introduction to mount rainier institute
DESCRIPTION
Presentation given by: John Hayes, Director of the Mount Rainier Institute, October 2012TRANSCRIPT
Mount Rainier Institute
Overnight Environmental Education Center • Multiple day experience • Immersive • Using Pack Forest & Mount Rainier National
Middle & High School students (target audience) • 4-6 grade • Adults & Family • College & Professional • Underrepresented groups
World Class Education Center • Science focus (STEM) • Natural History, outdoor recreation, natural resource management • Interdisciplinary (social studies, arts, etc.) • Connected ERLS (i.e. Standards based)
Help students develop their relationship with the environment through education
• Appreciation for nature • Build confidence in being outdoors • Build leadership skills
• Build knowledge • Explore complex environmental issues
• Foster hope Build a foundation for students to consider natural sciences a
career path • Particularly important for underrepresented groups • Provide role models
Connect students to National Parks Strengthen connections with higher education
• Partner with UW Tacoma teacher training program
“If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are.” Wendell Berry
Why?
• Happier: Nature play increases self-esteem, improves psychological health and reduces stress. Children learn self-discipline and are more cooperative.
• Healthier: Nature play improves physical conditioning and reduces obesity.
• Smarter: Nature play stimulates creativity and improves problem solving. Children do better in school.
Iconic National Park
Education Education Education
Close the gap
Generation “M”
“I like to play indoors better ‘cause that’s where all the electric outlets are.” 4th grader in San Diego from Last Child in the Woods
Pack Forest-home base
Mount Rainier National Park
Target Fall of 2014 • Planning • Initial curriculum development • Pilot programs/Fundraising • Refinement • Gear up & Recruitment • Launch • Evaluate & Refinement
Identify key stakeholders & “champions” • Potential partners • Funders
Gather a planning team • Confirm mission & vision • Develop a “programmatic framework”
Implementation plan Develop business plan
• Sustainability • Market analysis
Market • Compete vs. Complement
Logistics • Transportation • Ideal teaching areas
Defining Sustainability Branding Funding