National Museum of Wildlife Art Seeks High School Student to Participate in Arctic Leadership Camp

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is currently accepting applications from Teton County high school sophomores to participate in Polar Bears International’s (PBI) “Adventure Learning Leadership Camp” in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. The camp will be held September 26 through October 3, 2009. Valerie and Richard Beck are making it possible for a Jackson student to attend at no cost to the student thanks to their generous sponsorship. The Becks are Museum supporters and PBI board members who live in Jackson Hole. This is the second year they have sponsored a Teton County student.

Applicants must be 16 years old by September 26, 2009 and must be a high school junior attending school in Teton County by fall 2009. The selected student will join more than a dozen top students from several countries on this remarkable adventure to the Far North. Students travel to Churchill for the annual fall polar bear migration. There, they explore a range of issues relating to polar bears, humans, and the environment. Camp participants learn from some of the foremost scientists, educators, and resources on polar bears and arctic habitat. High-speed data links allow them to report to their home communities from the tundra. The goal is to equip participants with the tools they need to share their knowledge and to motivate them to make a difference regarding environmental challenges.

“Every year, we select a group of bright, motivated students who are eager to learn about the bears,” says Robert Buchanan, PBI's President. “While there, they communicate with their peers through online journals. After they return, they share what they've learned through talks, slide presentations, and media interviews.” Each student also develops and manages a project within their community to support the mission of Polar Bears International.
Dick Beck, PBI board member, and Jackson Hole resident, has seen first-hand the fruits of the Leadership Camp program. “Camp is both fun and challenging. And feedback from its graduates indicate that it is rewarding and eye-opening. It gives them an opportunity to learn about polar bears and the arctic and understand the importance of bringing people together to discuss and develop solutions rather than becoming mired in polarized viewpoints. They hear from tree-huggers and fur trappers. They meet and learn from the First Nation people of Canada.”

“PBI’s goal is to empower these already gifted students to become highly effective at inspiring, informing, and enlisting others in creating positive change. These kids will help other kids assume responsibility for their futures.”

Museum President & CEO James C. McNutt, Ph.D., says “The Arctic Ambassador program is an excellent way for students to be involved and gain direct experience with wildlife, and also with communication about wildlife—always an artistic endeavor.” As a nominating institution, the Museum will provide the student ambassador with access to resources and support for outreach efforts when he or she returns to Jackson Hole following Camp.

Interested students should contact the Museum for an application. The completed application, a teacher recommendation, and a copy of the student’s high school transcript must be submitted to the Museum by April 30, 2009. Top candidates will be interviewed at the Museum in May. The selection will be announced June 1, 2009. Contact Amy Goicoechea at the Museum for an application, 307-732-5435 oragoicoechea@wildlifeart.org

Catlin Gabel School In Portland, Oregon Offers a Variety of Summer Programs

For those with an interest in the environment and community service – The Elana Gold Memorial Restoration Project http://www.catlin.edu/page/1564

For those with an interest in urban studies - Urban Planning & Leadership Institute http://www.catlin.edu/page/959

For those interested in some Outdoor Education opportunities http://www.catlin.edu/page/1287

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area is now accepting applications for our Summer Associate positions from those interested helping Habitat build simple, decent, affordable homes for low-income families. These 8 positions are funded by AmeriCorps*VISTA, a government service program akin to PeaceCorps. The 8 week service term begins on May 24, 2009 and ends on July 18, 2009. Summer Associates will receive a living allowance of $909 per month, as well as a $1000 AmeriCorps Education Award at the end of their service term. Habitat is accepting applications from local and non-local residents. Interested persons do not need to currently be an AmeriCorps*VISTA member to apply, though if selected for a position, they must complete the online AmeriCorps application. Applicants must have a high school diploma, at minimum.

Habitat has two kinds of positions available, ReStore Associates and Construction Site Associates. Associates will work 5 days a week, Tuesdays through Saturdays, during their service term.

ReStore Associates will work in our ReStore, where we sell donated used and new building materials and household items. ReStore Associates will assist with customer service and retail tasks, help to manage the store, and learn about the mission and goals of Habitat for Humanity. Associates will learn about the role of the ReStore in supporting Habitat's projects as well as the benefits the store brings to the community and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to the environment. Other areas and projects may include interior design, furniture/cabinet building (finish carpentry), recycled art projects, deconstructions, and remodels.

Construction Site Associates will work alongside volunteers and other AmeriCorps members on our construction site in Wilson, helping build a home for a family in need. Associates will learn necessary construction skills, and will be able to lead a small group of volunteers on site by the later part of their term. They will also learn about the mission and goals of Habitat for Humanity, and about its impact on the local community.

Those interested in either of these positions should contact Lauren Conrad, Volunteer Coordinator for more information (call 307-734-0828 or email her at lauren@tetonhabitat.org). Applications will be accepted until Saturday April 25, 2009. Interested parties are encouraged to submit resumes to Lauren via email.