Academic Treks: Marine Mammal Adventure Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Marine Mammal Adventure

Backed by sixteen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning, and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel, and cultural exchange to create extraordinary college-accredited expeditions. Each course includes an important community service component, and the themes of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth are interwoven in each AT experience.

Academic Treks students are fully immersed in an educational experience in a real world setting, gaining a global perspective and hands-on understanding of the topics studied. They also get a head start on college by earning college and/or community service credit and by building a host of skills they will use both in school and beyond. For students looking for an educational and exciting summer experience, Academic Treks may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

Harbor seals, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises and California sea lions converge each summer on the spectacular British Columbian coastline, providing the unmatched opportunity to study marine mammals in their natural habitats. Join Academic Treks on an extraordinary adventure to explore, learn and immerse yourself in the world of whales, seals and other marine mammals. With pristine wilderness, dramatic terrain, and quaint fishing villages, Vancouver is a fantastic place to spend your summer. Learn and work alongside marine scientists, researchers ,and naturalist guides, both in the classroom and in stunning wilderness settings. You will never forget the first time you see a wild orca breaching or a pod of grey whales swimming just feet from your boat. Two sea kayaking adventures give you ample opportunities to encounter wildlife up close, while more formal studies, community service work and hands-on research give you the in-depth knowledge to make the most of these experiences.

Staff Overview

Academic Treks leaders bring a wealth of experience to every program. They share a love for working with young people, as well as a passion for experiential learning and teaching. The average age of AT staff members is typically around 26.

The Academic Treks course design requires the use of several instructors for each program. Two AT staff members lead the trip, providing focus and continuity to the program. In-country outfitters are used to provide the local knowledge and expertise for expedition phases. These additional teachers and outfitters provide a perspective, depth of knowledge and access to resources that could not be obtained otherwise. Formal instruction is given by professional educators with experience teaching young adults through experiential and project-based learning.

Setting & Accommodations

During the initial orientation and kayaking portion of the program students camp on the beaches of Barkley Sound off Vancouver Island. At the Bamfield Marine Science Centre, students live in dorms alongside the water. Throughout your service in Telegraph Cove and during the final kayaking expedition, students are camping under the stars.

Safety Standards

Academic Treks Course Lead Instructors complete intensive staff training before the program, which includes a focus on risk management, in-country logistics, emergency protocols, leadership training, and teaching students how to integrate experiences learned on program into their everyday lives when they return home. At least one of the course leaders is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of 80 hours of emergency medical training.

Academic Treks: Marine Mammal Adventure Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	7/5/10-7/26/10	16-18	$5,280

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Study Abroad
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Community Service
- Wildlife Viewing
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 12
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 6:1
Religious Affiliation: None