SFI announces youth coordinator post
From our weekly issue dated October 22, 2008
Selma-based Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI), with “a mission to deepen people’s scientific understanding and intimate connection to the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion,” has announced development of a new youth coordinator position.
Due to the awarding of several grants, SFI recently hired CeCe Bowerman for the new position.
Bowerman graduated from Unity College in Maine. She studied adventure education and wilderness therapy, and during the past 2½ years worked as an outdoor educator along the West Coast. She has led teen-age wilderness trips; worked as an educator at a Nature sanctuary; and at SFI served as the AmeriCorps member through the Northwest Service Academy.
A grant funding this position has created a major partnership with Oregon Caves National Monument, run by the National Park Service. Bowerman will work to increase youth involvement at the Oregon Caves and the Deer Creek Center (DCC), home of SFI. Another major grant is from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board which will fund the development of three outdoor education kiosks at DCC. The kiosks will provide interpretative displays and hands-on science activities for youth.
The WHH Foundation and the Gray Family Fund at the Oregon Community Foundation, the Middle Rogue Steelheaders and Illinois Valley Community Development Organization also have provided support.
SFI said that it will work closely with area schools to increase educational programs and dynamic outdoor experiences for youth. Said SFI, “It is an ambitious project which will include providing educational activities for 250 underserved students in the region through programs in the classroom, at the Deer Creek Center and Oregon Caves National Monument.
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“SFI will develop residential outdoor school options for 150 other students in spring 2009. The outdoor school will utilize the education kiosks, a student workbook that will help students practice basic biological illustration techniques and journaling skills and a storytelling workshop to train volunteers in the art of traditional storytelling to provide evening programs for youth.
“SFI will also coordinate youth activities as they are related to the Oregon Caves National Monument Centennial Celebration. Finally, we will be working with staff at the Caves to develop a variety of youth recreational and educational activities for the monument to increase visitation, particularly during the slower seasons.”
SFI continued, “We and our partners are excited to start on this ambitious project to serve Illinois Valley, and surrounding areas.” For more information phone (541) 597-8530 or visit www.thesfi.org.
