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September 5, 2007

Dogsledding 101

Dogsledding 101

During this interactive assembly Dave Freeman captivates students' attention using images and stories from his many expeditions by dogsled, but the real stars of the show are the dogs. Meeting a real sled dog is always a highlight and Dave uses his 4 legged companions to talk about team work, decision making, the importance of excerise and eating healthy, setting and achieving goals, determination, and other life skills that are important parts of human and sled dog development. Our program is designed to compliment your school's core values.

Dave also brings a sled, harnesses, winter travel and camping gear, and other equipment. Plus, he uses student assistants to demonstrate how he and his dogs travel and live in the frozen wilderness.

Most programs last from 45 to 60 minutes and Dave can usually work with your whole school during one to three assemblies depending on the age of your students, the size of your school, as well as your schedule and needs. Before, between, and after assemblies individual classroom activities can be arranged, allowing students to interact with our team in small groups, ask questions, and receive an even more hands-on experience.

Prices:

$400 for the one assembly

$600 for a half day which could include one or two assemblies as well as activities with smaller groups of students

$750 full day which could include one to three assemblies as well as activities with smaller groups of students

Contact Dave at 312-505-9973 or dave@wildernessclassroom.com to learn more about this exciting learning experience.

About Dave

Dave's was introduced to dogsledding in 1999 when he started leading dogsledding trips with arcitc explorer Paul Schurke. His love for dogsledding, exploration, and his desire to share the wonders of the world's wildest places with students led him to found the Wilderness Classroom, a non-profit organization, in 2001. The Wilderness Classroom has allowed over 100,000 students and teachers to learn about wilderness and improve basic academic skills through school assemblies and online expeditions. Since 2001 Dave have traveled thousands of miles by dogsled, canoe, and kayak through some of the most remote places on the planet.When he is not leading expeditions or visiting schools he and his dog team live in Northern Minnesota on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where they introduce people to the joys of dogsledding through Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge, where Dave has worked since 1999.

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Dave and one of his favorite sled dogs, Tundra.

Each year Dave conducts over 50 school visits and interacts with thousands of students and teachers. He has found that sled dogs are a wonderful tool for motivating and educating students, and that their desire to learn about these amazing animals can easily be channeled into math, language arts, and other core curriculum areas.

However, the learning doesn't stop with a school assembly, each year students are able to join Dave on one or two 6 to 8 week online expeditions. During online expeditions Dave and his team use laptop computers, satellite phones, and digital cameras to communicate with students from far places. Whether students are following Dave on a dogsled journey across Canada or a canoe expedition deep in the Amazon Rainforest, the personal connections made during school assemblies greatly enhance students' experience during these unforgettable online educational programs.

For more information or to set up a program give Dave a call at 312-505-9973 or email dave@wildernessclassroom.com .

What are people Saying about WCO?

“I think you have it down! Great information/presentations.”


“Contents are very well put together and they definitely meet state standards.”

“ was excellent - very organized.”

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Students pepper Dave with Questions at the end on a school assembly.

"The combination of school assemblies and the online activities was awesome! My students learned so much....We can't wait for you to come back next year!"

“You have prepared everything very well.”

“Your website is terrific ............. My computer teacher was really impressed with what you all were able to do and with the website in general. You should get in touch with Bill Gates - I hear he has a little money. He'd be impressed with what you do for students.”

“The website was thorough and student friendly in which the students were able to enhance their learning aligned with state goals and standards.”

“Peru also served as a springboard for other projects. We researched rainforest animals from Peru and wrote and presented a paper. We wrote to local businesses to collect money to adopt acres of the rainforest through the Nature Conservancy's Earth Birthday project.”

“I just wanted to say that I think your website is FANTASTIC!! It is very easy to navigate and extremely informative.

You guys are the best!!”

“The Wilderness Classroom site for kids was beautifully done. I learned a lot for my own personal gain, which is why my students and I visited the site every day.”

Posted by dfreeman at September 5, 2007 2:19 PM