Nature's Kennel Sled Dog Racing & Adventures

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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Nature's Kennel

PO Box 5
McMillan, MI 49853
Tel: 1-906-748-0513
Email: info@natureskennel.com

Educational Programs

Educational Programs

Midwest Iditarod Teacher's Conference--September 24, 2010
Erickson Center for the Arts, Curtis, Michigan (located 90 minutes northwest of the Mackinac Bridge)
Mark your calendar for the 1st Annual Midwest Iditarod Teacher’s Conference this fall! The conference will take place on Friday, September 24th at the Erickson Center for the Arts in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Announcing Keynote Speaker:
Trent Herbst--2010 Iditarod Musher
Trent is a 4th grade teacher from Ketchum, Idaho. He is running his 4th Iditarod race in 2010 and will share his Iditarod experiences from the perspectives of both teacher and musher.
Additional topics and presentations include:
• Mushing Activities for the Elementary Classroom
Jan Sabin, author and educator, Marquette, MI
Lynne Witte, educator, Mt. Clemens, MI
• Iditarod Technology
Craig Adams, creator of MushSoft—timing software and technology for the Iditarod
• Iditarod Teachers from the Trail
Former participants from the Iditarod’s Teacher on the Trail program will share their experiences and knowledge of this amazing program.
• Incorporating the Iditarod into the Middle and High School Curriculum
• Connecting music to sled dogs
Musician and songwriter Jamie-Sue Seal, owner of Smokin’ Sled Dogs Records
• And more to come…stay updated on more events and speakers at www.midwestsleddog.com or www.natureskennel.com
The 2nd Annual Midwest Mushing Symposium, with keynote speaker Egil Ellis, will take place at the same location on Saturday, September 25th, so make plans to stay for and entire weekend of sled dog fun.
Cost: $20 advanced registration ($30 day of event) for Teacher’s Conference ONLY. $30 advanced registration for both Friday’s Iditarod Teacher’s Conference and Saturday’s Midwest Mushing Symposium. Teacher scholarships are available for event or travel reimbursement. Please contact Tasha Stielstra, info@natureskennel.com for more information.
For more event information: www.midwestsleddog.com or www.natureskennel.com

Pulling Together--Classroom Presentations
Musher and educator Tasha Stielstra teaches students the important lessons of teamwork and respect from the viewpoints of sled dogs. Pulling Together is designed to compliment any core value curriculum.
Pulling Together offers:

Full or half day programs

Hands-on, minds-on activities

Age appropriate interactive slide show

Mushing equipment for students to handle

Free teacher/classroom activity packet

Small or large group presentations

Students will:

Learn the important core values of being safe, kind, and responsible.

See why working together and respecting others makes a successful team.

Learn the true meaning of teamwork from a dog team.

Meet the incredible athletes up close.

Cost:

$500 for a full-day program, plus mileage (a full day program includes 3-4 mini assemblies)

$400 for a ½ day program, plus mileage (a 1/2 day program includes 1-2 mini assemblies)

*We try to schedule as many presentations as possible within in the same geographical area to greatly reduce travel costs.

Even though sled dog racing takes place in the winter, sled dog training and team building takes place all year. Our programs are structured so that students can learn from us regardless of the season. Due to our racing schedule, we present the majority of our programs in the fall and spring.
Tasha speaks to nearly 10,000 students and teachers each year. For information on how to book a presentation, contact Tasha at 906-748-0513 oremail at info@natureskennel.com
Here is what some of them had to say about the program:

It was nice to have an interactive assembly.

The presenter did a great job connecting sled dog racing with school.

I think it was neat for the kids to be exposed to activities and job opportunities that are not common around here.

The students were really interested in this topic. Great emphasis on TEAMWORK!
--Teachers at Betheim Elementary School, Hamilton Michigan

I was personally able to sit in for the entire program with the students...I feel that your presentations-slides, dog, sled, and equipment, along with the `hands on` opportunities given our students, was very age and grade appropriate to each group!
--Maryalice Boone, Administrator Autrain-Onota Public School

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