ALASKA TRIP FOR 6TH GRADE – SUMMER 2012
Purpose of this trip: Wilderness and Socialization. Though kids will spend some time sleeping in tents, going for day paddles in sea kayaks, going out in boats looking at humpback whales, taking hikes in the woods along rivers, and fishing for salmon, this trip is not a wilderness trip per se. We will be based out of a homestead site just outside of Ketchikan for the first week, and then take the ferry up to Petersburg and be based in an established camp where we can explore the surrounding area. While exposure to elements of the Alaskan wilderness will be part of this experience, the trip will be as much about building relationships with other students and faculty, learning about life in Alaska, as well as learning something about oneself. Whether sitting on a ferry and watching the landscape go by, gathering as a group around a campfire to share our thoughts on the day, or spending time journaling, this trip has a reflective component that will challenge kids to think about themselves and our community. Any current 6th grader who want to get out and learn some new outdoor skills (or put old ones to work!), share a common experience with other 6th grade students and faculty, or experience a different style of life that requires greater self-reliance should consider coming on this trip.
Information Meeting:
November 2, 6:30 PM
CUB Building
Dates and Itinerary: exact itinerary can change based on circumstances that include weather, availability, group dynamics, etc.
July 31: Fly to Ketchikan
August 1-6: Out at the homestead site: fishing, hiking, sea kayaking, etc.
August 7: Back to Ketchikan, Town stuff, late night ferry to Petersburg (10:15 PM)
August 8: Arrive in Petersburg, 8 AM
August 8-11: Petersburg stuff – Leconte, day paddle, whale watch
August 12: Ferry to Ketchikan, 10 AM, arrive 8 PM
August 13: Fly home
Leaders:
Halsey Bell, hbell@seattleacademy.org
Rob Phillips, rphillips@seattleacademy.org
Caitlin Lyons, clyons@seattleacademy.org
Veronica McGowan,vmcgowan@seattleacademy.org
Group Size: 10-18
Cost of Trip: $2300. Trip cost DOES NOT include cost of individual gear or spending money.
Financial Aid: There is some trip financial aid available through the school. Fill out the Trip Financial Aid form off the web site (“Trip Financial Aid Form”). The form must be submitted to Halsey by Thursday, November 10.
Trip Sign-Up: This trip is open to all current 6th grade SAAS students. Deposits ($500) will be accepted starting the evening of October 27 and must be turned in by Thursday, November 10. If more students sign up than spaces available, we will hold a lottery, though we will seek some gender balance. If there are still open spaces after November 10th, then we will accept people in the order they get their deposit in. Deposits will not be refundable if you are accepted on the trip after November 23, unless we find a suitable replacement (minus the change ticket fee).
Students’ applications will always be viewed in light of their records at school, as there might be cases where a student should really go on a given trip and there might be instances where a specific trip might not be appropriate for a given student.
Payment Schedule:
$500 deposit by Thursday, November 10
Payment of additional $500 by December 15
Payment of additional $500 by January 26
Final payment of $800 by March 1
Student Refund Policy: After the November 23 deadline for a full refund, students will forfeit any payments made unless another student can be found to take that student’s place (minus the change ticket fee).
Conditioning: Some physical conditioning will be required, though not extreme.
Gear: Gear list forthcoming
RISKS INVOLVED WITH THIS TRIP: This trip includes risks associated with travel to remote regions, including but not limited to the following: limited access to phones (and where satellite phones stand a good chance of losing signal), lack of immediate access to medical care, and risks associated with wilderness settings (animals, weather, etc.). Students will also participate in some water activities such as sea kayaking and riding in motorboats.
Further risks will be enumerated in a document titled “Assumption of Risk and Release and Indemnity Agreement,” which all students and parents are asked to read and sign prior to the trips’ departure.
Student Behavior and Expectations: Students will be expected to adhere to major school rules regarding drugs, alcohol, and inappropriate relations. Any student breaking any of these rules will be sent home immediately at the student’s/parents’ expense. A student contract will be signed by all students and their families prior to the departure of the trip.
