Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
4/12/02
Contacts:
Phyllis Mondt, ISU Extension State 4-H Office, 515/294-1017, pmondt@iastate.edu
Tracy S. Petersen, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9915
Teen Canoe, Backpack Trips Offered by ISU Extension
AMES, Iowa -- For the past 100 years, 4-H has been training youth to be leaders and survivors in the real world. This summer energetic, outdoor-minded teens can sharpen those skills as they canoe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. The two trips are offered by Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development. Teens also may choose from two backpack trips, one to the Rocky Mountains and a second to Isle Royale.
Wilderness leaders trained by ISU Extension will lead all four trips. Participants of the July 7 to 14 Boundary Waters canoe trip will see wildlife, portage canoes, learn to read maps and live in tents without leaving a trace. Cost is $300.
The July 29 to Aug. 5 canoe trip to Isle Royale National Park takes teens to a United States Biosphere Reserve where they will canoe from lake to lake, catch fish and see loons and moose. Cost is $310.
The July 20 to 27 trip takes teens backpacking in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, Colo. Participants will learn wilderness ethics, outdoor living skills and natural history, as well as fish for trout and hike above the timberline. Cost is $330.
Teens will travel to Isle Royale, an island off Grand Portage, Minn., July 27 to Aug. 3 for a backpacking trek. They will learn outdoor skills and explore mining sites, bogs and scenery. Cost is $330.
"Youth can take this opportunity to tap into unique summer opportunities that combine wilderness travel, outdoor skill development, teamwork, sensitivity to the environment and personal growth," Judy Levings, 4-H youth development specialist, said.
Jennifer Hoyer, an ISU freshman, participated in one of the trips, and noted, "Because of my leaders, I learned to hang bear packs, improved my canoeing skills, and gained a greater appreciation for the wilderness. My leaders made the trip fun and also taught me many valuable wilderness lessons."
Iowa State University Extension wilderness trips are open to all youth ages 14 to 18. Early bird registration deadline is May 20.
Financial assistance, provided by the Iowa 4-H Foundation, is available to all eligible youth. Call your county ISU Extension office for a financial aid form and return it by May 15, 2002. Registration fee includes the cost of tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food and transportation from central Iowa.
For more information about the trips, contact Phyllis Mondt, (515) 294-1017, or pmondt@iastate.edu.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.