My Forest Summit - Meet, Learn, and Work in the Outdoors
130 junior high school students attended the 3rd Annual event held in concert with National Public Lands Day on September 24 and 25th 2010. The event was held at SCICON, the environmental education campus for Tulare County Office of Education.
It began after school on Friday with initiation games, career fair and an outdoor campfire program with entertainment. On Saturday morning teams of students performed volunteer work on public lands such as trail maintenance, river cleanup or wildlife enhancement projects. At noon everyone returned to campus and enjoyed an afternoon of outdoor recreation activities hosted by outdoor organizations showcasing their favorite outdoor activities. Activities included a climbing wall, fly fishing, mountain biking, stock packing, leave no trace camping, laser target shooting, and Dutch oven cooking.
Special thanks to Back Country Horsemen of California - Sequoia area, Porterville Breakfast Lions, Tulare County Office of Education and Kings County Fire Fighters Association for their cash support and to the many volunteers who helped organize and put on the event. Thanks also to Kern River Outfitters, High Sierra Trail Crew, National Park Service, California State Parks, and California Land Management for handout and prize donations. Without the generosity of the contributors this unique youth outdoor event wouldn’t be possible.
Designed for middle school students (7th – 9th grades), The MyForest Summit is a way for teens to stay connected with the forest, further develop their conservation ethic and begin to explore environmental science careers. This event coincides with Public Lands Day, a national day when the public is encouraged to get involved with local county, state or national public lands. Students at the MyForest Summit will have an opportunity to participate in projects such as trail building, wildlife habitat enhancement, tree planting and much more. Following the volunteer projects on Saturday, there will be a recreation fair designed to introduce students to outdoor interests that will help then continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Last year students learned skills in camping, horse packing, rock climbing, fly fishing, orienteering and much more. “We are proud to support the Sequoia National Forest and the MyForest Summit,” says County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. “The event is one of a growing number of programs designed to keep students involved in outdoor learning beyond their SCICON experience.” Students can only participate as part of a larger youth organization (school, scouts, youth group, etc.)
Schools and youth organizations are invited to send teams of 7th – 9th grade students (up to ten students per team.) to this year's My Forest Summit. Adult Chaperones must accompany teams of students School or organization must provide transportation to and from the MyForest Summit at SCICON. Activities begin at 4pm on Friday and conclude after a closing BBQ on Saturday.
$15 per student includes all meals, lodging and activities. Scholarships may be available, contact us for details. Download student registration form here. For more information contact: Mary Cole, Forest Landscape Architect, Sequoia National Forest marycole@fs.fed.us, (559) 781-1500 ext 1133