Leadership
Shelly Loeffler
Shelly Loeffler (B.A., B.Ed., P.G.D.) has been teaching adolescents since 1980. Experiential education has always been a priority both at school and at home and as a result, she traveled the globe for one year with her husband and four sons in 1995/96 using the world at large as her classroom. It is this passion for the outdoors, ecology, and community education that motivated her to co-design Ecoquest in 2001.
Scott Thompson
Scott Thompson (B.Ed, P.G.D., M.Ed) has been actively educating adolescents in outdoor adventure since 1986. His strong belief in ecological, experiential, adventure education as a methodology for more engaging learning and a healthier earth led to the writing of his Masters project titled Ecoquest in 2000 and the beginning of the Ecoquest program in 2003.
Mission Statement
In Ecoquest, it is our mission to challenge each student to reach his or her full intellectual, emotional, social and physical potential through an exciting integrated experiential curriculum. We strive to create a diverse learning community that fosters mutual respect through environmental and social responsibility and activism. It is our hope that through the Ecoquest experience, students will strengthen their connection and appreciation of the natural world by spending quality time in nature.
Our Objectives
Students in the Ecoquest Outdoor Classroom develop:
A strong sense of community with fellow classmates, teachers,
and community partners.- An ability to think critically about ecological, cultural,
and community issues.
- A greater knowledge and appreciation of the History of Saskatchewan
and its relationship to Canadian and global issues.
- A greater awareness of Social Justice issues.
- Cultural awareness and appreciation.
- Greater knowledge and appreciation of the fragility of Saskatchewan's
natural environment and ecological regions.
- A heightened sense of accomplishment, confidence, and self
worth.
- Leadership, risk management, and cooperative group skills that are
necessary in adventure education.
- A responsible attitude towards learning and problem solving.
- Growth in positive communication and observational skills.
- Improved research, writing, and presentation skills.
- A dedication to physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.
- Skills that underlie academic excellence and achievement
in all subject areas.
Subjects Offered
Ecoquest provides instruction in all required areas of study:
Language Arts- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arts Education
- Physical Education
- Practical and Applied Arts
- Career Education
- Health
The foundational objectives of each subject's curriculum are
delivered in an integrated instructional format through a variety of instructional strategies that include research projects, experiential field studies, and extended excursions.
The Three Challenges
1. Academic Challenge:
First and foremost this program provides an academic challenge.
Relevant and meaningful learning takes place through first hand
experience and exploration in the best place possible.
Students often work independently or in small groups to complete
challenging projects. They are given increased responsibility for
their learning and they are expected to manage their time and
to make decisions that enhance achievement. The teachers facilitate
and guide this learning process.
2. Physical Challenge:
This program provides a strong physical challenge as students
are very active in outdoor pursuits on a daily basis. Cycling,
running, walking, paddling, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, wall climbing
and camping in the outdoors requires an excellent fitness level
and Ecoquest supports improved fitness and healthy attitudes as
a way of life.
3. Emotional Challenge:
This program provides a unique and dramatic emotional
challenge. Students form a close-knit community as they work together
to solve problems academically, socially, and physically in a
variety of challenging environments. Students take immense pride in their
independence, responsibility, and success in the face of real
life outdoor challenges (in all types of weather!) Their confidence
grows with each new accomplishment, their self-esteem is greatly
enhanced and they develop emotional resilience.
Ecoquest Highlights:
-
Challenge
- Adventure
- Leadership
-
Safety
- Community
- Friendships
-
Teamwork
- Reflection
- Commitment
-
Independence
- Responsibility
|
- Initiative
-
Comfort Zone
- Respect
- Confidence
-
Excitement
- Wonder
- Scenery
-
Cooperation
- Walking Softly
- Solo Time
-
Caring
|
Equipment Required
You must be able to borrow or purchase the following items:
- day pack
- appropriate school supplies. (binders, notebooks, journals,
pens, etc.)
- raingear (coat and pants)
- 3 season sleeping bag (-10 C)
- personal clothing for all seasons
- mountain bike
- helmet
- food for all trips
- cold weather boots
The Ecoquest program has some of the following equipment to loan:
- tent
- cookware & stoves
- backpack
- sleeping pad or thermarest
- sleeping bag
Acceptance into this program is not based on the ability to
provide all of the required items.
Please contact Scott Thompson or Shelly Loeffler, Ecoquest teachers,
if you need assistance at 683-8125.
