Yellowstone
Expedition Yellowstone: An adventure like no other
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Jeremy Harder EBS Contributor
Expedition Yellowstone, affectionately termed “EY” by our fourth graders in Big Sky, is a curriculum-based, residential, outdoor program offered by the National Park Service for students, teachers and chaperones. Each year, Ophir School’s fourth graders earn the right to call this expedition their own.
The program, originally guided by former fourth grade teacher Alec Nisbet, has been part of Ophir’s curriculum since 1998. I took the reins when I accepted the fourth-grade position in the fall of 2000, and I just completed my 16th trip to Yellowstone.
Starting in January, my co-teacher Renee Zimmerman and I prepared students by setting up weekly clan challenges. Clans are small groups of students who work together on learning activities, meal preparation and camp clean up. Each clan also performs a legendary skit the last night of their adventure. Weekly challenges stretch the students’ ability to problem solve, practice collaboration and compromise—necessary skills for the students’ time in Yellowstone.
A “typical day” on the expedition includes waking up early to prepare meals, sitting down together for breakfast, attending morning and evening classes, hiking through the park, researching pH levels of the hot springs, finding evidence of ecological niches and discovering the impact of humans throughout the centuries. I’ve found that the greatest lessons are learned as students clean up after each other, pack their own backpacks for the day, fill their water bottles, and otherwise develop a sense of personal responsibility without the over-indulgence of help from adults. When students realize they are a part of something larger than themselves, it’s really cool to watch. I like to term this human ecology.
The expedition does allow for chaperones or guides to attend the trip to help the students manage these life skills. Some of the most difficult choices Zimmerman and I must make center on choosing the right adult chaperones for the expedition. Luckily for us, Big Sky is filled with hundreds of qualified leaders.
Many of the guides are parents of students at Ophir, but not of students participating in EY that year. I adamantly support my stand on not bringing family members of current students, as it disturbs the natural dynamics of the group. Other chaperones include local business owners, avid outdoors people and, of course, adults who have strong managerial skills and are a positive influence on young students. My list becomes longer every year, as many local residents desire to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Similar to the students’ reactions to the oddities of the natural world, I see the same “ah-ha!” moments in the adult guides.
One of the secrets behind such an amazing and seamless experience is the extraordinary assistant I’ve found in Lone Peak High social studies teacher Tony Coppola. He has attended more than a dozen times and plays a crucial role in the success of the trip.
Finally, this trip could never happen without generous community and family support with fundraisers and preparations. The financial component of this trip is mostly overseen by the Big Sky PTO, while the supplemental costs are raised by the students in various “FUN” raisers such as a bowl-a-thon, hat sale and read-a-thon.
It’s a community effort, and I’ve found it to be a life-changing event for our attendees. As our town grows, our school serves as one of those foundational forces we must keep alive and healthy, similar to those of a healthy Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm