Dear Parents and Friends,

DAY 1

Today we left Utah for the Teton Science School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  We have been getting oriented to the camp where we will be spending the next four days.  It is located in a small canyon near the Teton Mountain Range.  We took a few breaks from the drive and stopped for lunch in Afton, Wyoming.  We have already experienced some weather (it rained for about ten minutes). 

            The counselors have already informed us that there is a bear with her two cubs in the area.  There have also been sightings of moose and other wildlife in near the camp.  The other wildlife include, fox, deer, chipmunk, pine martin, red tail hawk, and a flicker (closely related to the woodpecker, it was also stuffed).

            Upon arriving here, we met in the lunchroom and were split into two groups.  After that, we had a couple of get to know you activities and checked out equipment.  We then had orientation and we were checked into our dorms.  The facilities are very nice.  After unpacking in our dorms, and we got a tour of the campus.  We also learned about the history of Teton Science School.  It has been here for 40 years.  It was founded by a man who wanted to teach students outside instead of indoors.  After working on our lab books, we had dinner and went to our evening program.  There we learned about the G.Y.E. (Grand Yellowstone Ecosystem).  The G.Y.E was first founded for Grizzly Bear protection.  It covers 14 million acres and three states.  This is the largest protected area second to Alaska.  The G.Y.E has four different communities:  the Sage Community, Conifer Community, Aspen Community, and the Riparian Community, also known as S.C.A.R.

            We are having a great time and we are looking forward to the next four days filled of wonderful learning experiences.  Thank you so much parents for allowing us the opportunity for us to come here and for being so supportive.

-Ellie Edwards, Hayden Griffiths, Connor George, Nate Johnson, Duncan Edwards