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
