Writing Adventures
Two teachers at Egan Intermediate Schoolare offering a unique learning experience for students duringthe summer that takes them out of the classroom and into nature.
Wilderness Writing Adventures, for seventh, eighth and ninth gradestudents, leads students outdoors to write drawing inspirationfrom literature and their surroundings. The writing program isbased on literature and the belief that each individual has anunlimited creative capacity, according to Mark Burpee, programdirector. Burpee teaches the boys’ course, from July 1-6, andprogram director Annelisa Hedgecock teaches the girls, from June17-22.
“Students spend at least three hours each day on a varietyof writing activities,” Burpee said. “Each piece ofour outdoor program is designed to make students discover moreabout themselves and their capabilities.”
Not only do the students improve their writing skill, but alsolearn navigation, first aid, cooking and backpacking skills. Theweeklong camp is located in Point Reyes National Seashore. Eachday, students will hike, write, prepare meals, set up and takedown camp, practice effective communication techniques and solveproblems as a team.
Students receive a detailed clothing and equipment list that describesexactly what should be brought. The most important items are hikingboots, a backpack and a sleeping bag. First aid kits, compasses,whistles, food, cooking gear, stoves, fuel, sleeping pads andtarps are provided by the Wilderness Writing Adventures group.
Both Burpee and Hedgecock earned a master}s degree in educationfrom Stanford University. Burpee has three years’ experience instructingOutward Bound courses in California, Oregon, Washington and HongKong. Hedgecock has led 10-day motivational academic programsfor junior high and high school students at Stanford Universityand Claremont College.
Upon course completion, students are asked to put together a portfoliodocumenting the adventure. The course costs $495 and space islimited.
For more information or an application, call 482-9672.
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