American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS)

Pete and I were granted a scholarship to attend an awesome 8 day class outside of Jackson, Wyoming.  The Program is part of the Safari Club International.   The class was called, "American Wilderness Leadership School" - Learning about Conservation.  The class was for educators.  We learned tons of information to bring back to our classrooms.  This is just a small snippet of what we learned. 

Pete and I are both Archery Instructors with the NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program).    Pete helped out a little during his groups turn.

Stream ecology was a whole day.  We learned what kinds of things we can find out by looking in the water and seeing what lives there.  Then we learned to tie flies.

One of the views during one of our field trips.

 One of the things we participated in that we would like to bring back to our school is 3D archery.  Since we already do archery, this would be an added event.

 The main entry into the lodge at Granite Creek where we stayed.

We had a cozy little room overlooking the Granite Creek area.

Our camp had a big fire pit for the last night party.  Campers (us) could rent the Tepee and sleep outside if we wanted.

 We learned how to engage children in wildlife conservation by creating our own "Habitat Rap" and then having a puppet show along with the rap.

Group picture on the front steps of the lodge.

 One of my favorite events was White Water Rafting.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much I want to take my kids (Karl, Kirsten, Claire and Pete) back to WY for a 2 day raft trip next summer in celebration of my 50th birthday :)

 Views from around the area and on field trips!  Spectacular!!

 We shot rifles, shotguns and handguns. 

 Pete's rifle range group.

 Fly tying

 Pete and I hiked back from the hot springs at Granite Creek on the hiking trail.  The river has several sets of rapids that are amazing.

 On the trail home...after sitting in the hot springs until we baked!  The trail climbs high above the creek at several points.

 I (Lenore) loved shooting 3D archery.  Now for the real thing! Not sure I'm ready to take on a moose or bear with my bow!

I was the first one to pop the balloon on my target! 

 We went to Jackson for the day and watched an old-fashioned shoot out! (Actors)

 We stopped out of Pinedale, Wyoming and tried to cool off with an ice cream cone.  This was an actual sign above the doorway.

 Pete led a group of us through gun cleaning after the day of shooting was complete.

 We visited the Elk Refuge and Museum. 

 Class happens all over the place... outside buildings, up on Mesa's in the middle of the desert and in the oil fields....

 Pronghorn living in the middle of oil fields on their habitat.

 Salmon ladders was a game we learned to show the life cycle of salmon in streams and rivers.  This is a game I will definitely play with my students when we are talking about conservation.

 Pete and I are in the front of our boat!

AWLS was an amazing and educational trip.  We both found it one of the highlights of our summer!  It was great to meet up with 24 other teachers and trade ideas.  Our group became so close we are staying together through technology.  Another 2nd grade teacher will be my 2nd graders pen pals as we compare habitats/weather/maps etc. of Ft. Lauderdale and Homer :)

Blessings to all!