Frequently Asked Questions about KuC’s
Ellkarmiut Summer Science Field Camp at the
Nash Harbor Research Station on Nunivak Island
What is the KuC Summer Science Field Camp Program?
- The Ellkarmiut Summer Science Field Camp is one of the program offered by KuC’s Science and Technology Academy, to encourage Y-K Delta high school juniors and seniors to consider education and careers in Science and Technology. The camp is located in a remarkable wilderness environment on the shores of the Bering Sea. The camp provides a learning environment that is a hands-on and adventure-based. The program instructor is Dr. Rick Knecht from the KuC Science and Technology Academy.
Who can attend?
- Students must be entering their junior or senior year in high school.
- Students must have a strong academic background and interest in Science and Technology. Students are selected based upon their applications, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Students who are planning to attend University of Alaska have priority in the selection process.
- Students who are currently enrolled or have previously attended the KuC Talent Search Program have priority in the selection process.
How do I apply for KuC’s Summer Science Field Camp?
- Complete a Summer Science Field Camp Application available on-line and submit it to KuC.
Click here for application
Submit to: summer_science@bethel.uaf.edu
What are the benefits of attending KuC’s Summer Science Field Camp?
- 3 college credits from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Students are enrolled in Anthropology 100X, Individual, Society, and Culture, a science course from UAF. A couple more classes are being prepared, those will be announced at a later date.
- Outdoor adventure activities (such as kayaking and hiking) in a unique wilderness environment.
- Exposure to both the principles of Western Ecology and to Native Ways of Knowing.
- Working as a group in team building activities and building friendships that will last a lifetime.
When will I know if I am selected to participate in KuC’s Summer Science Field Camp?
- KuC staff will begin evaluation of applications on May 2nd.
- KuC staff will begin notifying participants and alternates on May 7th.
What is the schedule that I should expect if I am selected?
- You will be required to participate in an introductory Audio conference meeting, scheduled for May 18th.
- You will arrive at KuC on June 11th for orientation, introductory coursework, and outfitting. You will stay on campus at KuC dormitory facilities (even if you live in Bethel) until we depart for Nunivak Island on June 15th.
- We may spend a night or two in the Mekoryuk School until weather permits our travel to the Ellkarmiut Science Field Camp at Nash Harbor.
- We will be at Field Camp from approximately June 16th through July 8th.
- We will return to Mekoryuk on July 8th.
- At KuC, you will complete work on your final projects, clean gear that we have used at camp, and summarize our experience. You will stay on campus at KuC dormitory facilities (even if you live in Bethel) until you depart for home on the morning of July 11th.
What are the costs to students who attend KuC’s Summer Science Field Camp Program?
KuC’s Summer Science Field Camp Program will pay the following costs:
- Tuition for a 3 credit core natural science course (ANTH 100X – Individual, Society, and Culture) from UAF
- Books for Anthropology 100X
- Round trip transportation to and from your village to KuC and Nunivak Island
- Food, lodging, transportation, and facilities while at camp
- Adventure – based camp facilities, activities, and equipment.
- Spending money for time in Bethel
- Spending money for potential time in Mekoryuk.
What are the camp facilities at Nash Harbor actually like?
- You can see many of the facilities at our Summer Science Field Camp, 2006 Blog posts.
- Many of the “buildings” are large WeatherPORTS. These include the boys & girls sleeping shelters, the dining shelter, the boat shop, the Alaska Outdoor Center headquarters, and the classroom / gathering shelter.
- There are 2 wooden outhouses.
- There are both male and female steams.
- Both summers we had an excellent cooking (fresh reindeer and Dollies – yum!)
Describe a typical day at camp.
There are no typical days at camp! But here is an attempt –
- 7:30 – Wake up
- 8:00 – Breakfast
- 9:00 – Morning class or lab session
- 10:30 – Hike along the beach to look for actual examples studied in morning class session
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 2:00 – Afternoon class or lab session
- 4:00 – Kayaking excursion (perhaps drag a plankton net or do some fishing)
- 6:00 – Dinner
- 7:00 – Evening get together. Recap of the day’s activities, group fun activities, etc.
- 9:00 – Personal time
- 10:00 – Hit the sack
- There will be days when we will be in the field the entire day, hiking or kayaking and learning, perhaps even spending the nigh out in a “spike camp.”
- There may be days when we travel by boat to other parts of Nunivak Island, and perhaps hike back to Nash Harbor across the old shield volcano.
Questions? Contact:
Martin Leonard, Summer Science Field Program
Kuskokwim Campus, UAF
Box 368 Bethel, Alaska 99559
voice 907.543.4510 / 1.800.478.5822 ext. 510
martin_leonard@bethel.uaf.edu
