Engage Youth in a Personal Quest to Discover a Battlefield - WICR

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVESThe Explorer Summer Quest will provide 60 students with a curriculum designed to introduce them to the history of Wilson's Creek NB and lead them on a personal quest to discover their own relationship with the battlefield. They will take ownership of Wilson's Creek NB and learn that this and other national parks belong to them. They will understand the importance of becoming stewards who care for and protect this hallowed space and the other exceptional places that make up our National Park System. Park staff and the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation will work with other partners to implement this educational opportunity. The participants will be students from ages 9 to 12 enrolled in the Republic, Missouri, Parks and Recreation Summer Program. The curriculum will include living history, museum resources, family stories, environmental studies, and creative projects designed to encourage them to interpret their experiences.Over two summers (2015, 2016), WICR and the WICR Foundation organized the first Explorer Summer Quest camps. These pilots were deemed successful in engaging youth in the history of the battle, and the management of the battlefield. This five year agreement builds upon and is a continuation of the pilot projects. Additionally, the WICR Foundation is uniquely qualified because its sole mission is to increase community support for this revered landmark, protect historic artifacts, complete preservation and improvement projects, and enhance educational programs for students and all residents of southwest Missouri. THE RECIPIENT AGREES TO:1. Plan and oversee two (2) one-week Explorer Summer Quest camps2. Provide a tent as a temporary class room at the Ray House3. Provide camp haversacks and hats to all participants4. Provide art, photo, and activity supplies5. Provide two instructors to lead all activities6. Provide overall coordination including arranging guest speakers and coordinatingwith the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield regarding student transportation andcounselors.NPS AGREES TO:1. Work with the recipient in describing the goals, jointly developing the scope and theactivities to be accomplished.2. Provide cultural/environmental programs to the team members including park tours,educational programs, talks on the history of the park, and other similar programs ina variety of media and will coordinate among other NPS units in the area to providejoint educational programs and field trips to NPS and other related

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