Images of the 2011 Summer Camp!

Click this link to view this YOU TUBE video production for a glimpse of the Iditarod Summer Camp experience!  Images by Kellyl Gaskins.

Join us at the 2012 Summer Camp for Teachers!  Send an email for details!

Images from Summer Camp

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Images by Kelly Gaskins and Diane Johnson

Day Two: Dream a Dream Dog Farm:

Monday:  After breakfast, campers ventured out to the dog yard.  Teachers officially met the dogs and got their cameras out to take photographs of the dogs.   There are 13 puppies at the kennel, too, so every puppy needed special attention.  Assisting with dog chores and heading out for a hike with a wild bunch of year ling pups was a great way to start Monday morning at camp!

After the puppy walk, Vern Halter spent the rest of the morning presenting information to the campers covering the topics of dog care, mushing, racing, and his personal experiences.

Following lunch, the campers got their first experience of helping to harness and hook up a dog team.

Afternoon sessions were from Crissy Lovelace, Big Lake Elementary School, Big Lake, Alaska, and Sara Lamont, Larson Elementary, Wasilla, Alaska.   Crissy’s focus was on their school wide Idita Read project.  Sara’s focus was on her school’s projects, an Idita math project, science lessons, and literacy connections. Sara also introduced the campers to the Iditarod and Alaska books that she uses with her students.

Vern grilled fresh salmon.  Delicious salads, potatoes, and cheesecake rounded off an incredible meal.  Campers spent the rest of the evening collaborating and team building through conversation and relaxation.

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Day 1: Sunday, June 19

Campers with Mushers: Raymie Redington, Ray Redington, Jr., and Nick Petit

It is official!  the 2011 Iditarod Teacher Camp is under way!

Campers began arriving at the Iditarod Headquarters around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

After touring the inside of the Iditarod Headquarters, campers went outside and enjoyed a dog sled cart ride on a ‘summer sled’ driven by Raymie Redington.  Raymie is the son of Joe Redington, Sr., the Father of the Iditarod.  Raymie’s wife, Barb, provided important information to the campers and introduced them to Nickolas Petit, the 2011 Iditarod Rookie of the Year.  Another musher stopping by and introduced to the campers was Ray Redington, Jr.  (Raymie’s son, and grandson of Joe Redington.)

After watching a video at Iditarod Headquarters, the campers departed for the Dream a Dream Dog Farm.

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Summer Camp Begins Today!

Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers begins today!  (June 19, 2011)

Time:  2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Location:  Iditarod Headquarters: Mile 2.2 Knik Goose Bay Rd. Wasilla, AK

Teachers:  Are you ready to begin the 9 day adventure in Iditarod learning?

See you soon!

Two Views: Summer Camp Begins

Thursday Evening: Clouds Wrap Around the Mountain

 I arrived in Anchorage very early on Wednesday morning (June 15).  It was raining in Anchorage when my plane landed.  No, I’ll take that back.  It was more than raining, it was pouring.  My plane had left Minneapolis more than an hour late for a reason that wasn’t shared with us.  Prior to that, my flight out of Aberdeen to Minneapolis had left as a huge thunderstorm approached Aberdeen.

So all day, rain, rain, rain had surrounded me and there it was once again as I landed in Anchorage.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sara Lamont and I went shopping in Anchorage, gathering up the supplies that we’d need for our summer camp.

It rained Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Thursday evening, clouds wrapped around the mountains.

There was a 5.2 earthquake on Thursday.  I was driving from Wasilla to Anchorage so I missed that event.

Friday morning begins with blue sky and bright sunshine.

Among the list of things to do today:  Go to Iditarod Headquarters, finalize camp plans, pick up education department supplies at the storage building, check in with ‘campers’ who have begun to arrive in Anchorage, work with my intern, Kelly, on projects, go to Anchorage to the University of Anchorage to pick up registration materials for our class offerings, pick up additional supplies, and after midnight, pick up camp staff, Terrie Hanke at the airport.

Iditarod Summer Camp is about to begin!

See You at the Statue!

Hello, Campers!

We’ll see you at this statue soon!  Of course the snow won’t be there, but I’m certain you’ll find the statue!  Won’t you?

Sunday, June 19, 2011

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Need a ride from Anchorage to Wasilla?  Be sure to let me know!  I’ll coordinate this to make sure everyone is ‘at the statue’ and ready for camp!

After our session on Sunday, we’ll be heading to the Dream a Dream Dog Farm!

See you soon!

Check previous articles for additions and changes today!  I’m taking care of details and finalizing information!  Time is going fast, isn’t it?  But not so fast that snow will be covering the statue seen on this article!  I’m going to for now, have this article as the first one that you see….  so check below this article for new articles or changes in previous articles…

See you at the statue!  Diane

2011 Summer Camp Staff

We’re in the final stages of our 2011 Summer Camp planning!

Our staff is looking forward to an exciting 9 day adventure with you!  Click on each staff member’s name to learn more about our staff!

Diane Johnson:  Iditarod Education Director, Summer Camp Director, 2000 Teacher on the Trail

Sara Lamont:  Iditarod Education Committee Member, Race Volunteer, Teacher from Palmer, AK

Terrie Hanke:  Iditarod Education Committee Member, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™, Race Volunteer, Educational Journalist.

Shannon Keene:  Iditarod Education Steering Committee and Advisor, Retired Teacher, Alaska

Blynne Froke:  Target® 2012 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™

Martha Dobson:  Target™ 2011 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™

2011 Summer Camp: Schedule of Events!

*Please note the dates associated with the  articles on  this website.  This website is a collection from past summer camp experiences and serves as a historical document of past camp experiences and contains the current year’s camp information, so make sure you look for 2011 Summer Camp information for this year’s information!  Some articles – regardless of when they were written, pertain to every summer camp… others are specific to a year’s camp.  So, double check with me if you have questions.

Welcome to the 2011 Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers!

We are in the final planning stages for this incredible 9 day event and we can’t wait for our teacher campers  to join us in Alaska!

(What?  You aren’t joining us?  Did you think about it and now wonder why you didn’t make plans to join us?  Have you just learned about it and wishing……    It’s not too late!  Read on!)

CAMP BEGINS:

Sunday, June 19 

We’ll see you at Iditarod Headquarters on SUNDAY, June 19, 2:00 PM.  (Time to be adjusted if necessary due to flight times.)

Our first sessions at camp take place at Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla.

We will tour the facility, visit the museum, see a brief film about the race, and have the opportunity to shop at Iditarod’s store.  Sunday’s sessions are designed to help campers start to get to know each other and learn basic historical and current information about the race.

Weather providing, you will take a ride on a summer dog sled.  (a wheeled cart pulled by dogs.)  You’ll meet Raymie Redington and his wife, Barb.

Then, it’s off the the Dream a Dream Dog Farm.

Sunday – Wednesday.  (June 19 – 21)  A Summary:

The first three days of our conference will be held at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, the home and kennel of Susan Whiton and Vern Halter. Both Vern and Susan are Iditarod mushers.  They have run Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. Vern is a Yukon Quest Champion.  Susan is a veterinarian.  She has a vet’s clinic at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm.  You never know who might stop by the Dream a Dream Dog Farm and  kennel clinic!

Our camp will be held at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm starting on  Sunday afternoon (after we’ve met at ITC Headquarters) and continue through  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday early afternoon. We will car pool from headquarters to this location to begin our adventure at camp.  By the time Wednesday rolls around, you’ll be disappointed to be leaving this incredible facility.  The K9 and human friends you’ll make, will provide you with memories for a lifetime!

After unpacking and ‘setting up camp’, we’ll have an introductory session, our evening meal, and an evening session and opportunity to view Iditarod DVD productions.  If you are lucky, you’ll even hear a few howl songs from the dog yard on your very first night!

The  sessions will be held in the Dream a Dream Dog Farm Lee Larsen Training center and outside in the dog yard and wooded area as weather permits. We’ll be ‘camping’ out — staying in the bunk house — dorm style in the upstairs of the training center.  We’ll enjoy light breakfast and lunch each day at the Dream a Dream and two evening meals while at this location will be provided for you…  We will also provide you with a variety of snacks and goodies.   (Again: included in your camp fee.)

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.

Meeting these young athletes will give you a glimpse of the very early socialization and training the dogs of Iditarod go through.  For those interested, we will also  have the opportunity to 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— or perhaps, you will have created your own tune to sing to the dogs!

Sessions will begin after ‘chore and relaxing time’ with a break for lunch and snacks.

Our activities and sessions will help you connect the race and Alaska to your curriculum. Our camp staff will understand what you need from this experience to maximize each moment you are with us so you can ‘pack your sled’ with everything you need to meet your goals, personally and professionally.  The images you collect on your camera and in your heart and soul will provide you with all the resources you need to bring the race to the classroom and your curriculum in an incredible way!

As we said, you never know who’ll drop by the kennel or what event we’ll experience.  During the summer of 2009 camp experience, we experienced a small earthquake.  In 2007 and 2008, Gary Paulsen dropped by to say hello as did DeeDee Jonrowe.

Schedule:

Sunday:  (times are estimations and not exact… well, ok, some are exact, some aren’t…  it’s a summer camp schedule!)

2:00 Meet at Iditarod Headquarters
( * Please note:  we will send a staff car to Anchorage to pick up teachers on Sunday.  Please notify us if you will be needing a ride so we can coordinate transportation.  IF you are renting a car and you are willing to drive teachers to Wasilla on Sunday, please let me know!  Thanks!  Diane)

4:00 Depart by car pool  for the Dream a Dream Dog Farm

5:00 – until bed time:  Arrival at Dream a Dream, Welcome

Unpack, Organize

Session 1

Evening meal

Session 2

Snacks and the 2011 Iditarod DVD preview!

Monday:

6- 8:30 AM:  Morning ‘Chores’:  Rise and Shine!  (Sorry, no taps, we’ll have dog howling instead!)  Enjoy the morning at the kennel by participating in reading, reflecting, a morning walk with puppies or dogs… time in the kennel to get to know dogs, and other kennel activities.  This is also a collaboration and social time for campers.

*Camp rule:  If you are up first, plug in the coffee!  OK, the pot is always ‘plugged in…’ but you know what I mean.  Push the power button, even if you don’t drink coffee…  push the power button…   AND for those of you who drink tea, don’t worry! We’ll have tea for you, too!

Morning sessions:

Vern Halter:  Iditarod and Mushing, 101

Lunch

Afternoon Sessions: (Starting around 1:00)

Putting the Iditarod reality into the classroom environment.

Speakers include:

Diane Johnson:  Education Director and 2000 Teacher on the Trail™:  Iditarod Educational Learning Projects 2012

Sara Lamont: Larsen Elementary, Wasilla,  Idita Math and Other Iditarod Connections.   *Sara is an Iditarod race volunteer and a member of the Iditarod Education Committe.  Sara is a member of the ‘camp staff’.

Chrissy Lovelace:  Big Lake Elementary School:  School Wide Program:  Idita Read

Speaker to be announced: (check back later!)

Evening Session:  Vern’s turn to cook!  We’ll enjoy an evening meal, social time, relaxation, time in the dog yard and around Dream a Dream Dog Farm, and an evening of Iditarod collaboration!

Tuesday:

Chores

Morning Session:  Speakers include:

Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™ and Educational Journalist.  *Terrie is a member of the Iditarod Education Committee and ‘camp staff’.

Blynne Froke, Target® 2011 Teacher on the Trail™  “2012 Iditarod Preview from Blynne”

Diane Johnson, 2000 Teacher on the Trail, Iditarod Education Director:  2012 Literacy Club for Teachers!

Lunch

Afternoon Session: (  1:00 – 4:30)

1:00 – 2:30:  Sonny Chambers:   Iditarod Race Volunteer  (1 hour, 30 minute session)  What’s it like in an Iditarod Checkpoint?  Sonny goes to Koyuk during the race and during his session, he’ll ‘bring you to Koyuk- virtually’.  Everything you want to know about life on the trail as seen through the eyes of checkpoint volunteers will be answered in this session!

More information will be added later about the afternoon speakers.

Evening Session:

* This evening, we’ll drive to Talkeetna for dinner and an evening of sight seeing and ‘Talkeetna there and back’ adventures! Responsibility for your evening meal is your own.    Click here to learn more!

Wednesday:

Chores

Morning Session:  The Last Great 2011 Summer Camp Challenge:  You ‘Iditarod knowledge’ will be put to test!

Lunch and a Chance to Reflect!

Pack up and organize:  Depart around 1:30  PM

Afternoon:

We’ll be going to the Wednesday ‘market’ and the Dorothy Page Museum.  (http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=80)

Hotel / Lodging:  “RE-Campment”  (after our visit at the museum and market, we’ll check into the hotel.)

Evening: 6:30 PM – Dinner and Iditarod ‘Special Session’  (Your meal will be included. * IF traveling with family members, they may be interested in attending this session.  A slight fee will be charged to cover their meal.  See me for details!)

Location:  Iditarod Headquarters  (Subject to change, but this is the current plan as of 6/10)

(Speakers and activities to be announced soon!)

Best Practices in Iditarod Education!

* Best Practices Sharing Session:  An Exchange of Best Practices and Success Stories.

* Special Guest Speaker to be announced soon!

Thursday:

Thursday = Anchorage!  We’ll head to Anchorage to first visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center followed by the opportunity to visit museums, shops, and places of interest in the Anchorage area.  Much of this day is ‘on your own’ after the morning visit at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.  This will allow you to meet your own goals and objectives as far as what you need to see and experience.  In downtown Anchorage, you’ll see the statue of Balto – the location of the starting line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and experience the shops, sights, and scenes of Anchorage in the summer time.

Alaska Native Heritage Center:  http://www.alaskanative.net/  (Your ticket to this is included in the camp fee.)

*If you are traveling with a family member, this is a great day to include them in our activities, fee would only be the price of admission to the Alaska Native Heritage Center and any other expenses for the options for the day.

Optional places for you to visit include and are limited only by your energy level and the daylight hours:  Downtown Anchorage stores and restaurants, the Anchorage Museum at the Rasmuson Center ($12 admission– Seeing this is really more of a full day’s project, so if you are going to be in the Anchorage area and wish this experience, we recommend doing this before or after camp… )  Alaska Zoo, Millennium Hotel – just so you can say you’ve been to Iditarod Race Headquarters, or take the hiking path to Earthquake Park…  There are so many options for this day!   We’ll help you design this day during our time at Dream a Dream Dog Farm.

Friday:

(Location to be announced next week, most likely at the Grand View)

Authors, Speakers, and Iditarod Adventures continue:

We will have speakers and presentations in the morning, break for lunch, after lunch, and we will depart at 4:00 for Jon and Jona Van Zyle’s home, kennel, and art gallery.

Schedule:

8:00:  Diane Johnson:  Skype and other technology projects for 2012

9:15:  Martha Dobson -Target® 2011 Teacher on the Trail™

10:30 AM:  Pam Flowers, Arctic Explorer, Adventurer, Iditarod Musher, Motivational Speaker, (Visit her website at this link.)  PLEASE NOTE:  Pam will have her books for sale after her presentation.  Please purchase them from her  if you are interested in doing so, instead of a store in Alaska, to help Pam and our conference.

Lunch

1:00 Katie Magnelsdorf, Author of a book soon to be released – Biography of Joe Redington, Sr.  Katie worked with Joe for years before his passing, listening  to stories and capturing his life.  Katie also worked on this book with Vi before her passing, and with Joe and Vi’s family members over the past several years, to create this book.

2:15:  Stu Nelson, Chief Iditarod Veterinarian

4:00:  Depart for Jon and Jona Van Zyle’s home, art gallery, and kennel.  Dinner will be served at the kennel and is a part of this camp fee!

*If traveling with family members, this is a great day to include them.  Small fee will be assessed, see me for details!  Thanks!

Saturday:

Iditarod Volunteer Picnic and 2012 Musher Sign Up Event!  This event is for past Iditarod volunteer, as a means to thank them for their hard work!  The event is held on the first day of sign ups for the next race.  You’ll get a noon meal and get to meet race volunteers, race staff, and all of the mushers that show up at Iditarod Headquarters for the event.

People will begin arriving at Iditarod Headquarters around 9:00 AM.  The picnic begins around noon.  Mushers will be signing up, providing you the opportunity to get autographs, take pictures, and visit with them.  The even generally ends between 4 – 5:00 PM.

There will be no scheduled activities Saturday evening…  Explore, go on an adventure, relax, etc.  (We’ll have ideas for you!)

Sunday:  THE SUNDAY CHALLENGE

This is a day of adventure for campers.  We’ll be providing you with a variety of optional activities for the day and you’ll group up as you desire to accomplish the project which are centered around your goals-  and complete a project that helps you to get to know Alaska and Iditarod better!  Don’t worry, by design, we aren’t giving you all the details for this until you are at camp…   Just know that the goal is for you to enjoy the day in a manner you’d like… 

Monday:

AM:  Fieldtrip:  Shannon Keene welcomes us to her home for a morning of cultural understanding and teaching ideas.  Shannon used to teach in a remote village.  She’ll share a great wealth of knowledge and you’ll come away with a rich understanding!

PM:  On Location:  Wells Fargo Bank Iditarod Museum

End of Camp—  but the start of a new Iditarod adventure for each of you!

Additional Information:

To learn about the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, visit www.vernhalter.com.

* If you require a special diet, let us know and/or please bring what you need.  If you have allergies, let us know.  If you have a special beverage you just can’t survive without, please bring it!  (We’ll supply water, coffee, tea, some soda, etc.)

Towels and bedding are also supplied, but if you need your special pillow or  you are fussy about your towel, feel free to bring yours!  Please note, Vern also has extra light jackets and muck boots, so if you aren’t fussy, we’ll help you dress up as needed!  There is also a washing machine, showers, and most of what you need to be comfortable. Usually the WI FI works at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, so if you have wireless and/or a cell phone, you probably will get a connection, although some cell phone service works better than others!

Email me if you have specific questions.

What Do I Bring to Camp?

This is a common question asked by our campers.  To provide you with important information, read the following article.    (Click here to visit the link!)  This article pertains to what you need no matter when you attend our summer camp!

Meet our Staff: Blynne Froke Target® 2012 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™

Joining as a staff member for Iditarod Summer Camp is Blynne Froke, this year’s Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™(2012)

Blynne is from California. 

Blynne is no stranger to Iditarod Summer Camp.  Having attended Iditarod Summer Camp several years ago, Blynne applied for Teacher on the Trail™ for two years in a row.  Two years in a row, she was selected as a finalist and traveled to Alaska before the start of the Iditarod to participate in the selection activities and present at the Winter Conference.  Blynne was awarded this opportunity of being the selected teacher for 2012 in an announcement made in April. (2011)

Starting in June of 2011, Blynne will begin writing on the Iditarod website.  Through out the year, she will share lesson ideas and a journal.  During the race, she’ll travel the Iditarod Trail and share a daily, on line journal with classrooms around the world.

Click here to visit the Target ®Teacher on the Trail™ website.

From Blynne’s Bio:

Adventure and personal challenge have always been at the top of Blynne Froke’s to do list.  It seems like she has been on the go her whole life. Blynne was born in Canada and immigrated to California with her family.  When he father was sent to Venezuela for work, Blynne went along to start high school.  It took seventeen years and three states to complete her college education, but she never gave up, finally starting her teaching career at 35.  Summer 2007 found her back in South America working with her brother in Bolivia and spring 2011 she explored China with her oldest daughter.  For the last thirty years though Blynne has called rural northern California home where she raised two beautiful daughters with husband, Mike, and an ever-growing menagerie of dogs, cats, goats, chicken and ponies.  An active 4H leader, Blynne and her daughter raised a guide dog, which was a very rewarding experience.

After teaching English at the junior high level for almost 12 years, Blynne decided she was up for a real challenge and as is common in her life, an opportunity presented itself.  Community Day School (CDS) is a contained “last chance” classroom for high school students that have been expelled.  For nine years she taught everything from P.E. to Physics to British Lit. to reluctant teenagers and found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of he teaching life.

Challenge and Blynne’s new students seemed to go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Her special mix of patience and passion seemed to work for many, but something more intense was needed to draw in these very needy students and she was on the search again.  By chance, Blynne read a book about the Iditarod and shared it with her students.  They shared her excitement.  That was four years ago.  What started as a half an hour read aloud turned into a cross-curricular thematic program around which the essential themes of goal-setting, planning, personal responsibility, problem solving and stewardship revolved. The mushers came alive as “Real life heroes,” in a struggle every bit as inspiring and challenging as their own struggle to graduate high school.  It has found such fertile ground, that it graduated twice as many students from CDS than in previous years.

Blynne has embraced challenge not only in her professional life, but in her personal life as well.  What started as a whim, “a couch to 5K running club,” turned into another great passion.  Four years and a hundred pounds later, she has completed two half marathons and continues to train for distance events.

Last year saw more reductions in California’s education budget and following the “go where you are needed” call, Blynne returned to the high school to teach freshman and sophomore English.  Maybe not so surprisingly, these classes also found an expanded curriculum using the Iditarod as students wrote up research papers on various aspects of competitive dog mushing and created cross-age teaching experiences for elementary students.  These “Trail Buddies” were real heroes and are currently looking for other ways to engage elementary students in the Iditarod experience.

The adventure just keeps going as Blynne looks forward to a year as Target’s® Teacher on the Iditarod Trail™ and sharing the experience of the race and the remote villages of Alaska with students and teachers across the globe.

Blynne’s motto as always is “Challenge yourself and NEVER give up!”

Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers!

2010 Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers

Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers is the place to be!  Learn about camp by reading the articles at this site.

Be a teacher camper at our next summer camp! Download, print out, and register for the 2011 Summer Camp! Register by Jan.15 and qualify for the early bird rate!

* Use the menu items on the right side of the page to learn more information about Summer Camp!

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Don’t forget our Winter Conference for Teachers, March 1 -4, 2011, in Anchorage, Alaska. Download registration materials. Visit this link for more information about the 2011 Winter Conference.  Click here.

Images of the Campers and Staff

2010 Campers and Staff

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We Met Dogs!

Some of the dogs…..

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Video Clips from Summer Camp

The following video clips have been posted to You Tube.  Click on the links below to view them.

The Native Heritage Center in Anchorage posted  Karen.

Eskimo Yo-Yo Demonstration posted by Karen.

Sled Dogs Waiting to Run!  They are Off! Posted by Karen.

Dog Sled Ride, From the Viewpoint of a Musher posted by Karen.

Holy Cow Swing at Ft Rich:  Karen’s Swing! Posted by Karen.

Thanks, Karen!  I appreciate your making sure everyone can view these clips by posting them to YouTube!

Campers as Musicians: Lead Dog: Video Clips

Lead Dog....

Enjoy this song created by our campers! This is the final version posted to YouTube by Karen.

Other, practice versions.

Take 3….  I think.

Take 4… almost got it!

Take 5

Take, I forget…..

Team Building: Stay on Track! (2010)

On Monday, June 28, campers attended leadership and team building training at Ft. Richardson.

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Challenge By Choice!

Scenes from Fort Richardson, Challenge by Choice!

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Challenge By Choice

Challenge by Choice = Each has the choice to participate or not.

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Volunteer Picnic and 2011 Musher Sign up, June 26, 2010

The Volunteer Picnic is an opportunity for Iditarod to thank the race volunteers who play vital rolls in the Last Great Race® – Iditarod.  Without their dedication, this race would not happen!

“Thanks, Volunteers!”

This picnic event is also the first day of sign up for the next race.

Teacher campers were on hand to meet volunteers, race staff, and mushers.

Click on the images for larger views.

Musher Bibs

June 2010

2010 Picnic

Rookie Angie Taggert Signs Up!

June 2010

G B Jones

Iditarod HQ

Signing Up!

DeeDee Jonrowe

Hugh Neff

June 2010

Friday, June 25, 2010 Speaker Event

Target® 2010 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, Herb Brambley, Pam Flowers, Dr. Stu Nelson, and DeeDee Jonrowe were featured speakers at Summer Camp for Teachers!

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Thursday, June 24, Anchorage

Thursday, June 24, Campers went to Anchorage

A Visit to the Home of Jona and Jon Van Zyle

Jona and Jon Van Zyle graciously opened their kennel and home to us for a visit, allowing us to meet their dogs and view Jona and Jon’s art.  Jon is the Official Artist for Iditarod.

Campers

What a Bird House!

Relaxing

New Products Soon for Sale

Relaxing

Jon’s Art

A glimpse of What is to Come

Jona’s Gargen Art

The Garden

Photos from the Dream a Dream Dog Farm

Enjoy these photos taken at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm during the 2010 Summer Camp for Teachers!

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In the Dog Yard

Herb serenaded the dogs with a rendition of Iditarod tunes.

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Dream a Dream Photos

Enjoy these photos from Teacher’s Summer Camp on location at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm!

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Wednesday’s Challenge

Teacher Campers put the week’s experiences to the test in our reality based challenge.

First, each group needed to create a plan for rookie musher, Bob, to follow during the race.  Strategy, common sense, and reality were key factors in each plan.

Each group shared and defend their plan.

Then, after a brief review on how to bootie and harness a dog, the campers went outside to the dog yard to participate in a harness and bootie relay.

Working as a Team

Problem solving

Sharing Ideas. Developing a Plan.

Working as a Team to Find Solultions

Karen and Shelley shared ideas with Herb

Let’s check that map!

Joy shares her team’s strategy.

Shelley shared her group’s solution.

Chief and Bob reminded teachers how to bootie and harness a dog.

Paula knows exactly what to do!

This is EASY!

Shelley accomplishes the task!

Team work!

Patient teachers and dog = accomplished tasks!

We did it!

Tuesday Morning, June 22, Early Morning Puppy Walks (2010)

At the Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers, an early morning walk with puppies is a perfect way to start the day!

Teachers and puppies hike through the wooded trail as a socialization and early training activity for the pups….  and for the teachers, a great way to start the day with a little exercise and fresh air!

We were lucky that not many mosquitoes had found their way to the trail this early in the day!

Puppies scampered the trail, climbed over small branches, and crossed wooden bridges.

Monday June 21: Camp Update

Monday Morning, June 21, blue skies, not a cloud in sight!

Campers began getting up before 6:00 AM.  Some went for an early morning hike.  After breakfast, campers went on a hike with puppies.

After harnessing a team, campers enjoyed a thrilling and fast dog sled ride.

Iditarod 101 was presented by Vern Halter, of the Dream a Dream Dog Farm.  This began the opportunity to gain understanding of mushing, Iditarod, and sled dogs.

Summer Camp Starts Today! Sunday, June 20

Good Morning, June 20

Good morning, Alaska!  Today is Sunday, June 20.

This is the same ‘mountain’ view as yesterday.  You’ll have to trust me on this, the mountain is there.  According to the weather report, the mountain will probably be visible later today.  Right now however, there is a bit of a rainy drizzle in Wasilla.

Campers:  Check the Chat and Collaborate section this morning and stay in touch.  Those of you awaiting your ride with us from Anchorage to Wasilla will find information you need.   Leave messages as necessary.

See you soon!

Welcome Campers!

Good morning from Alaska

Good morning from Alaska!

It is cloudy with a chance of showers, but I can see the mountains!

Several of our campers have already arrived and others will arrive today and tomorrow!

Here’s what is happening with camp staff:

Terrie Hanke is off fishing!

Martha: Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ training sessions.

Diane and Sara:  Off to Anchorage to run errands.

Later today, staff will be meeting and organizing.

Have a great day everyone!  See you soon.

PS—  You’ve got my cell phone number, so give me a call if you need anything!

2010: Summer Camp! Hello Campers!

Iditarod HQ

Hello 2010 Campers!  Here’s a sign!  Soon you’ll be standing right next to it!  (Let’s remember to take a group picture by the sign!)

Have you started your packing yet?  Review ‘What to Bring to Camp’ –  but don’t worry, you can always buy what you need when you get to Alaska!

Check the Chat and Collaborate menu tab and read the latest message from Sara.

Past campers, post information this year’s campers should know.  New campers, post questions you’d like answered before you leave— or send me an email.

I arrive on Wednesday, Martha arrives on Thursday, and Terrie arrives on Friday.   I’ll post articles between now and then to provide you with updates, so check the site this week!

Campers, notice the NEWS menu tab for arrival and lodging information.  We’ll post other information at that tab later this week!

See you Sunday —  right here—  at Iditarod Headquarters.  We’re looking forward to the 2010 Summer Camp and have many surprised in store for you!

Headquarters:

Mile 2.2 Knik Goose Bay Rd. Wasilla, AK

3- 4:00 PM

See you soon!

Diane

Iditarod Headquarters

The Red Lantern

Inside Iditarod Headquarters, you’ll see the Iditarod trophies, including the ‘Red Lantern”.

Many teachers bring a ‘Flat Person” or a classroom or  school mascot with them to photograph in various places around Alaska. Students love seeing their ‘Flat’ or mascot in Alaska.

Camper Kim Busch brought an item with her to the Winter Conference.   I’m curious to see if Kim’s bringing it to summer camp!  We’ll soon find out!

It’s always fun to see the ‘special’ guests that are along for the fun of it and how these guests are used in the classrooms later on!

Iditarod Headquarters

Don’t worry!  It won’t look like this in June when you’re at Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers!  See you soon!

ITC HQ in the Winter

2010 Summer Solstice Festival: June 19, 2010

Downtown Summer Solstice Festival

If you are in Anchorage on the 19th, you won’t want to miss this festival!  Follow this link to learn more!

Date:    Jun 19, 2010

Time:   noon – midnight

Location:   4th Ave & Town Square

More Info:

www.anchoragedowntown.org

Celebrate the longest weekend of the year!

Juneteenth Celebration: Anchorage June 19 – 20

If you are going to be in Anchorage June 19- 20, consider taking in the Juneteenth events!

Date:  Jun 19, 2010 – Jun 20, 2010

Time:  11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday

Location:  Park Strip between K & L Street

Read about the history of Juneteenth at this link.

The Anchorage Market and Festival

For those of you who will be in Anchorage Saturday, June 19 or for a while on Sunday, June 20, before you head to Wasilla, consider attending the Anchorage Market and Festival.  The Market and Festival is open from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. (3rd Avenue between C & E Streets) This is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse at great Alaska products, listen to music, and perhaps meet an Alaskan author or two.  You never know what you’ll find at the Market, but you won’t regret taking time for this experience.  This Market is open every Saturday and Sunday.  You ‘might’ have time on Sunday, June 27, but don’t count on it….  So if you are in Anchorage on the 19th and/or 20th, we suggest you take time to stop by the Market and Festival!

Anchorage Market and Festival

Welcome to Summer Camp!

2010 Iditarod Summer Camp for Teachers

is about to Begin!

Join us for an incredible adventure in

teaching, learning, and exploration!

Are you wishing to chat with each other, make comments, or ask questions?  Notice the menu bar at the top of this page.  Click ‘Chat and Collaborate’.  Make your comments.  Before your comment goes ‘visible’, you will need to be approved by me one time.  After that, your comments should appear immediately upon you comments.  Get chatting with each other!

Meet us at Iditarod Headquarters!

We’ll begin our Summer Camp experience by meeting at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska.

The ITC Headquarters is a historic museum and gift shop.  You’ll be able to purchase items here both on our first day of camp and during the Volunteer Picnic and Musher Sign Up event.

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 and the place most tourists to Alaska want to visit!

Your behind the scenes tour will provide you a glimpse of life—- Iditarod style!  You’ll see where the Iditarod staff work and where the mushers come to sign up for the race.

While at this location, providing it isn’t raining, you’ll experience a summer dog cart ride while meeting Raymie Redington, son of the late Joe Redington, Sr.  Most often, Iditarod pupppies are on hand just waiting for some hugs and pets.   (Warning, every year, at least ONE camper ends up falling in love with a puppy or an Iditarod dog and learning all about flying dogs on airlines!  You’ve been warned!)

This location will also be the site of the Volunteer Picnic and Iditarod Sign Up event the following Saturday.

About that event:  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.  Those of you who are interested in being an educational journalist will also get your ‘assignments’ and begin your reporting projects at this event.

Dream a Dream Dog Farm

The first three days of our conference will be held at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, the home and kennel of Susan Whiton and Vern Halter. Both Vern and Susan are Iditarod mushers.  They have run Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. Vern is a Yukon Quest Champion.  Susan is a veterinarian.  She has a vet’s clinic at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm.  You never know who might stop by the Dream a Dream Dog Farm and  kennel clinic!

Our camp will be held at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm starting on  Sunday afternoon (after we’ve met at ITC Headquarters), Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.  We will car pool from headquarters to this location and begin our adventure!  By the time Wednesday rolls around, you’ll be disappointed to be leaving this incredible facility.  The K9 and human friends you’ll make, will provide you with memories for a lifetime!

After unpacking and ‘setting up camp’, we’ll have an introductory session, our evening meal, and an evening session and opportunity to view Iditarod DVD productions.  If you are lucky, you’ll even hear a few howl songs from the dog yard on your very first night!

The  sessions will be held in the Dream a Dream Dog Farm Lee Larsen Training center and outside in the dog yard and wooded area as weather permits. We’ll be ‘camping’ out — staying in the bunk house — dorm style in the upstairs of the training center.  We’ll enjoy light breakfast and lunch each day at the Dream a Dream and two evening meals while at this location.  We will also provide you with a variety of snacks and goodies.   (Included in your camp fee.)

Scooping the Dog Yard

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. Meeting these young athletes will give you a glimpse of the very early socialization and training the dogs of Iditarod go through.  We’ll also have the opportunity to 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— or perhaps, you will have created your own tune to sing to the dogs!

Our activities and sessions will help you connect the race and Alaska to your curriculum. Our camp staff will understand what you need from this experience to maximize each moment you are with us so you can ‘pack your sled’ with everything you need to meet your goals, personally and professionally.  The images you collect on your camera and in your heart and soul will provide you with all the resources you need to bring the race to the classroom and your curriculum in an incredible way!

As we said, you never know who’ll drop by the kennel or what event we’ll experience.  During the summer of 2009 camp experience, we experienced a small earthquake.  In 2007 and 2008, Gary Paulsen dropped by to say hello as did DeeDee Jonrowe.

No doubt, you’ll meet Sue Allen, an Iditarod musher and teacher and a couple rookie mushers planning to run Iditaord next year.  We’ve other surprised in store for you, too!

To learn about the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, visit www.vernhalter.com.

* If you require a special diet, let us know and/or please bring what you need.  If you have allergies, let us know.  If you have a special beverage you just can’t survive without, please bring it!  (We’ll supply water, coffee, tea, some soda, etc.)

Towels and bedding are also supplied, but if you need your special pillow or  you are fussy about your towel, feel free to bring yours!  Please note, Vern also has extra light jackets and muck boots, so if you aren’t fussy, we’ll help you dress up as needed!  There is also a washing machine, showers, and most of what you need to be comfortable. Usually the WI FI works at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, so if you have wireless and/or a cell phone, you probably will get a connection, although some cell phone service works better than others!

Email me if you have specific questions.

The Places We Go: Talkeetna Alaska

We’ll travel together to Talkeetna, Alaska, which is about 45 minutes or so from The Dream a Dream Dog Farm.  (Our plan currently is to go to Talkeetna on Tuesday.)

Talkeetna is a small, artistic village. There are several little shops and places of interest.  You’ll enjoy visiting the General Store and perhaps find the perfect gift for someone on your list.

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

2010: The Places We Go: Meet: Jona and Jon Van Zyle

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/

During the 2010 camp experience, we’ll be visiting Jon and Jona’s in the late afternoon on Wednesday and enjoying and evening buffet with our tour and visit.  This will be a no cost meal for the 2010 campers, compliments of us!

The Places We Go: Alaska’s 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.  You will have the opportunity to not just see the culture of Alaska, but to hear it, experience it, and even dance it.

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 demonstrations that will fascinate 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/

2009 and 2010 Stay on Track: Team Building Day

THIS EVENT WILL NOT TAKE PLACE DURING 2011 Summer Camp, sorry!

Location:  Ft. Rich, Anchorage, Alaska      Monday:  June 28, 2010.

We are currently scheduled to go to Ft. Rich for a team building activity.

We will learn about the Stay on Track program, which promotes healthy life choices.  Read more at this link  (to be added soon.)  Using the low ropes course and other team building leadership activities, we’ll explore what it takes to build a team— in our classrooms and in our own lives. Those who develop an interest may also volunteer to experience the high ropes training course.

Another photo album by Smilebox

ExxonMobil is our Partner

ExxonMobil is our partner in bringing Iditarod Education to classrooms around the world.

Please visit the ExxonMobil website.

Iditarod Volunteer Picnic and 2011 Musher Sign Up Event

Location:  Iditarod Headquarters, Wasilla

Saturday, June 26

Information to be added soon.

Meet our Staff: Sara Lamont

Shannon and Sara

Sara Lamont is an educator living in Palmer, Alaska and teaching at Larson Elementary School in Wasilla. Sara is a kindergarten teacher. She is a member of Iditarod’s Educational Committee, actively involved in the selection of the Target® Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ and a lead teacher and conference assistance for the winter and summer camp experiences.   Sara is a member of the educational department steering committee.

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.  Her teaching experiences in Alaska will help you gain perspective on life in Alaska’s small villages.

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 volunteers in several other areas for the race.  She  has been instrumental in representing the Iditarod Education Department and Iditarod Race at several speaking engagements over the past several years.

Sara has many great ideas about things to do and see while in Alaska.  She’s your ‘first hand’ tour guide and extremely knowledgeable about the area.  Go to Sara for your ‘tourist’ advice!  She knows what to do and most importantly, how to get there!

Meet our Staff: Terrie Hanke

Terrie Hanke

Target® 2006 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™, Terrie Hanke is a speaker and member of the camp staff.

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 – 2010  in Skwentna as a member of the COMMS team, and starting in 2010, a member of the Eye on the Back of the Pack journalist team.  Terrie also knows K9 Journalist Sanka W. Dog.  Terrie serves on the Teacher on the Trail selection committee and is a member of the Education Department’s steering committee.

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 presentation 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!  If you don’t ride a bike, you can apply her project to other aspects of your life.

Meet Our Staff: Shannon Keene

Shannon and Terrie

Shannon Keene is a retired teacher living in Palmer, Alaska. She is a dedicated volunteer for the race and for Iditarod’s Education Department. Her support for the education department activities is valued and appreciated! (THANKS for all you do, Shannon!)

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  information for us.

Shannon shares  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!)  We’ll be visiting Shannon’s home for an afternoon of friendship, collaboration, and ‘treasure seeing’.

Shannon also has many great ideas about what you can see and do while enjoying your stay in Alaska.  She is a go to person about culture, teaching ideas, and what to see and do while in Alaska.

Meet Our Staff: Martha Dobson

Martha Dobson

Martha Dobson has been selected as the Target® 2011 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ and is a member of the Iditarod Camp staff.

Martha is an educator at Mount Pleasant Middle School, in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina.  She teaches sixth grade English and Language Arts.  She is an Alumni member of the Iditarod Summer Camp and has attended Iditarod Winter Conferences.

Martha’s enthusiasm and passion for using the race with students is evident.

From Martha, you’ll learn her goals for the 2011 race and gain practical ideas for your classroom.

Meeting Martha will open to you, the world of connecting your students and your classroom up close and personal during the school year and during the race.

Meet Our Staff: Diane Johnson

Diane in Shaktoolik, Alaska

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 17 Alaskan Huskies and 3 Alaskan Klee Kai. (miniature sled dogs). Diane’s husband and 12 year old son, Michael race their team.   Diane considers herself to be the ‘trail boss’ and chief dog yard scooper.  She generally doesn’t ‘run’ the dog team, but she ‘runs’ a lot of other ‘specifics’ that helps the mushers train, the dogs stay healthy, and the team make it to competition.

Diane travels to Alaska several times a year.  The majority of her work is done via Internet.  She works with teachers and students in all 50 states and many foreign countries.

Meet Sonny Chambers

Sonny Chambers

Sonny Chambers is a main speaker/presenter for both the summer camp and winter conferences because of his expertise and knowledge in what it takes to run a checkpoint.  Sonny’s presentation will take you to Koyuk, Alaska.  You’ll experience from Sonny’s perspective, life in a village during the race.

AND…   he’s got some special checkpoint goodies for you, too!

Sonny has been volunteering for Iditarod for —-  quite a few years.  He does a number of volunteer jobs during the year and he’ll share information about those jobs, too.

If you want to know about life along  the Iditarod Trail during the race, Sonny is your resource.

He’ll provide you with a CD of his presentation and his website as a resource for your students next school year!

Meet Pam Flowers

Douggie

Pam Flowers will be one of our guest speakers on Friday.  If you’ve met Pam before, you know the power behind her messages! If you haven’t met her, this one meeting will never be enough! She has so much to share, so many adventures with meaningful learning behind each, and such an incredible adventure before her!

Pam Flowers is an arctic explorer, author, adventurer, and motivational speaker. She completed 9 arctic expeditions and is an Iditarod finisher. Pam has made two trips to the Magnetic North Pole. She was the first woman to solo cross North America’s Arctic Circle. Her journeys have been incredible, but not as incredible as the message she brings to her audiences, a message of working to meet your goals and having faith and trust in yourself— and in your dogs. The lessons to be learned from Pam, her books, and her future adventures are important connects for your students.

Pam has spoken to classrooms and communities around Alaska and in the lower 48. She’ll be available for a school tour during the 2010 – 2011 school year.

Learn how to bring Pam to your community.

You will also have the opportunity to hear about Pam and her dog Ellie, as they hiked the Appalachian Trail.  From pup, needing a lot of training, to hiking companion, this is quite a story.

I own SEVERAL copies of each book Pam has written. They are treasures. I plan on buy a couple additional copies because they are treasure to give to others at holiday time or just because I know the person receiving the book will gain important messages woven into the text. You will want to show and share Pam’s books with your students.

She’ll have her books with for sale and to autograph.
Learn more about Pam Flowers at her website, www.pamflowers.com

Your Goals Will Meet Our Goals

We are pleased you will be in attendance at our conference.   We look forward to seeing you!  Most of all, we look forward to being with you on the journey to bring your teaching to the level that impacts students driving them on a trail of life long success!

Bring YOUR GOALS to camp!  This is YOUR CAMP and we are here to help you meet your goals!

We know and understand that meeting your goals is most important!  So, please, be ready to share your goals and we’ll be ready to make sure that this experience is successful for you!

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:

Goal 1:

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:
Our camp will provide a learning environment that inspires you to use best practices of teaching and learning, researched based methods of instruction, 21st century learning, 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. We know that Iditarod Based Education IS 21st century teaching and learning.  Our conference agenda provides the opportunity for educators to learn first hand, about Alaska, Iditarod, and sled dogs.  Our conference provides opportunity to bring that experience back to the real classroom.

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® 2011 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™, Martha Dobson, from North Carolina. Martha is a middle school language arts teacher that has the skills, the drive, the energy, and the passion to bring the race to classrooms around the world and to help educators be better at what they do— impact academic success.

You’ll also meet past Teacher on the Trail educators and be inspired by their journey, past, present, and future.

Interested in being a Target ® 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.  You’ll discover how you will be connected to the Target® Teacher on the Trail™ program in unique ways!

Goal 3:
We will demonstrate that technology based instruction impacts teaching and learning.

Iditarod is a race across Alaska that can be viewed in real time via technology.   Internet allows students to follow the race as it is happening.  The race is as close as the computer.

Iditarod Insider is a technology tool that brings the race as close to the classroom as possible.  Iditarod Based Education supports 21st century teaching and learning.

Both teachers and students use technology as a tool in the learning process.

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:
We encourage the Iditarod as a teaching theme and a life long interest. We provide tips, tools, and resources and information about products that may enhance your teaching.

Teachers in all 50 states and many foreign countries use the race as a tool.  Lessons in all content areas of the curriculum are easily developed.  Lessons are aligned to the standards, curriculum, and lead to 21st century skill building.

Goal 5:
We create a community of learners of all ages, willing to collaborate on topics and projects.

Goal 6:
We provide the teachers at our camps and conferences ‘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 camp, 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.

Places to Stay

We will be staying at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm for the first 3 nights of camp.  Your cost will be $45 per night.  This will include light breakfast and lunch each day, snacks, and 2 evening meals.

There are  great places to stay while you are in Alaska for camp and we encourage you to make your plans according to your own budget and needs.

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 June 1.  When making reservations, use the following discount code: 0619 ID  (Iditarod Trail Teachers Workshop.)  They are providing a slight discount.  Release date for the block of rooms is June 4.

If you are interested in sharing costs by sharing a room with a conference participant, feel free to contact each other.

Ground Transportation (Important Info EACH Year!)

Wasilla, Alaska, is about a 45 – 60 minute drive from the airport in Anchorage, Alaska.

Please share your travel plans, arrival date/departure date, and we’ll work to get everyone to Wasilla and back to Anchorage for your return.  If you are not renting a car, we’ll help you with your transportation needs.

Taking a taxi from Anchorage to Wasilla is VERY expensive. Therefore, we do not suggest you travel from Anchorage to Wasilla by taxi.  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 this 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.

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.

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.

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!

If it rains, it will be cooler.  If it doesn’t rain, it may be quite warm.

We ate in the rain at the 2006 conference!  Not one person complained!  If you dress for the weather and you are prepared, weather won’t play a role in your day’s events.

Don’t forget— there are mosquitoes in Alaska! Be prepared!

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.

Packing for Summer Camp!

What should you pack?

No matter when you join us for summer camp, this information will be important for you to read!

Dress casual! Dress comfortable!

Slacks/pants/jeans, long sleeve/short sleeve, think comfort!
Dressing in layers may help you be more comfortable since it might be cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon. The temperatures are hard to predict and often vary depending on the time of day, where you are, and what you are doing.  If it is rainy, it will be cool.  If it is sunny, you may need sun screen and sun glasses!  It might be warm enough for shorts…  Pay attention to the weather reports and consider your own needs when planning what to bring with you.

AND don’t worry, there are plenty of stores in Alaska…   you can always pick up what you need!

Suggested items to pack:
A warm jacket, sweater/sweatshirt, etc.
Rain jacket, umbrella,* shoes to wear in rainy weather and/or dog yard
Comfortable shoes for everyday
Bug spray, sun glasses, a hat, 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 (if you’d like to be involved in that activity), wandering around the kennel, and hiking on roughed out trails in the woods.  Muck boots or knee high rubber boots are great for rainy weather and chores at the kennel, but not essential.  *Hiking is not required, however, this is all up to your own judgement and personal health.  Vern also has gear you can borrow.  No worries!  If you forget something or suddenly need something, we’ll help you!

We’ll be going on early morning walks through damp wooded areas with the puppies.  If you are joining us, you’ll be most comfortable and enjoy this experience if you are properly dressed!

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:

1.  Each camper will have the opportunity to share how they use the race with students and/or ask for collaboration efforts from staff and campers, to improve their teaching.

Therefore, you are invited to: 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— your time and place, that is!

What one item describes WHO you are or WHERE you are live?  Each of us is unique, yet each of us has connections that this week at camp, we’ll discover.  But it all begins with WHO you are today.  Who you are has a lot do do with 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.  (‘one item for each person, the same item for each person.  See the example ideas below. or email me if you have questions.)

*Bring 20 – 25  items.  The extra’s will be packaged for our special guests and speakers.

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 instead of one thing for each person, 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.  (I used this example because it is absolutely my favorite kind of pie, cherry would be the next favorite!)

This item shouldn’t cost you much money and it is meant as a way to share about you and/or your location. This is meant to be ‘a little something’ —  This is an opportunity for you to be creative, resourceful, or imaginative….   whatever that may be!

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING TO ALASKA

Laptop computer:  recommended, but not required.  We are going to demonstrate technology.  A lap top is also a great resource for you to journal or begin working on your own curriculum.

There is Internet service at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm but it is sometimes a little ‘iffy’.  But we manage.  Most cell phones work at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm, but you might need to find a place outside, on the driveway, for best reception.  Check with your cell phone service for specific information about reception in Alaska.)

AN EMPTY SUITCASE if you like to shop! (Many of our workshop participants buy a suitcase or they simply mail items home!) Another words, pack light if you like to shop! Check air line regulations about luggage and discover what works best for your individual situation!)  OK, we’ve got post offices in Alaska, so you can always mail a box or two from the post office to your home!  Most campers end up doing this!  On our ‘sight seeing adventures’, remind us and we’ll point you to the post office!

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!

AND as a reminder:  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.  It might be cooler at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm than 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!  Don’t forget your sunglasses!  Yes, you are going to Alaska!  There are bugs, lots and lots of mosquitoes!  AND when the sun is out in the summer, you are endanger of getting a sun burn!  Be prepared!

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.

*Updated June 2011.

Your Alaska Experience: Time to be a Tourist

June is an incredible time to be in Alaska because there are many hours of daylight! We hope that you take advantage of the daylight and see and do as much as you can ‘after conference hours’ so that your experience in Alaska is all that you want it to be!

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.  We’ll help you with that!

Decide, what are your interests? Discuss your ideas with each other:
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 camp hours….

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!

AND this comes to us from a friend who wanted to share information with you….

The cities Wasilla and Palmer basically constitute what is known as the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley. I The Valley is about 45 miles north of Anchorage, about an hour’s drive. Other nearby cities/towns are Sutton, Big Lake and Willow. You’d be able to find all of these on a good map. Wasilla leads to Big Lake and then Willow, and then up to Talkeetna and eventually Denali National Park. We usually have pretty good weather in June, but towards July sometimes it rains a lot, so pretty much just be prepared for any kind of weather. Definitely bring some grubby clothes, or an old swimsuit if you want to do the mudsliding thing. And you’ll definitely want a can of your favorite brand of mosquito spray J The first place you’d want to stop by is the Visitor’s Center. They have all kinds of info for lodging, food, and tours, but they also have instructional pamphlets for fun hikes in the area. The Palmer one has a little museum along with it, but the Wasilla one will be closer to where you’ll be staying.
Mat-Su Visitor’s Center
8:30a-6:30p
Mi 35.5 Parks

Palmer Visitor’s Center
9a-6p
(907) 745-2880       (907) 745-2880
723 S. Colony Way
www.palmerchamber.org

Ongoing Local Events: (check times and dates for current information)
Wasilla Farmer’s Market (the folks from around here sell their homegrown lovin’)
Every Wed 12-6pm

Friday Flings-Palmer, across from visitor’s center (this is just a small, fun festival to get a glimpse of Palmer life. Usually live music and food and crafts)
11a-6p Fridays

Drag Racing (if you like this sort of thing, the schedules are on their websites. Lots from the Valley do this)
-North Star Speedway
www.northstarspeedway.com
-Alaska Raceway Park
www.akracewaypark.com
-Willow’s Capitol Speedway
mi 75.5 Parks Hwy, (907) 495-6420  (907) 495-6420

Susitna Speedway Go-Karts (for some random amusement; plus you can do it till midnight and it’s still light! A lot of the younger couples do this for fun in the Valley. There’s also bowling and pool and more of that kind of thing around the Valley, where the locals hang out)

Mat-Su Miners Alaska Baseball (the Valley’s bb team; a lot of us go to their games)
(907) 745-6401           (907) 745-6401
Games June 14-Aug 1
www.matsuminers.org

Celebrations you might be around for:
Big Lake Triathlon

www.biglakechamber.org

Independence Day Celebration, Wasilla
July 4, usually 10 am

Random fun:

Nancy Lakes canoe trails (there are canoes for rent and a ton of different trails between lakes that are marked that you can go on. It’s pretty much out in the boonies other than a bunch of campsites. This would be a day-long thing, but so much fun if you like canoeing).
7 mile Fingerlake Canoe Trail (A lot closer than Nancy lakes; this one’s near my house, but it can be a little tricky trying to find the streams that connect the four lakes. If I have time off I’d love to take you on it but if you and a buddy feel adventurous and would like to just kind of figure it out, I can probably explain it pretty well. It’s one of my favorites, and there are tunnels you go through and small streams. My aunt says, “Oh! It’s just like Disneyland!” Tourists don’t do this; mostly just us who live on the lake.)
Mudsliding (this is another one of those things where I’d love to take you, but if I can’t, I can just give you instructions—this one is definitely a must-do, though, and it’s what most tourists never do)
Horseback riding (there are a few companies, and some really fun trails with nice overlooks)
Kayaking (there are kayaks for rent sometimes, but mostly they are guided tours, even if you have experience. Still a great thing to do around here, especially fun when it’s foggy)
Clam Digging (this is in Homer, quite a drive—5 or 6 hours—from the Valley, but it’s SO much fun that we have to do it every year as a family)
Fishing (you probably don’t want to bother with this one)
Camping, backpacking (you’d need to bring gear for that, I don’t know if they rent it out or not.)
Golf and Frisbee Golf (If you’re into it, we’ve got some fun places for that kind of thing)
Rafting (there are plenty of rivers and enough companies that you can find a good deal)
Visits to Glaciers (depends where you are and how far you want to drive; you’ll see the Knik Glacier on your ATV tour, though, up close and personal.)
The locals like to have bonfires and skip rocks down on the Knick River bed; more of a social get together, but it’s also something that tourists never do.
Airboating is also popular on the Knik, but you’d need a guided tour for that one.
If you’re crazy enough to swim in the lakes (we are!), then Kepler-Bradly lake is a deep, clean place (sometimes lakes here can be nasty and weedy), and Wasilla Lake is definitely a popular beach on a sunny day.
Eklutna Lake has a little bit of all of everything (this is a really beautiful nature reserve about halfway in between the Valley and Anchorage, with all kinds of rentals if you want to do the bike trails, kayaking, or just hiking.)
There are also some farms that are fun to visit:
Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm (this is a place where locals come and pay pennies to go and hand pick their own vegetables. It’s a nice farm with a scenic view)
July-Oct (closed Sun)
Mile 2.8, Bodenburg Loop, Palmer
(907) 745-4511      (907) 745-4511

Reindeer farm (you can pet the reindeer and see the other animals they have there—they take care of wild ones that can’t return to the wild).
Daily, 10a-6p
(907) 745-4000         (907) 745-4000

Musk Ox farm (I don’t think this is a petting farm, but it is very informative)
Daily, 10a-6p
(907) 745-4151            (907) 745-4151
Hikes in the Valley:
Butte (about an hour up and an hour down; a medium hike, everyone in Palmer and Wasilla hikes here for fun on weekends or Solstice. You get a nice view of the Reindeer Farm, Knik Glacier, and basically all of the Mat-Su Valley from here)
Lazy Mtn & Mt Vigor (if you want a little more tough of a hike, Lazy really isn’t so lazy, and I don’t know if I’ve ever hiked Mt Vigor, but it sounds about the same. Again, really nice views of the Valley)
Reed Lakes/Archangel Valley (This is in Hatcher Pass and I would take a whole day to do it. It’s not bad if you take your time, and considering that it’s my most favorite place in all of Alaska, I’d definitely recommend it if you’re into hiking. There are a few lakes and some waterfalls, some beautiful views—just a bit of everything I guess. The wildflowers are especially beautiful in June/July. It’s pretty popular, and you wouldn’t get lost too easy. I can also walk you through this one)
The Pinnacle (don’t know this one, but heard it’s a good hike)
Independence Mine (this is more of a walk than a hike, but some interesting history to it and a bunch of historical buildings they’ve preserved; it’s a park now and I think they give free guided tours, and it’s probably the easiest mine you’ll be able to get to. This is also in Hatcher Pass.)
Thunderbird Falls (this is more of a walk than a hike; pretty easy, about 30 min, but a pretty waterfall at the end. Just before Eklutna on your way into Anchorage from the Valley)

Scenic drives:

Palmer Fishook (some of the Palmer, farming countryside)
Eklutna (the road winds through the forest, but I’m pretty sure you can drive around the glacially-fed lake)
Hatcher Pass (my most favorite place in all of Alaska—just more and more mountains, and nice views)
Glenn Hwy out to Sutton (some pretty breathtaking vistas)
Hatcher’s Pass to Willow (60 miles through the mountains; it’s the scenic route to Willow from Wasilla)
Old Glenn Hwy into Anchorage (you’ll drive through the forest, the closest you can get to the base of the mountain by car, and see some nice outcroppings and rivers.
Favorite places to eat:

• Little Miller’s Ice Cream (there are little shops here and there around the Valley)
• Bagels Alaska, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy (best bagels and calzones ever—good for lunch or dinner)
• Crazy Moose Restaurant in Wasilla (I haven’t been here yet, but my best friend swears by it)
• Bear’s Tooth Theatre Pub & Pizzeria (or Moose’s Tooth if you just want Pizza—but it’s the BEST pizza ever in your LIFE…these are both in Anchorage, though)

In Anchorge
Saturday Market (every Sat from 10a-6p)
First Friday Art Walk, every Friday (they have artisans selling work and also sponsor new artists
Elmendorf AFB Arctic Thunder Airshow.
Flattop mountain is a medium hike with a beautiful view of Anchorage and the ocean. We do it usually once a year.
Earthquake Park is a nice place to bike or just walk; it celebrates the ’64 earthquake. And the Tony Knowles coastal trail is another good one that goes along the shore. Sometimes you can see Belugas out in the bay.

Museums

Colony House Museum
Tues-Sat, 10a-4p
(907) 745-1935         (907) 745-1935
316 E. Elmwood Ave, Palmer
www.palmerhistoricalsociety.org

Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (This is the nation’s leading center for Tsunami studies; it’s supposed to be pretty neat though I’ve never been. Open on Fridays to the public for free. It’s in btw Palmer and Wasilla almost.)

Dorothy Page Museum (historic museum of Wasilla)
North Main St, Wasilla
Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm
(907) 373-9071       (907) 373-9071

Iditarod Trail Headquarters (this is fun and free, and you can take a summer sled dog ride for a fee)
Mile 2.2 Knik-Goose Bay Rd, Wasilla
Daily 8am-7pm
(907) 376-5155           (907) 376-5155

Museum of AK Transportation and Industry
Mi 47 Parks Hwy, Wasilla
(907) 376-1211           (907) 376-1211
Tues-Sun 10am-5pm

Knik Museum
Mile 13.9 Knik-Goose Bay, Wasilla
(907) 376-7755               (907) 376-7755
Thurs-Sun 1-6pm

Alpine Historical Park
Mi 61.6 Glenn Hwy, Sutton
745-7000

There’s also a wax museum and a fur industry museum.

If you end up going to Denali National Park, you’ll probably want to browse all over this website for info. You’ll pass Talkeetna along the way up, and I’d recommend visiting there also if only for a couple of hours. It’s a pretty unique city. Denali has pretty much any kind of tour you can imagine and it’s one of the nation’s biggest national parks, so if you’re visiting Alaska, it’s a must do, but it’s also a lot of just driving. www.nps.gov/dena

* PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK another resource for current, updated information on these listings and events.

Meet Past Camper Judi Roach

Judi Roach

Hi Camp Participants,

My name is Judi Roach.   I teach 4th grade at Central Elementary in Sidney, NE. I attended anIditarod  summer camp.  It was the first time the event was held at Vern & Susan’s Dream a Dream Dog Farm, hence the name “Dream Team.” It was an incredible adventure that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Meeting fellow Iditanut Teachers, the Iditarod staff, and of course working with sled dogs was great. A big Hi and hug, to this year’s Teacher on the Trail Cathy Walters! I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy as a fellow finalist for this year’s Teacher on the Trail. Cathy is a dedicated educator who has spent many years teaching Iditarod. Hi also to Jane, Terri, Diane, Vern and Sara! You all rock!! I wish I could be there!! Why can’t teachers be independently wealthy, so they can go to Alaska every year? Whaaaaa!

I found the people of Alaska to be friendly, welcoming, and willing to help you with just about anything. All you have to do is ask, they will help you out! It was my first trip to Alaska, on my own, and with a rental car in the “Far Distant Place!” Don’t be afraid, if I can do it, you can do it. I blogged my experience during the summer conference (you should read the “I made It” entry for some comic relief, the key words for the airport are, BE EARLY!!!) and also during my trip to Alaska as a Finalist for this year’s teacher on the trail. If that interests you, click on the links to read the Judi Roach  (please excuse any typos and errors, I have tried to edit most of them out, none the less, some are still lurking I am sure!
Judi’s Recommendations for an incredible Summer Conference!
1. Don’t think shorts so much, more like lightweight cropped pants, jeans, or windpants, hiking boots or tennies, good socks, hoodie, lightweight jacket (waterproof), t-shirts, a hat and sun screen. It’s great being in the outdoors; no makeup needed and a visor or hat works for a hairdo. How much better could life be!
2. Diane has a lot of great ideas for things to do and places to see. GET AN EXTRA PHOTO CARD, OR SCAN DISC, BELIEVE ME YOU WILL NEED IT! I took over 400 pictures. You have to eat the fiddle ferns in Talkeetna! They are tasty!
3. As you investigate your surroundings, think; How can I use this with my students? I took pictures in the Native American Museum to use in my Alaska Native American Unit. My pictures were of the dwellings located outside, the information on the posters outside, and also the displays inside. Combine the information that will provided at the conference with these pictures and you have a great information for a Native American Unit, super for comparing and contrasting. That museum is incredible. You will probably feel brain dead by the time that event rolls around, so take the pictures. You can read for information when you get your pictures printed off.
4. Be prepared for not a lot of sleep. The sun does not set as we know it during this time of year in Alaska. Believe me, you will run on adrenaline!
5. Pick each other’s brains, learn everything you can about how other teacher’s teach Iditarod. Teaching Iditarod is a great adventure that should be a little different each year. There are many ways to incorporate it in all subject areas. Grab all the ideas you can to keep it interesting and adventuresome for your students!
Enjoy it all and take in as much as you can. It is a wonderful experience. I wish you all lots of fun and excitement in this great learning adventure. I can’t wait to share the adventure via the blog. I will be reading, so please post when you have a chance!

Happy Trails!
Judi Roach

Resources and Information

Additional Resources

View the 2008 Summer Camp Blog at this link! Teachers used this blog as a resource before camp and a collaboration zone during and after camp!

View the Common Thread Project by Jane Blaile, Target® 2008 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™

Idita-Tunes by Cathy Walters, Target® 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™

2009 Summer Camp

Enjoy scenes from the 2009 Summer Camp.

A slideshow by Smilebox