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The Leadership School Testimonials
Below are actual testimonials, sent in by graduates of our American Wilderness Leadership School programs in Wyoming and Maine to their sponsors and SCIF president, Merle Shepard.
This past summer, as the president of SCI, I had the opportunity to receive copies of letters from AWLS graduates addressed to their respective sponsors; whether it was an SCI chapter, the SCIF Sables, Bass Pro Shops or other like minded conservation organization.
I know that many of you have received similar thank you letters and comments. I’m pleased to share with you, as previous presidents of SCI have done, some of the other testimonials taken from letters penned by graduates of the 2008 AWLS experience.
Sharon Laws, San Diego Chapter - “This was such a unique experience that I will never forget….This experience gave me insight not only to land and animal conservation, but also the role hunting plays to keep the ecosystem in balance. Before this experience, I had never handled a gun before much less hunted. I now have a great appreciation for the use of firearms and the role hunting takes to keep the ecosystem in balance. Needles to say, the “shooting day” was my favorite day.”
Kirk Belisle, Ottawa Valley Chapter – “It would be in the best interest of anyone who is offered this trip of a lifetime to accept! I promise to share the experiences that I had with the children in my classrooms and other educators who are interested. It will be my personal challenge each year to get the students outdoors to investigate what is really out there…..I will share the knowledge that I have gained through ties in our daily curriculum on a regular basis at school. Thanks again for your sponsorship and the chance to experience something I will never forget!”
Lars Long, Northeast Wisconsin Chapter – “on a notable tangent, Jeremy and I set up a hunter safety course and conservation club at our school. While preparing a community member heard us conversing and said he was getting old and was getting out of hunting and would like to donate 5 guns to either give to families that are economically disadvantaged or to use as loner guns with our mentorship hunting program. Your class provided many new ideas that we are excited to try.”
Douglas Scott, Bass Pro Shops – “This experience is one I will never forget. Working with urban students from low-income areas of Jackson, Mississippi, I spend every day with children who have never been exposed to the wonders of our American Wildlife. Attending AWLS has helped provide strategies for introducing students to our wildlife in meaningful ways. My hope is that many of these children will develop interest in hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation that will last their lives long.”
Steve M. Scruggs, Naturalist, Outdoor Education For The Next Generation, SCIF Hunter Heritage Endowment Fund – “The knowledge I gained will be shared with thousands of elementary and middle school students and their teachers for years to come….Our instructors, starting with Don Brown on down, did a tremendous job of driving home the role hunters play in wildlife management. This is truly a school that every teacher in American should attend.”
Cynthia Morton, Low Country Chapter – “I am grateful for any opportunity to expand my horizons and knowledge base as a science teacher. SCI has done a great service to the field of education with implementation of the AWLS program. The workshop surpassed any expectations that I might have had and I thank you again for the wonderful experience.”
Jill Sox, SCIF Sables – “I teach environmental education to sixth graders at an outdoor center operated by the Hillsborough County public school district….I will personally teach at least 1,400 children plus their classroom teachers this year….On a personal level, AWLS broadened and strengthened my outdoor skills which has helped me to stay connected with my own three teenagers. Being competent in many areas means I can spend quality time with them individually and continue to encourage them to explore other outdoor skills in a safe and responsible manner.”
Brendan Pitcairn, Student Session, Delaware Valley Chapter – “I was unsure about what I wanted to major in but because of my experience at camp, I have chosen the field of outdoor education and leadership. Camp gave me the focus and guidance I needed to choose a career in the outdoors. I am now taking what I love to do for a hobby to a career choice.”
Melissa Arthur, Kansas City Chapter – “Through this program, I gained a richer understanding of conservation and land management in the west and worldwide…..One of our education sessions at the workshop challenged us to develop lesson plans around the safari in a box. This is truly a great resource, and we will use it often as we facilitate Project WILD and Leopold workshops.”
Lori Flatz, Treasure Valley Chapter – “Two attributes of great teachers are a connection with their students and a passion for their subject area. The instructors were excellent examples of both of these qualities. They were able to take a group of geographically and age diverse students, who brought with them a sundry of perceptions of wildlife conservation, and helped them reach a new level of understanding.”
Scott Doederlein, Mid-Michigan Chapter – “This experience has given me so much insight to share with my students for years to come. I teach science and outdoor education at Gaylord Middle School. Currently we offer a great curriculum including hunter’s safety, archery, taxidermy and fly-tying. I learned so much from the professionals at AWLS and look forward to incorporating my outdoor education in the classroom.”
Heidi Hughes, Tampa Bay Chapter – “I have great material to bring back to the classroom. I also hope to get a club of some sort together to get these city kids out into nature….I believe AWLS has given me some tools and definitely inspiration to take my students to the next level. Thank you again for this opportunity.”
Jackie Alcorn, Pittsburgh Chapter – “I am totally overwhelmed with the amazing week that your chapter provided for me at the AWLS teacher Session at Granite Creek, Wyoming. The scenery, the atmosphere, the camaraderie and the accommodations were wonderful. I have never attended such an informative and enjoyable session in my nineteen years of teaching.”
Jean Nuttall, Northwoods Chapter – “This was an excellent training! The week was filled from sunrise to sunset with quality learning experiences. …..There are so many new ideas that I have learned that I want to share with my students.”
Burke Carroll, SCIF Sables – “Thank you for your support in sending me to AWLS. I could not afford to go without your help. I was surprised at the intensity of the course, but the hours in class did not seem long because of the hands on experiences and interesting speakers. I now have experiences that I can share with my Biology students and other teachers for years to come.
Vicki Bakk, Minnesota Chapter – “As I head back to teaching this fall, for the 27th time, I reflect back on my summer and remember gratefully my time at AWLS…And I carry back to my beloved Minnesota with me a wealth of new ideas and resources provided by SCIF, What a Trip!”
Loren W. Lustig, Environmental Ed. Specialist, National Capital Chapter – “You know that something is really “clicking” when people stay after the last session to talk far into the night. I recall doing just that with the Game Warden (Doug Sandstrom) from MN. This is the kind of education that is seared into one’s memory bank.”
On behalf of the SCI Foundation and its Education Committee, I want to recognize and thank all those who have so generously provided AWLS sponsorships over the years. The 2009 workshops are just around the corner and your continued sponsorships are needed. It is only through an informed public that we can expect good choices about ecological concerns. What better places to start this process than at the four AWLS sites by teaching the teachers that pass on this knowledge to their students?
Well Done Chapters!
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SCI Foundation/AWLS is a permittee of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.
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