Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

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 Survival 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 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. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic map and compass skills, including: measuring and plotting bearings on a topographic map, with emphasis on reading contour lines, recognizing landform features, and estimating elevation gains and losses. To develop self-reliance, self-confidence and self-respect To develop leadership skills to use in their own groups and communities. Understand human connections to weather and climate and how to maximize safety during inclement weather. Demonstrate an understanding of the science behind and the causes, prevention and treatment of cold injuries, heat injuries, dehydration, and sun injuries. Use renewable energies to harness power for cooking and travel To develop skills needed to build life-long friendships. Describe the backcountry ethics associated with leave no trace travel and camping. Identify the major impacts resulting from human use of wilderness and backcountry areas.

Activities

The Survival Camp 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 Survival Camp include; Wild edibles and Plant ID of Northern Minnesota Mammal Identification Navigation Skills and Techniques using a Compass, Map and GPS Reading the Landscape by exploring the Geology of the Lake Superior Region Organic Farming & Food Gathering through Hunting Techniques and Planting Survival Skills – Wilderness First Aid Traditional Skills and Crafts Shelter Building Renewable Energy – Solar Cooking, Harnessing the Wind for Power, Outdoor Cooking Traditional Fire Building Wilderness Ethics Native American and French Voyageurs Connections to the Land

Program Dates

July 23-28, 2023 one week session

Can students reside on campus? Yes

Can students commute to campus? No

Can students take online classes? No