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GSUSA Leading the Way
Conservation, Culture and Digital Arts: Southwestern US
Experiencing the wonders of the Southwestern U.S. is an unbelievable opportunity many wait a lifetime to enjoy. From dramatic canyons to colorful badlands and secluded cliff dwellings to vibrant Native American communities, this destination is the perfect setting to discover the power you have to make a positive difference in our world.
Picture It
This unique 2-part destination is sure to be a life-changing experience! Offered as a part of GSUSA’s Include All Girls initiative, this event is fully accessible to girls of all abilities and includes a weekend training retreat in Colorado in the spring and a 10-day Field Workshop expedition in the summer.
During the retreat portion, you'll gain valuable communication skills through a Digital Arts Workshop provided by the Pearson Foundation and gain leadership skills as you explore beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll learn how to get your story heard in this ever-saturated digital world by creating short Public Service Announcements (PSA)— videos that tell your story and inspire others to help make the world a better place. The Pearson Foundation will also teach storytelling techniques, technical skills, i.e. how to shoot video with state-of-the-art technology eg, flip cameras and video editing software, and how to take your story and share it with the world.
During the Field Workshop, you will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend 10 days exploring the Southwestern US as you raft the San Juan River in Utah and explore the majestic and historic Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. Dramatic canyons, colorful badlands, sand dunes, barren mesas, and unique arches and rock formations dot the landscape, a visual reminder of 500 million years of geologic forces at work. You will explore the spectacular National Parks and Monuments that characterize the area and will be immersed in a new culture while staying in the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the country, as well as learn about complex ecological issues surrounding the area. Through a partnership with the National Parks Service Natural Sounds Program, you'll study and conduct experiments exploring the natural and cultural sounds of the area while learning why these pristine acoustical environments demand restoration and preservation.
And, if that doesn't sound like enough fun, you will end your Field Workshop by spending 4 days sleeping under the stars, hiking in remote slot canyons and experiencing the peacefulness of the region as you raft the incredible San Juan river. Return home ready to make a positive difference in our world and complete the experience by designing a follow-up service project taking everything you learned and putting it into ACTION!
Map It
Denver, Colorado for Retreat and Phoenix, AZ for Field Exploration,
and 4-Corners Area (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado)
Be It
- This destination is open to girls of all abilities. While the hikes and excursions on this adventure are not strenuous, the heat may be challenging for some travelers. Girls should be in good physical condition. Accommodations will be made for those with physical or cognitive disabilities.
- Committed to community service and an academic experience
- Comfortable around water
- Possess good teamwork skills
- Open-minded and ready to interact with people and places different than what you're used to
- Able to participate in the weekend training retreat in Colorado (required) and 5 one-hour online learning sessions leading up to the trip after acceptance into the program (February--June)
Plan It
- Session 1; May 13–16, 2010; $2,050
(One price for both workshops)
Must be 14–18 years old at the time of the event. - Session 2; July 28, 2010–August 6, 2010; $2,050
Must be 14–18 years old at the time of the event.
Get It A packing list and preparatory materials will be provided upon acceptance. $ It A $200 deposit is due immediately upon acceptance to this event (part of the event fee, not in addition to it).
Money-earning help and scholarship opportunities are available. Applicants should complete the survey with disabilities, if applicable. Event fee includes all expenses related to the training retreat in Rocky Mountain National Park which includes airfare from your home city to Denver, CO and Digital Arts training; all expenses once the Field Workshop begins including meals, lodging, all ground transfers, taxes, all park entrance fees, program t-shirts, workshop journal, basic travel insurance, carbon offsets, and textbooks. You'll be responsible for round-trip transportation to Phoenix, AZ (field workshop) and spending money.
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