Project – October 10-12, 2008

What?

Students took part in a three-day outdoor camping, leadership and education program. Participants were kept happy, full and warm (it snowed on us this trip) as expert educators guided them through these activities:

Top Roping at Dome Rock – Students were introduced to top rope climbing at Dome Rock with the help of expert instructors. Each person had the chance to both climb and belay in a safe and controlled setting. Climbing challenged them to overcome mental, physical and emotional barriers that they found while on the rock. In this process they found leadership skills within themselves that will carry them over any challenges and barriers they may face in the future.

Watershed Science on the Tule River – We stopped at the confluence of the middle fork and the Wishone fork of the Tule on our way into the mountains. Students learned about the importance of watersheds, picked up garbage, learned about the PG&E hydroelectric power plant and discussed other sources we use for energy in the United States.

Hike Through Quaking Aspen Meadow – Students explored Quaking Aspen Meadow at the top of the Tule River watershed and learned about meadow ecology and hydrology.

Hike Through Giant Sequoia Groves – This year we explored the Trail of 100 Giants in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. We explored the ancient trees with a sense of awe and learned about Sequoia ecology.

Camp Leadership Skills – At all Immersed in the Wild camps students become active leaders in charge of our basic needs. Students prepare camp meals, maintain camp and personal hygiene and manage camp waste, recycling and composting.

Why?

Experiential education programs are inadequate in California’s school system. The southern Sierra Nevada region contains many economically disadvantaged communities who are unable to experience the wild places around them. More and more youth feel disconnected from their communities and the natural habitats surrounding them, something that has become know among educators as “nature deficient disorder”. Youth are confined to classroom settings where learning how to take tests replaces opportunities to observe, compare, and comprehend the beauty and mystery of our environment. Immersed in the Wild programs are designed to provide those experiential opportunities for California’s youth.

Who?

7 students from La Sierra High School in Porterville joined 9 educators and facilitators at Dome Rock in the Giant Sequoia National Monument for 3 days of camping, education and exploration.

Where?

Dome Rock is located on the Western Divide in the Kern River watershed in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.