Hello, my name is Paula Medlin from Strong, AR.
I attended the Boot Camp for Teachers in 2008. One of the best things I have ever experienced! So good that I am returning this year in hopes of learning more and being able to be a volunteer for the 2010 Iditarod.
One of the projects we (my school) were able to take part in was the Rookie Musher Project. We adopted Kurt Reich to follow and do whatever we could to help him before, during, and after the race. Kurt was running the race to raise money for charity, his goal was to raise 500,000. He is from Colorado and we live in AR. I wanted our school to help him reach his goal, but I felt the money needed to stay in our own state. Together we were able to work this out.
Arkansas has the one of the best Children’s Hospital’s in the U.S. They turn away no one! We also have the only burn unit for adults and children in the whole state. Between ACH and Kurt we were able to raise $3000.00 for ACH. Had I not gotten involved with the Iditarod Boot Camp none of this would have taken place. See what can happen with one tiny interest begins to blossom, bloom, and grow like wild fire! I have always taught about the Iditarod in my math classes, but never like I did this year! I think everyone in our whole state knows about it now!!
Once you get involved there is no end to what you can cause to happen, ways you can help, values you can instill in your students, there are so many lessons involved with real life and the Iditarod. All knowledge and education does not have to come from age old textbooks. Just ask our school kids………
I encourage anyone who has the slightest interest in the Iditarod, becoming a better teacher, or just wants to gain a new respect for life and what actually goes on, to get involved in the Iditarod. I had all kinds of doubt about going to the Boot Camp, can I do this, am I too old, I don’t know??? Diane Johnson is awesome, I never looked back after talking with her and making my plans. Thanks, Diane!! Don’t wait, if you are an educator you need to attend and bring your classroom back to the real world of what it takes to overcome obstacles and be a success in life. Strong, AR population 678ish………poverty stricken, 100% free lunch, plants shutting down everyday………..raised 3000.00 to benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital and our Rookie Musher, Kurt Reich! Way to Go!!!!!!!!!
Paula Medlin 3/4 Math Gardner Strong Elementary Strong, AR
