Mt Hood Science Camp 2012
CMS programs push students to experience themselves and the world around them in a new and thoughtful way. Participants should expect a physically challenging and mentally rewarding experience where they will make new friends, journey to new and exciting places, and try activities they’ve never done before. Summer is one of the best times to visit and explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Students will be exposed to a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, backpacking, paddling, biking, and farming, while thinking deeply and acting thoughtfully on important scientific and environmental challenges. Don’t worry about having experience in the outdoors, CMS will teach participants what they need to know.
Daily Flow
Each day offers a different set of activities, challenges, and experiences. Typically we start the day off early by getting up, cooking breakfast (if on breakfast crew), eating, and packing for the day’s activities. During the day, we might bike through the Hood River Valley to meet up with local farmers and fishermen to learn about salmon recovery efforts or we might hike through alpine meadows near Mt. Adams to collect water quality data. Regardless of the day’s plan, it will involve healthy activity, reading about and discussing an important issue, reflection, and time for fun and relaxation. Lunch is typically packed in our day packs, and we’ll have dinner back at camp. At night, we’ll share in fun activities like star gazing, games, and guest speakers. We’ll sleep well after a long, full day.
Gear and Equipment
A detailed gear list will be sent to parents and guardians at least one month before the trip departs. Please do not be alarmed by the list. If you do not have any of the listed items CMS can rent, borrow, or provide this gear. Please help CMS by identifying gear needs 2 weeks ahead of the trip departure date.
Food
Students help prepare all of our meals, whether we are on the trail or at base camp. Menus are created with care to maximize health, sustain high levels of activity, and bring enjoyment. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions are easily accommodated, so please let us know if you have special menu considerations.
Curriculum
Each summer program offers a different curriculum, but all of them couple meaningful academics with outdoor activity. Students will receive reading materials and will be expected to engage in active conversation and academic activities throughout the day. Please see Academics for a more detailed description of CMS’ educational philosophy.
Residencies
All CMS programs are residential. CMS uses a variety of locations depending on the program. For summer 2013 programs, CMS will be using the Mt Adams Institute dormitories located in Trout Lake, WA, the Bird Lake Campground, the Broadfork Farm grounds, and campsites around Hood River and Mt. Hood.
Staff
Each summer program is run by experienced staff, including certified middle and high school science teachers and outdoor program leaders with wilderness medical training.
Communications
A detailed daily itinerary will be sent to parents and guardians before trips depart. Emergency contact information will be provided for communications during the program. Courses offered for credit require additional academic performance. As our days are very full, please don’t expect to hear from CMS or the students during the program.
Safety
At CMS safety is our number one priority. All of our staff have completed trainings in safe driving, wilderness medicine, and risk management to offer the safest programs possible. Waivers for specific activities will be given to parents and guardians before the program starts and must be completed for your student to participate. Medical information will also be required as part of the registration materials.
