Wilderness Classroom Organization

Press Release

dfreeman — 2005-11-16T18:06:31-06:00

For Immediate Release:

Wilderness Classroom Heads to Peru for Latest Learning Adventure

The Wilderness Classroom (WCO), in partnership with Shedd Aquarium, the Brinson Foundation, and other organizations is heading to South America for an educational expedition through Peru’s Amazon basin.

While in Peru, WCO guides Dave Freeman, Anna Seno, and Patrick Sherwin will return to the Pacaya Simiria National Reserve, the same area Dave and an international team of scientists and educators explored in the spring of 2005. Pacaya Simiria is a 5 million acre protected rainforest and the unique ecosystem which Shedd Aquarium’s “Amazon Rising” exhibit is modeled after. For five weeks, beginning in April, 2006, the Wilderness Classroom will travel by dugout canoe in an effort to bring the biodiversity, cultural significance, and ever-changing landscape of the flooded Amazon Rainforest hundreds of 3rd to 8th grade classrooms through out the world.

The Wilderness Classroom anticipates bringing their educational content—photos, journals, videos, polls, audio clips, chat sessions, quizzes, and more—to over 1,000,000 students via their website, www.wildernessclassroom.com.

The Expedition is working closely with the Peruvian government to raise awareness about the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, and the team as been granted special permission to travel through large sections of rainforest which are normally closed to all visitors. Daily photos, videos, and journals posted to www.wildernessclassroom.com via satellite will allow hundreds of thousands of individuals from around the world to join in the adventure, and learn about the largest protected flooded rainforest in the world.

Before leaving for Peru, the Wilderness Classroom will hold Teacher Training Workshops at the Chicago Teachers Center. In addition, learning adventure guides are conducting approximately 80 school visits before and after the expedition to share ideas, experiences and questions with participating students. Participating schools will also take field trips to the Shedd Aquarium during the course of the adventure to see the “Amazon Rising” exhibit up close.

The Wilderness Classroom Organization is a non-profit organization that strives to engage, excite, and motivate students and teachers using an interactive, technology-based learning model that draws upon people’s innate curiosity and desire for exploration. Project Peru will be WCO’s eighth learning adventure since 2000.

For more information, please contact:
David Freeman
Wilderness Classroom Organization
4605 Grand Ave
Western Springs, IL 60558

Phone: (312) 505-9973
Email: info@wildernessclassroom.com
Web: www.wildernessclassroom.com

Partners

dfreeman — 2005-04-08T18:14:37-06:00

	The Brinson Foundation is a philanthropic, non-profit organization whose purpose is to support educational, public health and scientific research programs that engage, inform and inspire committed citizens to confront the challenges that face humanity. Support from the Brinson Foundation has allowed us to provide full scholarships to seven Chicago Public Schools who would otherwise not be able to fully participate in Project Peru 2. Each scholarship includes two school visits, teacher training, and printed teachers’ guides. Support from the Brinson Foundation is also helping us strengthen our partnership with the Shedd Aquarium.
	Northeastern Illinois University's Chicago Teachers' Center (CTC) was founded in 1978 as a resource for Chicagoland teachers to provide a wide range of professional development and instructional services at school sites. Last year, The Wilderness Classroom offered one professional development workshop at CTC's Resource Center before Project Peru, serving five teachers. This year CTC's Resource Center is hosting 4 teacher training workshops before Project Peru 2, which will help dozens of teachers integrate Project Peru 2 into their existing curriculum.
	Traveling Ed is a nonprofit organization based in California dedicated to developing curriculum that is designed to expand children's world. Their mission is to engage children and create learning communities by providing experience-based educational programs that bring the world into the classroom. Traveling Ed's executive director, Jennifer Covney joined our team for Project Peru!
	Telenor Satellite Services has generously donated a EMS Storm satellite phone, which we are using to update our website with photos, videos, and text during Project Peru. There INMARSAT service is a great way to send and recieve data from remote locations and makes it possible for Project Peru's rich descriptions, imagery, and videos to reach out from the heart of the amazon and onto the internet.
	INRENA (Instituto Nacional de Recursos Naturales) is the branch of the Peruvian government that is in charge managing their National Reserves. They have been extremely helpful during the planning of Project Peru, and have given our team special permission to travel through areas of the park that are normally closed to all visitors.
	Wilderness Inquiry, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing integrated outdoor adventures to people of all ages and abilities. They have generously donated a pile of dry bags, and dry barrels, which we will use to keep or food and equipment dry during Project Peru.
	Rumbo al Dorado is made up of a group of International nonprofit organizations who are dedicated to helping to protect the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve by working with local people to develop sustainable forms of eco-tourism with in the National Reserve. They have done a wonderful job of helping us plan for Project Peru, and we encourage you to contact them if you are interested in visiting the park.
	Built to tackle any climate and any conditions that your adventures can throw at you, the Clark Jungle Hammock is the next step in ultra-light backpacking! Clark Jungle Hammocks have generously donated 6 hammocks, which we will use extensively during Project Peru. Because most of the park will be flooded while we are in Peru, we will often have to string our hammocks between trees, and have the hammocks hanging over the water. We are every excited about sleeping in these great hammocks.
	The REI, of Oak Brook, Illinois has generously donated a Pelican Dry Box, which we will use to keep our equipment dry and safe during Project Peru. REI, thank you for your support.
	Wilderness Medical Associates is committed to supplying the highest quality medical training to outdoor professionals and rescue specialists. They have donated many of the medical supplies that we will will bring, and hopefully not use during Project Peru.
	We are proud to partner with Ecoteach during the Rainforest Project. Ecoteach leads school groups on educational adventures in Costa Rica and also runs several programs that help save, sea turtles, the rainforest, and other plants, animals, and ecosystems of Costa Rica. They are providing a lot of support of the Rainforest Project, including a biologist guide whole will travel with us as explore Costa Rica.
	Empire canvas makes a wide variety of high quality traditional winter camping equipment and clothing. They have generously supplied us with two sets of their toboggan packing system, as well as a cotton anorak, wool blanket shirt, and a variety of other things. If you are looking to have some serious winter fun we would recommend visiting their web site www.empirecanvasworks.com.
	Wenonah Canoe Company loaned us a Kevlar Minnesota III for the Big Muddy Adventure in 2001. Wenonah makes wonderful canoes, and the Minnesota III that was our home for 80 days and 2,340 miles on the Mississippi River was a joy to paddle and held up to life on the river wonderfully. Their boats are designed well, and are built by master boat builders with the best materials. Visit www.Wenonah.com to learn more.
	Black River Sleds has generously given us a 9 foot plastic toboggan for our winter trek. The toboggan is narrow and flexible, which makes it slide over portages and deep snow with relative ease. His new, more traditional design is both functional and pleasing to the eye. Learn more at www.blackriversleds.com
	Sawbill Canoe Outfitters is one of the premier outfitters for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Located on the edge of this vast wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota Sawbill is the perfect jumping off point for wilderness canoeists. Visit www.sawbill.com to learn more. Sawbill is providing us with a kevlar canoe, as well as other camping equipment for the Jiime Adventure.
	Superior Coastal Sports "formerly Cascade Kayaks" has been a leader in coastal kayaking and sailing for 11 seasons. Located in Grand Marais, Minnesota on Lake Superior's rugged north shore. Visit www.superiorcoastal.com to learn more. Superior Coastal Sports is providing Eric and Dave with wet suits and dry bags for the Jiime Adventure.
	Country Ways has provided us with traditional Ojibwa style snowshoes for the Bimaadagaako Adventure. Dave has used their snowshoes for many years and they are still good as new. Super friendly people and quality products makes Country Ways our choice for snowshoes.
	We would like to thank Chota Outdoor Gear for outfitting us with two pairs of their Nunavut Mukluks. We will put them to the test will cold, wet, slippery conditions. So far they have worked wonderfully and we are excited about using them on the Jiime adventure and many future paddling adventures. Thanks Chota!
	Tentsmiths makes some of the best canvas tents available. Dave used a Tentsmiths egyptian cotton tent for the Border Country Adventure and found that their tent combined with a wood stove was a wonderful way to camp in style. Dave and Eric will use the same Egyptian tent on this year's adventures by canoe and toboggans. Visit www.tentsmiths.com to learn more about these great tents.
	Wintergreen designs makes some of the most comfortable, durable, functional, outdoor clothing we have ever used. Dave wears their supplex pants about 300 days a year and Eric hasn't taken his off in quite a while!
	The Four Dog Stove Company 's titanium woodstove weights less than ten pounds and combined with Tentsmiths Egyptian tent it creates a warm, comfortable living space. Dave and Eric will be using their wood stove on this years adventures, and hopefully many more to come. It's thoughtful design, light weight, and sturdy construction make it the perfect choice for serious cold weather camping. These stoves are truly the best light weight wood stoves you can buy! Visit www.fourdog.com to learn more.

Access to members area denied

dfreeman — 2005-03-10T00:26:51-06:00

If you have signed up for previous learning adventures, but have not completed the online registration for Project Peru please fill out the registration form. If your school has more than one teacher participating in Project Peru we ask that each teacher register separately.

If you have not registered please take a moment to register. Registration is free, and gives you access to a wide variety of lesson plans, and other educational content.

You have tried to access a part of our website that is password protected. If you have already registered, but have forgotten your username and password click here to have your login information emailed to you.

If you have problems feel free to contact us.

Thank you for Registering

dfreeman — 2005-02-18T13:02:14-06:00

If you have any questions please let us know.

We will activate your username and password as quickly as we can. If you would like to access our lesson plans and other activities before your username and password has been activated you can use the temporary username testteacher and the temporary password testpassword.

We will email you as soon as your username and password have been activated.

Thanks,

David Freeman
Director
dave@wildernessclassroom.com
312-505-9973

Terms of Use

dfreeman — 2005-02-17T21:24:50-06:00

We are glad that you have decided to use our web site. We have established the following Terms of Use Policy to protect you as well as other people that use this site. All visitors to our web site, registered subscribers and all others are required to follow the rules outlined in these Terms of Use Policy. Please check back on a regular basis to view any changes that we have made to this policy. By continuing to use this web site you agree to follow all aspects of our Terms of Use Policy.

Subscription license policy

Only people covered under an active, registered subscription may access or utilize the information found in the password protected sections of this web site, as well as ideas or material printed from or viewed in the password protected sections of this web site.

Guide lines for using our Message Boards, Chat rooms, or other forms of interaction.

Our goal is to create a friendly, tolerant community where people are free to collaborate with others in a safe learning environment. We encourage visitors to act as positive members of our on-line community and report content or behavior that you feel is hurtful or disruptive to the community. By using our message boards and other interactive aspects of this web site you agree to the following terms. We have the right to remove, or edit any content that we feel violates the terms below, and parties will be held responsible for damages incurred by content that violates the terms below. We have the right to ban members from interactive aspects of this web site for violating these terms, and the right to cancel subscriptions for violating the terms below.

* You will not identify any children or students by posting names or other personal information.
* You will not post material that encourages illegal acts, or talks about committing illegal acts.
* You will not post material containing pornographic, vulgar, or indecent language, images, or ideas.
* You will not post untrue material or material that threatens, abuses, or could be harmful to yourself, or others.
* You will not post advertising or other commercial promotions.

You are required to follow the rules outline above. If you have any questions, or have a violation to report please contact us.

The Wilderness Classroom Organization's Privacy Policy

dfreeman — 2005-02-17T21:20:14-06:00

The Wilderness Classroom Organization encourages safe, monitored Internet exploration for our student users. We encourage parents and teachers to use www.bigmuddyadventure.com and other Internet resources with their children/students and teach them to use the Internet safely and responsibly. The Wilderness Classroom Organization is compliant with the 1998 children's privacy act. We encourage you to visit Kidz Privacy to learn more about the Privacy act as well as to receive tips on safe Internet use for teachers, parents and your students. It is important to remember that children under the age or 13 must have their parents consent before they give out any information about themselves, including, but not limited to: name, address, e-mail address, age, school, or any other personal information.

Information collected by The Wilderness Classroom Organization

The Wilderness Classroom Organization does not ask for any personal information from students. Personal information is stored in a secure manor. The Wilderness Organization will not sell, or distribute any information that is collected from any individual. The Wilderness Classroom Organization only uses information directly related to delivering Wilderness Classroom Organization products or services, such as placing a teacher or parent's name and address on the envelope being used to deliver teacher's packets which require handling by the postal service. The Wilderness Classroom will also divulge information under court order.

The Wilderness Classroom Organization collects only the following information from its visitors:

* Internet domain name
* web site visited before linking to The Wilderness Classroom website
* date, time, and length of visit
* pages visited
* type of browser that is being used

Information collected for subscribers

The following information is collected from subscribers for the purpose of facilitating the delivery and use of the Big MuddyAdventure for themselves and their students.

* Subscriber Name (teacher or parent)
* school (teachers only)
* billing address
* grade of students
* e-mail
* phone number (optional)
Student names and personal information are not required nor collected.

Links to information outside of The Wilderness Classroom Organizations web site

Our goal is to help students explore and learn in the interactive and fluid environment that the World Wide Web creates. The information and sites which The Wilderness Classroom Organization has created links to have been visited and approved by our staff. However, sites on the World Wide Web are ever changing and we are not responsible for the content of other Internet sites. We encourage parents and teachers to use the Internet with their students and contact us if you find content that we link to inappropriate.

Changes to the Privacy Policy

Please visit our privacy policy periodically to check for any changes that have been made.

Our Board

dfreeman — 2005-02-17T18:52:27-06:00

Julie Doxstader

Julie brings over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher to The Wilderness Classroom. Mrs. Doxstader teaches 3rd grade at C.R. Hanna Elementary School in Orion, IL. Julie and her students have participated in all 4 of the Wilderness Classroom's Learning Adventures and she is always excited about finding creative ways to improve her teaching methods and inspire her students. Julie has a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Environmental Science. She serves as Vice-president of the Orion Education Association and have negotiated their union's contract for the last 20 years.

Patricia Franzen

Patricia Franzen, M.Ed., is a career educator with over 35 years experience. After many years in the science classroom, she founded Wild Enterprises, Inc., specializing in standards-based science curriculum writing and professional development. She has produced award winning curricula for such clients as Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Brookfield Zoo, and Wilderness Classroom/Traveling Ed. Pat also was Director of Content Development for Virtual Learning Systems, specializing in technology-based content delivery. Most recently, she is associated with Pearson Professional Development and LessonLab. Pat also teaches graduate level classes for Bradley University and Aurora University. An avid hiker and cyclist, she endeavors to stay close to nature in all her professional roles.

David Freeman

Dave is a founder of The Wilderness Classroom Organization. He has participated in seven online learning adventures. He is an experienced web site developer, wilderness guide, and has spent the last 5 years educating students and adults about wilderness in traditional classroom settings, as well as hands on wilderness experiences.

Dr. Henry Freeman

Henry has over 20 years of experience as a fundraising consultant for educational nonprofit organizations. He started camping with his parents at a young age and continues to explore the Boundary Waters with his son on yearly canoe trips. Henry lives in Richmond, IN with is wife Sandy where he manages Henry Freeman Associates, a consulting firm for nonprofit organizations.

Eric Frost

Eric is a founder of The Wilderness Classroom Organization and has participated in 4 Online Learning Adventures. Eric is also a certified teacher and has taught in a variety of classrooms from preschool special education to High School English. Eric is currently teaching full time in Cicero, IL and he is completing his Masters in Education.

Erik Hoekstra

Erik is The Wilderness Classroom's treasurer and an avid outdoors men. Erik grew up in La Grange, IL and now lives in Burlington, Vermont. Erik is the Assistant Project Manager of Housing Vermont a nonprofit syndication and development company that creates permanently affordable rental housing through partnerships with local organizations, public agencies and the private sector. Erik is simultaneously working as a development consultant to Harlem Green, a proposed sustainable mixed-income housing development in New York City in the Harlem neighborhood. Erik also serves as a volunteer to Project for Public Spaces as a development consultant, chairperson of the Networking/Advocacy Subcommittee of the Green Building Group of Vermont, a member of the Emerging Green Builders subcommittee of the U.S. Green Building Council, a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, and a member of the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association.

Scott McPherson

McPherson, a Chicago native, has a Master of Science in Communication Degree from Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Cloud State University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, on the Finance Committee for the Chicago District Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and is a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, the City Club of Chicago, and a life member of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society. An active adventure traveler, McPherson is a member of the Adventure Travelers Society and was recently inducted into the prestigious Adventurers Club of Chicago.

Our Staff

dfreeman — 2005-02-17T13:20:13-06:00

David Freeman Co-Director	In the Winter of 2001 Dave completed a 6 week, 225 mile, solo toboggan trek along the Minnesota/Ontario border. Dubbed the Border Country Adventure, Dave used a lap top computer and Globalstar Satellite phone to post journals, photos, and other educational resources to the internet, and connected with classrooms across the country during his first learning adventure. This first adventure provided the foundation from which The Wilderness Classroom Organization and many more Learning Adventures have grown. During the last four years he has played a vital role in the development and implementation of seven online learning adventures. Dave Freeman graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder where he studied Biology and Anthropology. Dave is also a web master, programmer, and wilderness guide. He has worked as a dog sledding instructor, sea kayaking instructor, and canoeing outfitter/instructor for 10 seasons, introducing hundreds of participants to wilderness travel.
Eric Frost Co-Director	Eric Frost grew up and currently lives in the Chicago area and works as a public school teacher. Eric graduated from Ohio University where he studied Education and English and he as taught students from Preschool to High School in a variety of subjects. Eric Frost also spent 6 summers introducing students and adults to the wonders of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness while working for Sawbill Canoe Outfitters in Northern Minnesota. In the Fall of 2001 Eric participated in his first Online Learning Adventure, the Big Muddy Adventure, an on-line canoeing adventure from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, connecting with thousands of students and teachers through school visits and the internet. Eric has worked diligently for the last three years overseeing the formation, development, and successful implementation of The Wilderness Classroom's Learning Adventures.
Adam Hansen	Project Peru will be Adam Hansen's second learning adventure with Wilderness Classroom. While working on the Boreal Forest Project his expertise in web page development and technology were crucial. Adam has spent most of his life paddling canoes in the northwoods of Minnesota, so his technical skills will also be important on this expedition. When not on expeditions with WCO Adam is preparing for his entry into law school.
Jesse Beightol	This will be Jesse Beightol's first expedition with Wilderness Classroom. A native Minnesotan, Jesse now makes the outdoors his home. When not leading wilderness trips for Wilderness Inquiry, Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge, or the National Outdoor Leadership School, he teaches at Eagle Rock School in Colorado. Jesse is working towards his teaching license and Masters in Educational Leadership at Colorado State University.

Volunteer Opportunities

dfreeman — 2005-02-16T18:33:55-06:00

The Wilderness Classroom Organization is primarily run by a dedicated group of volunteers who donate thousands of hours of their time and expertise each year to bring our educational adventures to thousands of students and teachers around the world.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved please let us know.

Volunteers needed

Website master/programmer
We are looking for one or two reliable people who are interested helping us update our website. Someone who is good with Movable Type, and a good understanding of CSS could be a huge asset.

Curriculum Development
We are looking for educators interested in developing lesson plans and activities for future learning adventures, as well as a person who can proof read lesson plans.

Content Editor
A good writer who is will proof read the content that we produce for Project Peru, and publish via satellite from the Rainforest. This is a very important job, which requires a reliable internet connection. Help is needed from March 26th to May 6th, and it will take approximately 2 hours, 3 times a week for the 6 weeks that we will be gone.

Comments Moderator
This is a fun job that involves reading the comments and questions that students post to our website, filtering our inappropriate content, and forwarding approperiate questions on to the expedition team in the jungle, and posting the team members responses to students questions. This will take approximately 30 minutes a day (Monday to Friday) from April 1 to May 6.

Our Mission

dfreeman — 2005-02-16T18:12:22-06:00

The Wilderness Classroom Organization (WCO) is a non-profit organization that strives to engage, excite, and motivate students and teachers using an interactive technology-based learning model that draws upon peoples' innate curiosity and desire for exploration. We fulfill our mission of enriching students' daily lives and improving students' academic achievements through 6 main goals:

1. Encourage people to expand and explore their world by fostering an appreciation for wilderness and cultural diversity while introducing people to some of the world's wildest places and most unique cultures.

2. Provide easy to use curriculum based on state and national standards that will provide the motivation, instruction, and resources necessary to enhance teacher instruction.

3. Foster an interactive learning environment which turns students into adventurers and facilitates collaboration between students, teachers, scientists, and explorers as they investigate important issues and make real life decisions.

4. Develop lasting relationships between students and their Learning Adventure guides that will provide students with the guidance and inspiration they need to set their own goals and achieve their own dreams.

5. Introduce children and young adults to the wonders of canoeing, kayaking, skiing, camping, and other forms of wilderness travel and encourage people to experience the increased knowledge, self confidence, and physical fitness that is gained through wilderness exploration.

6. Draw connections between students' choices and the effects their actions have on the world and facilitate projects that help students make a difference on a local and global level.

Make a Contribution

dfreeman — 2005-02-16T17:54:16-06:00

Charitable contributions from individuals play a pivotal role in our Organizations ability to fulfill its mission. The Wilderness Classroom Organization is a nonprofit organization that is built on a solid foundation of resources, relationships, and experience that our founders have gained during previous learning adventures. We are counting on continued support from individuals like you as we reach out to more students and teachers. All contributions are tax deductible so please make a contribution today! Send contributions to: The Wilderness Classroom Organization 4605 Grand Ave Western Springs, Il 60558 Please feel free to contact us with questions about partnering with us through a contribution.

Contact Us

dfreeman — 2005-02-16T17:23:24-06:00

Thank you for taking an interest in The Wilderness Classroom! All questions, comments, and inquiries are appreciated.

Wilderness Classroom Organization
4605 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
Phone: (312) 505-9973
info@wildernessclassroom.com