Summer 2019 | Date to Be Announced | Perham, MN
Junior Longspurs is created to give students in the area a new type of outdoor learning adventure and supports the Longspur Prairie Fund mission to foster the experiences, insights, and pleasures found in the native landscapes of the Red River Valley by way of advocacy, education, and conservation. We teach the wisdom of the prairie through the arts and sciences.
About the Adventure:
We will depart for a beautiful undeveloped prairie, wetland, and forest property near Perham, Minnesota. We will spend two days & one night on the property learning about the outdoors through a series of activities, observations, and interactions with nature. Activities will include orienteering (compass work), predators vs. prey, slacklineing, habitat building, outdoor survival, animal tracking, hiking, camp cooking, mapping, journal observations and drawings, and outdoor night observation. We will camp out in tents surrounded by nature after enjoying an evening by the campfire. The best thing about this adventure is it's 100% Screen-Free Certified for the students as no phones, tablets, or computers will be allowed on the trip. This program will enrich students through active hands-on learning outdoors. No electronics to provide distractions. (Please note our staff will be accessible via cell phone.)
Our camp facility is designed to be in tune with nature, so access to electricity is minimal; all water will be brought in by our team; restroom access will be an outhouse on-site. No showers or running water will be present by design.
About our Team:
Our program is conceived and led by educator and outdoor enthusiast, Scott Brusven. Scott is a huge lover of the outdoors and has a knack for creating hands-on learning activities. He grew up just a football field away from a large wetland area near Fergus Falls where he spent many days exploring the great outdoors, studying animals, and developing an interest in habitats and wildlife. He has been an active hunter, fisher, and conservationist from a very young age. He has two young boys who have a love for being in creation and has designed this program to help grow and engage your students on this two-day adventure into nature.
Tom Burgum will join our team as a chaperone, medic, and guest instructor. Tom studied with the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute. There he received his certifications as a Wilderness EMT as well as a nationally registered EMT. He continued his outdoor education with courses in avalanche search and rescue. Ever since Tom was kid he has loved the outdoors! The sense of adventure and exploration that comes with being in nature has always been something he has deeply enjoyed!
Cady Rutter, Longspur staff member and lover of the wild, will also round out our team as a female chaperone. Cady grew up on a ranch in rural western North Dakota which fostered her love for creatures big and small. She spent much of her youth in campsites around the Midwest and heartily attests to the transformative effect it can have on a student.
Tentative Adventure Schedule
Day #1
8:30 - Meet at Pick-up Location
8:45 - Leave for Flatau Adventures Property Near Perham, MN
10:15 - Arrive at Camp, Unpack Gear & Set up Camp
11:30 - Prep lunch
12:00 - Lunch & Clean-up
12:45 - Activity #1 - Orientation - Expectations - Prairie Observation Descriptions
1:30 - Activity #2
2:15-2:30 - Break
2:30-3:15 - Activity #3
3:15-4:00 - Activity #4
4:00-4:45 - Activity #5
4:45-5:30 - Prep supper: Gather wood - Fire-Building Activity
5:30-6:00 - Supper
6:00-6:30 - Reflection / Journal
6:30-7:30 - Activity #6
7:30-8:30 - Campfire: S’mores & Free Time
8:30 - Night on the Prairie Observation: Notice differences from day to night, Sky Observation
9:30 - Lights out
Day #2
7:30 - Prep & Eat Breakfast
8:30 - Clean Up
9:00 - Activity #7
9:45 - Activity #8
10:30 -10:45 - Break
10:45-11:30 - Activity #9
11:30 - Prep & Eat Lunch
12:30 - Clean-up
Break Down Camp: Pack up Gear & Clean Prairie
1:30 - Journal
2:00 - Send off!
2:30 - Depart Flatau Adventures Camp
4:00 - Arrive in Fargo
Packing Requirements: a sleeping bag, sleeping mat if preferred, and outdoor activities clothing and sleep wear. IF you do not have a sleeping bag, you may rent one of ours for just $10 (add it to your registration and checkout.)
If you have any questions regarding this program, please email scottmbrusven@gmail.com
