Project Location/Destination: Out of town - Ely, Minnesota
Faculty Leaders: Nichol Hooker & Andrew Sanchez
Dates: Sunday, March 12 - Friday, March 17
Cost: $1892
Special Considerations:
See below.
Objective
Students will learn how to launch and guide a dogsled team. They will take part in actively caring for the dogs in the facility's kennel. They will learn basic mushing skills. They will learn how to appreciate life in a wilderness setting.
Description
The project will begin with a beautifully scenic drive from Latin to Ely, Minnesota near the Canadian border in northern Minnesota. We will be stationed at the Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge for the week. Each day, we will take part in kennel care as well as getting instruction on dogsledding. There will be opportunities for daily mushing and meals will be provided trailside during the day and at the Lodge each evening. Students will be lodged in double or triple occupancy rooms in a shared cabin. Accommodations will be comfortable but rustic. In the evenings there will be chances to socialize around the fire, play games and reflect on the wilderness experiences of the day. Lastly, the time of year in this part of the country may afford some viewings of the Northern Lights! With fourteen students and two chaperones, we will fill the Lodge and only interact with the staff and our guides.
Student Requirements and Expectations
Students participating in this trip are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as specified by the outfitter.
Be comfortable with a long (12-hour) car ride. If you are prone to car sickness, this is likely not the trip for you!
Be prepared for limited food options in the wilderness.
Be comfortable constantly interacting closely with dogs (no allergies to pet dander can be accommodated).
Dogsledding requires good physical fitness as it’s a challenging cardiovascular workout. Good core strength and endurance are necessary for participation in sledding.
Be comfortable spending the entire day outdoors in the woods with dogs in the cold temperatures of March in northern Minnesota. Temperatures in Ely, MN are cold in March! The average high in the mid-30’s and average low is 10-15 degrees. Appropriate dress must be worn.
Be prepared to meet the expectation of taking part in all planned activities.
Cost of the trip includes gear rental for boots/liners, snow pants, and an anorak. Students are also welcome to bring their own.
About the Faculty
Dr. Hooker is an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping, hiking, and canoeing with her family. Prompted by her son’s love of huskies and curiosity about dogsledding, she crafted this project week experience. After successfully running this trip last year, she is excited to return to Northern Minnesota again in 2023!
Mr. Sanchez is a proud dog owner and someone who loves sports, hiking, and camping. He was immediately drawn to this project trip and is looking forward to learning more about dogsledding and the rich history of the sport.
Special Considerations
Accommodation considerations - Students will be expected to sleep in shared accommodations.
COVID related information - Some venues may require proof of COVID vaccination or negative test. Students are encouraged to travel with this information and provide it, if required. Please contact the project leaders or School Nurse with any questions or concerns.
Expectation for physical activity - This project will require a significant amount of physical exertion and possibly some physical discomfort. Students on this project should be willing to deal with discomfort, at times, in inclement weather. Students are expected to be able to participate fully in all these daily activities.
Food limitations and allergies - Students with food allergies and food sensitivities should understand that there may be times that food options will be limited. In addition, there may be cross contamination risk of allergens, as there will be times where outside food vendors will prepare our meals. Please contact the project leaders or the nurse with any questions or concerns.
Scheduling (Out-of-Town) - This project will have time commitment outside of the M-F (8-4) typical school week. Please note that there is an expectation that students are able to attend the whole time the project is running.
Supervision during the day - Students might be unsupervised for short periods of time during the course of the day.
Transportation considerations: Latin faculty - Students will be transported by Latin School faculty chaperones drivers.