Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
5/8/03
Contacts:
Brenda Allen, 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-1567, bsallen@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu
Tracy S. Petersen, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9915
Iowans to Explore Nation, Challenge Selves on 4-H Wilderness Trips
AMES, Iowa -- Iowans age 14 or older who are interested in canoeing in the Boundary Waters or around Isle Royale or backpacking in the Rocky Mountains may register now for the 2003 4-H Wilderness trips. The trips are offered each year by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension 4-H Youth Development.
"The participants will be exposed to some of the most beautiful parts of our country as they trek through the Boundary Waters, Isle Royale National Park, and the Rocky Mountains," Brenda Allen, ISU state 4-H program specialist, said. "They will have the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat: moose, elk, possibly bear, and many other birds and ground animals. They also will learn outdoor survival skills such as cooking and living without leaving a trace."
The wilderness trips are led by volunteer leaders who have experience in outdoor education.
"The volunteers challenge the participants physically as they climb to new elevations on their hiking trips or paddle further than they have in local experiences," Allen said. "They also teach leadership skills through the wilderness experience. The young people each take a turn at leading the group and learn what leadership means when also dealing with wilderness safety issues."
The 2003 4-H youth wilderness trip schedule is: Rocky Mountain Backpack Trek, July 19 to 26, Wilderness Canoe Trek -- Boundary Waters Canoe Area, July 26 to Aug. 2 and Fishing/Canoe Trip -- Isle Royale National Park, Aug. 4 to 11. In addition, adults may register for a Rocky Mountain Backpack Trek, Aug. 2 to 9.
Youth participants must be between the ages of 14 and 18 but need not
be 4-H members. The registration fees, which vary by trip, include tents,
canoes, backpacks, food, cooking gear and transportation from the Iowa
4-H Center near Madrid.
To register, contact your county ISU Extension office or the state 4-H office at (515) 294-1017 or pmondt@iastate.edu. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis until trips are full.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.