community. * To develop skills needed to build life-long friendships * To grow individually; to provide situations for each camper to set goals and learn new skills while reflecting on t


Activities

The Wildlife Camp Program explores the science of ecosystems, plus relationships between people and their 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 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 students discover ways to keep learning about their environments for a lifetime.

Courses and activities for the Wildlife Camp Program are designed for participants who have dreamed of working with wildlife someday and include; * Ornithology – Bird Banding * Northern Minnesota wildlife ecology * Animal tracking * Wildlife research techniques – radio tracking, study plots, bird handing, trail cameras * Learn the technique and skills needed to care for program animals * Rock climbing * Adventure ropes * Outdoor navigation skills – map and compass * Canoeing


Program Dates

August 4 - 10, 2019

All sessions are 1 week in length



Can students reside on campus? Yes

Can students commute to campus? No

Can students take online classes?


Estimated residential cost per student
Tuition: $113
Fees: $83
Books: $0
Supplies: $156
Room/Board: $274
Transportation: $175