Final Leaders of the Day

As we all recoup from the wonderful 3 weeks spent together, we would like to congratulate the final two recipients of our “Leader of the Day” award.

Woody – Woody was a true example of “still waters run deep.” During any free time, Woody could be found excelling at volleyball with the group, or off exploring the nearby natural areas. Woody was a quieter group member, always listening to others and retaining the information to use for later when the group had forgotten. He was also able to make everyone laugh when he would suddenly join in the conversation with a funny joke. As everyone knew, Woody was a great leader through the entire 3 weeks, and they showed their appreciation for him when he was the only CCLer to receive a standing ovation when given his award.

Yocelyn – Yocelyn showed terrific personal growth through our time in Northern Wisconsin. During our first week, Yocelyn was faced with her first challenge of climbing Wolf Mountain. She achieved this, and knew she was able to do more. Nervously, Yocelyn took on the High Ropes Challenge Course and completed the elements with superb mental and physical strength. Yocelyn proved she was a true leader through her desire to overcome her fear, and the poise and confidence she showed while achieving her goal.

 

We’re happy that we got home safely. We hope that everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July, and we’ll be in touch with the kids shortly

Pictures from Northland

Northland College

Hi! I’m Jon Ciatti, one of the counselors with CCL. We’ve had a quite an awesome last 2 days here at Northland College, visiting the Bayfield Peninisula twice, and getting out on the water as well! 

Yesterday, we spent our morning hiking above the sea caves formed by Lake Superior’s water and ice. Beautiful views, and a fun muddy hike the whole way.  We ate lunch above one of the rock formations, and our guide Max helped explain to us some of the fun attributes of the area as well as cultural significance of the sea caves.

In the afternoon, we went sea kayaking. After learning the strokes and proper paddling technique from Max, we went out for a nice paddle along the sandstone shores of the lake.

In the evening, we attended a local cultural center known as Big Top Chetoqua, a large festival tent filled with seating and a stage area at the base of a ski hill. Big Top brings in musical acts and community discussions throughout the spring, summer and fall. In the event we attended, along with about 200 other people, we listened to the ideas of speakers from across the the country in regards to sustainability and change.

Yesterday, we went to Lake Superior and sampled macroinvertebrates from the swimming beach. The kids had a great time both sampling and watching the small insects under a dissecting microscope.

In the afternoon, we visited the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center and learned about historical use of the Lake Superior area, as well as wetland ecology along the boardwalk. 

Following our trip to the NGLVC we went to a local bed and breakfast that is known as the most sustainable in the country. Through showing us his biodiesel refinery, passive solar hot water heating system, and aerobic waste digester, Steve Sandstrom (owner) explained his process behind making decisions for the types of products and services he would provide. Mr. Sandstrom explained that integration of different thought areas, such as economics, environment, and social justice, all play a part in choosing the correct option for a business while doing the best for the planet. 

Northland College has provided us with a great hands-on learning experience, and has helped to bring together the sometimes difficult to grasp concept of conservation. Thank you Northland College!

A Busy Day at Northland College

      Hi! My name is Sam Lucheck and I also a counselor for the CCL program. Between driving up to Northland and the excitement of a new place we have been very busy with all of our activities, making it hard to fit in blogging time.

Yesterday was our first full day at Northland, we were given a presentation on the Superfund site in Ashland by the DNR and given the chance to go down to see it ourselves as well as take samples of the coal-tar that is polluting the area. We also visited other nearby areas and various artesian wells where we collected more water samples from and took a nice hike through a small wetland close by. At Prentice Park we had some time to hang out and play frisbee in the gorgeous weather while we ate our sack lunch.

Then we went back to the lab with one of Northland’s chemistry professors, Rick Dowd and used an electro mass spectrometer to measure the amounts of sodium in the water samples that we collected. Here we also talked about the role of science in understanding and protecting the environment.

After dinner, we were privileged to be given a tour of the USGS fisheries research vessel the KIYI and learned about the importance of collect data and research on the fish from the lake to better understand how ecosystems are intertwined. We learned a lot about the equipment that they use on the ship and that safety and prevention are key components of working on the ship. 

We ended our day at Waverly beach with a bonfire and a majestic view of Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains. Here Joe Rose a professor at the college and a Chief Elder of the Bad River Tribe, talked to us about the Anishinabe-Ojibwe people. He taught us about their beliefs and practices involving Mother Earth and all of the organisms that depend on her for survival as well as the role that we play in protecting and preserving her.

Thank-you Camp Manito-wish

We departed from Camp Manito-wish on Sunday after having an amazing time. Working with the staff through countless team challenges and learning Leave No Trace, helped to make everyone closer to each other and to our earth.

We learned a lot about being a naturalist, thanks to Mark and his staff. Adam, Andrew, and Anna also deserve a special thanks for working so closely with us to help facilitate better communication within the group and get us all working together as one. The high and low ropes courses really pushed everyone to achieve their individual goals and overcoming heights as well as working together as a group and supporting one another.

Additionally we want to thank Susan, Kara, and Anna for leading us on trips through the Porcupine Mountains and helping to teach us about being close to nature and really appreciating what we have on a day to day basis.

Thanks for the beautiful facilities, outfitting us on the trails, and the amazing experience that we were able to have at Camp Manito-wish due to all of your hard work!

Leaders of the Day

Continuing our recognition of a Leader of the Day we have had many more students step up and take the initiative throughout this last week of our program at Manito-wish and upon arriving to Northland College. 

The following students were recognized as Leaders of the Day:

Sunday– Maya Beville, for her continuous positive attitude and encouragement to others. Maya had opened up to the group over the course of this trip and has taken the initiative to accomplish tasks and help meet team goals while overcoming all obstacles.

Monday- Maddie Nelson and Amanda Borzorgi

Maddie has been recognized for helping out where ever it is needed and being a positive member of the CCL team. She helps to communicate with the group and accomplish tasks by involving everyone.

Amanda has been recognized for her outstanding enthusiasm and encouragement of others on the trip. She always makes sure everyone is included and participating and continues to bring a positive attitude and endless energy to the rest of the group.

Tuesday- Royce Gregory and Missy Wadhwa

Royce really stepped up to the plate during group activities and helped encourage and respectfully direct his group through a variety of challenges and ropes course obstacles. Specifically, Royce spoke up during the “helium hoola-hoop” initiative to help lead his team to lowering it onto the ground and helped to get everyone working together while they used the buddy boards and had to walk as a group.

Missy has also taking the initiative to help her group accomplish their challenges throughout all of the group activities. She has been a valuable asset to the group on the low and high ropes courses at Manitowish, helping to belay and spot other group members and encourage them to achieve as well as leading by her own example.

Wednesday thru Sunday- Many leaders have come out of our backpacking trips through the Porcupine Mountains including:

Wil Dixon- Wil has been a constant source of energy and entertainment for the group, with his gift of making everyone laugh and feel like they are an important part of the group. Wil has helped out by setting up camp and making sure that everything is taken care of before it needs to be. He leads by being a great example for others to follow  and encourages others to do the same.

Jess Hoffman- Jess has come a long way out of her shell since the beginning of our trip and the Porcupine Mountains have given her room to shine. Jess has been a leader of many of the team initiatives at Manitowish and has successfully lead her team through challenges by being the only one allowed to talk. She has been a great help in setting up camp and making sure that everyone can communicate their ideas.

Trenton Harris- Trenton was the first to make sure that everyone had a helping hand over any tree, rock, or other rough terrain that we had to cross on our backpacking trip. He made sure that all the pots and pans were cleaned and that our camp was kept clean and pristine like how we found it.Trentondid a great job at encouraging others and leading by his own example.

Jessica Mitchell- On the trip to the Porcupines, Jessica made sure to be the first one ready to go. She was positive and enthusiastic throughout the mud and bugs that we encountered and made sure that everyone stayed close together while hiking and keeping an eye on those behind her. She also lead the group in creative songs about our trip, including a pancake song during our morning breakfast. 

We continue to celebrate the students that have received the leadership recognition and await more opportunities for students to take the initiative!

On the shores of Gitchee-Gumee Pictures