Mount Rainier Sept 6-8, 2018
hosted by Academy NW - THE school for homeschooling families
Where
Mt Rainier region
Itinerary Plan
Sept 6
- Billy Frank Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: class on observation skills and guided walk (near Olympia)
- Wolf Haven: class on wolves in the ecosystem, guided tour of the Wolf Sanctuary, exploration of the Prairie Mounds and the "Grandfather Tree." (Tenino)
- Potluck and evening program (Packwood)
Sept 7
- Mt Rainier Longmire: Instruction on habitats and succession
- Paradise: Nisqually Glacier Vista Trail/glacier study, Vistor's Center, hike options
- Dinner and evening program (Packwood)
Sept 8
- Ohanapecosh nature trail & hot springs
- Grove of the Patriarchs/ancient forest study
- Hike to Silver Falls (short & longer options)
- Sunrise, Federation Forest/visitor's center, optional hikes and excursions
Lodging Options (for 9/6-9/8)
- Hotel Packwood -- 360.494.5431 (cheapest option outside of camping, very limited # of rooms, more hostel-like w/private rooms + community bathrooms)). Give the name of our trip organizer Candice Childs.
- Packwood Lodge -- 360-496-5333 (saw a better price going through Expedia)
- Check for deals through Expedia, etc but be sure you are in or near Packwood, WA.
- Packwood RV Park & Campground -- 360-494-5145 Is open year round (despite what website says) but has limited spots this time of year
- Camp Wis Wis -- 1-877-444-6777 (Randle); open through Sept but limited spots this time of year
Lodging options are very limited this time of year so make your reservations ASAP.
We'll be goin' 'round
the mountain
when you come!
Join us for this unique opportunity to learn up close and personal about this remarkable region. Our Family Field Studies to the Mount Rainier area will include guided field studies of several different ecosystems and hands-on labs on the ecology, biomes, flora and fauna of this backyard neighbor, from the Nisqually side around to the south, east, and north sides as well.
Topics to be studied include: 
- Habitats & wildlife in several ecosystems including ancient forests
- Landforms, glaciers & volcanoes
- Regional history
- Climbing considerations
- Fun family learning!
A great experience for all ages!
Program Fee (lodging & travel expenses not included):
- $75 family rate (for up to 3 in the family) + $10/each additional attending family member if registered by 8/3, $95 + $10/per additional after 8/3
- $45 Individual student attending with another family to 8/3 or $65 after 8/3
Program fee covers curriculum, free access to Mt Rainier National Park, some facilities use fees, instructors' expenses and honorarium. Registered families will receive pre-trip information and curriculum, as well as links to specific websites for pre-trip study sources. Program fee does not cover cost of travel and lodging.
High school course outlines will be provided for Environmental Science and Photography. Academy NW students can also check with their teacher for how learning activities can be applied to current courses.
Families need to make own lodging reservations (see left panel). Each family can pack simple foods for breakfasts, sack lunches, snacks, and drinks/water to have in their car. Dinner will be planned potluck for Thursday and pizza or potluck BBQ depending on facilities on Friday. Food assignments for dinner(s) will be sent out two weeks prior to the event.
For students 12/+ years old whose parents are unable to attend, those students must come with a "designated adult" with another registered family who are providing transportation and supervision for the whole time. Non-attending parents must provide a permission slip. Costs for traveling, lodging, etc. must be negotiated between the families.
Questions, email candicec@academynorthwest.net Hope to see you there!
Space is quite limited so...
Contact:
Candice B ChildsAcademy Northwest
candicec@academynorthwest.net
206.963.3928