Environmental Leadership Programs
Costa Rica • Ecuador • The Amazon • The Galapagos • Dartmouth College - 2015 -
FROM BEING GREEN TO LEADING GREEN SUSTAINABLE SUMMER PREPARES TODAY’S HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE TOMORROW’S ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
CONTENTS Field Notes 3–6 Our Approach 7–10 Costa Rica Program 11–12 Ecuador Program 13–14 Amazon Program 15–16 Galapagos Program 17–18 Dartmouth Program 19–20 Testimonials 21 Next Steps 22
We ventured deep into the Amazon on our longest, muddiest, most adventurous hike yet – the Gran Cañon. The first part was typical of our previous Amazon hikes, but turned exhilarating when we reached a rushing steam flowing through a narrow canyon entrance. Most of us were feeling a mixture of surprise and nervousness when we learned this was now our trail, through hip-deep water in a jungle gorge. However, the guides provided assistance and support through the tough situations we faced in the gorge. Then we ate lunch in a beautiful green grotto where a few brave souls swam in the cool water while others basked in the sunlight filtering through the jungle foliage. The satisfaction of finishing the hike definitely trumped the fear that we initially felt. These past few days we’ve been jumping miles out of our comfort zones and I think it’s pushing us closer together and strengthening our bonds. – Excerpt from the 2014 Sustaining the Amazon group journal 3
4
5
Next we learned about permacultural engineering and the capture, transfer, and delivery of water and the hydrologic cycle. We discussed the finite nature of water and what that means for the future of our planet. Later in the day, we planted nitrogen-fixing trees and vetiver on the ranch, making sure we didn’t step on the roaming hens and piglets in the process! We really got our hands dirty in the pouring rain. In honor of Independence Day, we engaged in a lively debate regarding the topic, “Are the citizens of the United States really free?” – Blog post from 2014 Bridge to the Future participant
6
SUSTAINABILITY IMMERSION Deep engagement in the subject and practice of sustainability
7
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Communication skills, critical reflection, and action planning 7
8
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY Interdisciplinary study of human interaction with the environment
9
ACTIVE LEARNING
Hands-on, collaborative, and participatory applications of concepts 10
11 Riding horseback to a towering waterfall in Cangreja National Park
BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE
AN INVESTIGATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES Focus: Natural Resource Management Region: Costa Rica’s Rainforest, Mountains & Coast Essential Question: How do “small” and “local” provide a blueprint for a sustainable future? 21 Day Program: 6/28 – 7/18 $3995 9 Day Program: 7/18 – 7/26 $1995
Sunrise over wind turbines in the Costa Rican highlands 12
13 Planting seeds at Rio Muchacho Organic Farm
SEEDS OF CHANGE
AN EXPLORATION OF THE GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEM
Focus: Sustainable Agriculture Region: Ecuador’s Coast & Highlands Essential Question: How do we implement sustainable models of food production? 21 Day Program: 6/28 – 7/18 $3495
At the rim of Laguna Quilatoa in the Andean highlands 14
15 Blowgun practice in a Kichwa village
SUSTAINING THE AMAZON
AN ECO-ADVENTURE THROUGH RAINFORESTS AND RIVERS Focus: Sustainable Development Region: The Ecuadorian Amazon Essential Question: How do we reconcile the needs of the environment with those of people? 15 Day Program: 7/18 – 8/1 $2995 9 Day Program: 6/27 – 7/5 $1995
Dugout canoes on the Rio Napo, a major tributary of the Amazon 16
17 The Galapagos’ most famous and ecologically important inhabitant
CROSSROADS OF CONSERVATION AN ECOLOGICAL JOURNEY THROUGH DARWIN’S ENCHANTED ISLANDS Focus: Ecology & Conservation Region: The Galapagos Essential Question: How do we place a value on nature? 14 Day Program: 7/5 – 7/18 $3795 10 Day Program: 7/18 – 7/27 $2395
Surfing at Tortuga Bay 18
19 Hiking the Appalachian Trail, which runs through Dartmouth’s campus
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AT DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
Focus: Environmental Policy & Politics Region: New Hampshire & Vermont Essential Question: How do individuals impact institutional environmental change? 14 Day Program: 7/5 – 7/18 $2995
Dartmouth College is not an official sponsor or co-sponsor of this program 20
TESTIMONIALS “It was absolutely, UNDOUBTEDLY, the most amazing experience in my life.” - Murray, Columbia Grammar and Prep, NY “The impact on my son was huge. The facts, information and overall knowledge of the environment and sustainability was exciting as parents. This style of learning was perfect for my son.” - Lori, Rio Rancho, NM “Sustainable Summer has completely changed my life. I feel like a more confident, knowledgeable, and worldly person.” - Kate, Foothill High School, CA
“Sustainable Summer was a hugely positive experience for my daughter. Your organization is top notch, and I will recommend it to anyone who is interested.” - Dawn, Elmhurst, IL
21
APPLY ONLINE
SUSTAINABLESUMMER.ORG/APPLY Visit sustainablesummer.org for full program details, FAQs, and information on scholarships, group flights, health and safety, and other program specifics. Tuition includes all accommodations, meals, activities, instruction, course materials, and in-country ground transportation. Tuition does not include airfare, travel insurance, personal expenses, or host country entry or exit fees.
ABOUT SUSTAINABLE SUMMER Sustainable Summer is an environmental leadership program for high school students run by Sustainable Learning Inc., a New York City-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
22
sustainablesummer.org 646.504.5046
printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper