Allakaket Science Camp August 12-14, 2008
Report prepared by Sharon Baur
Allamakee is a rural Native Village located on the Kanuti NWR. This was the
first Science camp held in the village of Allamakee. Friends Members Brenda
Dolma, Sharon Baur and Debbie Jarosz assisted Brandy Birkbigler, Tanana Chiefs
and Kristin Reakoff, Interpretive Park Ranger, Kanuti National Wildlife
Refuge during the 3 day camp.
We begin our days in the Tribal hall with hands on activities such as owl pellet
dissections, beading, instructional games aimed at teaching our students water
quality, Salmon habitat, team work and careful stewardship of their lands
through art, the classes were on more of a fun festival venue than classroom
structured instruction. The students varied in age from pre-school to Junior
high. The afternoons were spent at the river. We painted t-shirts, played
games to help the children understand Salmon Life Cycles, and did invertebrate
sampling. The classes were well attended, with participation of the elders all
three days. The last afternoon of camp we took the opportunity to walk the
village visiting with as many elders as we could. Regular school classes were
soon to resume so this gave us a chance to introduce ourselves to the teachers
and give them our input from the science camp.
Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges
2440 E. Tudor Road, PMB 283
Anchorage, AK 99507-1185
akrefugefriends@gmail.com
