Alaskan author Shelley Gill has written 20 bestselling books and her aim is always to inspire with adventure, educate about the environment and leave her readers with a sense of wonder. One of the first women to race in the Iditarod, Gill visits schools around the world. Using a powerpoint presentation she takes students to the far corners of the earth, from Alaska to Baja to Antarctica, and using her adventures leaves them excited about reading and writing and life’s possibilities. Gill is a humpback whale researcher in Prince William Sound, has wrangled ponies in the Alaska Range and sailed to the bottom of the world. She would love to visit your school.   shelleygill.com

Pam Flowers:  Arctic Explore, Author, Musher

Bring arctic explorer, adventurer, Iditarod Musher, and author Pam Flowers  to your school.

“Pam is the author of four books, has written many magazine articles, produced an educational newsletter, spoken at the Smithsonian and the St. Louis Science Center, and lectured to over 650,000 students at over 1,100 public and private schools.”  Pam has two narrated PowerPoint presentations focusing on Pam’s expeditions.

Visit Pam’s website and learn more!

Libby Riddles:  First Woman to Win the Iditarod and Author

Libby is the author of several books and spends her summers sharing Iditarod and mushing with passengers as an on board lecturer in Juneau for Princess.

Learn more about Libby Riddles.

Using a lesson plan template when planning your Iditarod Based lessons provides documentation and assurance you are aligning your lessons to the content and/or cultural standards.  Click here for an easy to use  Lesson plan template.

Track your mushers during the race.  Use a form such as this to record the mushers progress from checkpoint to checkpoint as the musher travels from Anchorage to Nome.   Musher Tracking Forms.  Use the northern route tracking form during the even years (2010, 2012, 2014) and the southern route tracking form during the odd years.  (2011, 2013, 2015)

Teachers, you are invited to submit your tried and true lessons to be published on our website.  We are seeking standards aligned lessons and activities that bring the race to students.  Send us your science, math, technology, social studies or other content area lesson.  Your lessons are inspirational and helpful to educators around the world.  Submissions are due January 15.

Curriculum Challenge Entry Form

Enjoy the slide show from the 2009 Musher Banquet.

[[Show as slideshow]]

Enter our Table Top Decorating Contest!

• The Iditarod takes place because thousands of volunteers play major roles in every aspect of the race and the events that surround it.
• Your class can be a part of the race from your location by being chosen as part of the volunteer team that helps make the Iditarod Musher Banquet in Anchorage a festive occasion.
• Enter our contest. Selected classrooms will create and send the decorations that will be on the tables at the banquet.
• Win a prize for your classroom, but more importantly, provide your students with an opportunity to be involved in a service learning project.  You can’t always be somewhere ‘physically’, but what can do– is help to create an environment for this incredible event.  Be with us— through your student’s art and creative endeavors.

201o Table Top Contest Rules and Entry Form

A special thanks goes to our 2009 winning schools! Thanks for helping to make the banquet a special event.

• A.O. Marshall Elementary School, Il,  Jackie Juricic
• Level Cross Elementary School, NC, Lisa Oaks, Mary Luper
• McEver Elementary School, GA, Sarah Lux

Read an article about the 2009 Musher Banquet written by Target® 2009 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ Cathy Walters

Enjoy a slide show of our past winners and banquet pictures.

Susan Flahive, Virginia

Dean Barron, Texas

Jeannie Wolf, Texas

Amber Baur, California

Eric Smith, Minnesota

Julie Howard, North Carolina

Lynne Witte, Michigan

View the winning lessons!

• Miles to Checkpoints: Northern and Southern Route: (Estimation) Page 2
• Checkpoint Averages: Years 2001 – 2009 Page 3
• 2009 Checkpoint Miles from Checkpoint to Checkpoint Page 12
• Checkpoint Summary (Stats for each checkpoint) Page 13
• 2009 Drop Dog Counts by Checkpoint Page 54

* Please remember that the miles from checkpoint to checkpoint are an estimate. The distance may also change slightly from year to year depending on the trail. Each year, the trail is created and although it remains for the most part the same, conditions may change the route a few miles one direction or another. You may find conflicting information about the length of the Iditarod Trail.

The GPS Tracker will also give information on the length of the trail. Learn about the GPS Tracker and Iditarod Insider.

Sometimes ‘we’ say The Last Great Race® is 1,049 miles. Great= something larger, for example, more than 1000 miles. 49 to represent Alaska being the 49th state.

View the lesson he used and writing samples from two 4th grade students by clicking here.

This lesson can be used with any grade level.  The original lesson and other information can be viewed by clicking here. Scroll to the Experience Journal.

Thanks goes out to Mr. Russoniello and his students for sharing their work!

Bring Iditarod to Your School! ‘Iditarod’ guest speakers will be visiting communities near you!  Read about these opportunities.  Make your plans.  Your students will be inspired and encouraged to do their best in school and in meeting their own goals.

After the visit, send us an update! We’d enjoy hearing about the presentation!

YOU can bring Iditarod to your classroom!

Over the next few months and the next school year, several Iditarod Mushers will be traveling in Alaska and the lower 48, sharing presentations for schools and communities. A sled dog generally accompanies the musher for the presentations designed to share information about Iditarod, dog mushing, and what it takes to achieve goals and dreams. The presentations are designed for students but are appropriate for audiences of all ages and are great for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the opportunity to book a presentation in your area. Read about our presenters! Click on the musher’s information below to learn about the kind of presentation and fees associated with the presentation.

Don’t hesitate, make the contacts now and bring a presentation to your community.

Ken Anderson

As a child growing up in suburban Saint Paul, Minnesota, Ken Anderson first learned about the Iditarod in the fifth grade when his father bought him a picture book about The Last Great Race.  The Iditarod immediately grabbed his fascination and he vowed he would someday run the famed race.  As he grew older he followed his heart north to Alaska where he apprenticed under Iditarod greats Susan Butcher and Jeff King.  He met his eventual wife, Gwen while working at a dog kennel and within a few years they were winning dog races of their own.  Ken realized his dream in 1999 when he finished his first Iditarod.  He has since become a serious contender, finishing the race eight times, always in the top-twenty, including a career-high fourth place in 2008.  In the same year he and his wife became the first and only husband and wife to finish both the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest.

From his boyhood dreams, to working with the greats, to starting his own kennel while living in a tiny 12 foot X 12 foot log cabin with no electricity and no running water, to running the race, Ken’s slideshow presentation carries a strong message of setting one’s goals high and striving to accomplish them.

His presentation also includes a visit from one of his lead dogs as well as lots of clothing, trophies, and equipment on hand for participants to see.  His show makes a perfect compliment to an exciting school program that will be sure to make learning that much more enjoyable for the students.

He will be speaking in the Minnesota and Pennsylvania areas in the early Fall of 2009.  For more information he may be reached at
ken@windycreekkennel.com

Dewey Halverson:

 ”The real Iditarod Experience – through the eyes and stories of Duane “Dewey” Halverson, nine-time veteran Iditarod Alaska Sled Dog Race Musher” is a presentation you don’t want to miss! Discover information about the history of the trail, background on the Iditarod Sled Dog race, tales of heroics between fellow mushers and a checkpoint by checkpoint introduction to the 1,200 mile journey. Dewey will be on tour during the 2008 – 2009 school year in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, and other parts of the United States. Visit Dewey’s website and book a presentation by Clicking Here!

Hugh Neff:

Hugh Neff, originally from Chicago has lived in Alaska for the last 12 years. Starting with nothing, he has worked his way through the sport and in 2009 finished a career best 2nd in the Yukon Quest and 15th in the Iditarod. He has competed in both 1,000 mile races in the same year a record 5 times. He and his team have participated in 9 Yukon Quests and 6 Iditarods in the last 10 years generally finishing in the top of the field. At home with his 50 canine friends, you can often find up to 15 dogs in the house with him each night. In addition to a musher, Hugh is also a writer. His childrens book, ‘Annie: My life on the trail so far’ is available on his website and at his talks.

Hugh and one of his team mates, this year Wild Bill (a 2 year old Quest and Iditarod finisher) travel to the lower-48 in October and May each year to talk to school children. Hugh would like to share some of his stories and talk to kids not only about his dogs, dog mushing, racing, and Alaska but also about becoming involved in their community, spiritual enhancement, positive energy, and pursuing one’s dreams. The presentation includes a short video showing the dogs in action, stories, discussions, an equipment demonstration and a question and answer period. The tour schedule is based on interest. We try to include as many areas as possible. Join us for the Journey of a lifetime – a journey across Alaska with man’s best friend leading the way.

With the spring 2009 schedule full, they are now taking reservations for the October tour. More information about Hugh and his dogs, the presentation and our contact info is available at our website.

Learn more about Hugh and his presentations by clicking HERE!

Laura Daugereau:

Are you interested in having Laura Daugereau, the first woman to represent Washington State in the history of the Iditarod, a dog sledder for 14 years, come speak to your students, group, or event? Laura, born in Tennessee, lives in Port Gamble, Washington, but will travel to other states. Most of her presentations are in the spring due to racing schedule. Funds raised by her inspirational and informational presentation help support her kennel. To learn more about Laura, the Night Runner Kennel, and her presentation, visit her website by Clicking Here!

Kelley Griffin:

Kelley is a two time Iditarod finisher and six time Yukon Quest finisher! This year, Kelly became the first, and so far, only woman to complete both races in the same year. Kelley was born in Minnesota and now lives in Wasilla, Alaska. Kelley will present at schools in Alaska and will travel to other states as funded. Her presentation is inspirational and her dog, Sitka, generally travels with her. Learn more about the incredible K-9 athletes and what it takes to compete and meet goals. Contact Kelley to learn about the booking fees and presentation by sending her an email by Clicking Here!

Eric Rogers

 Eric O. Rogers, Ph. D.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single sleddog.

What makes Iditarod so special?  What makes normal people travel thousands of miles to spend their vacations working in primitive conditions at sub-zero temperatures with a bunch of smelly, sleep deprived mushers and their dogs.  Why would a successful person cash in their retirement and mortgage their home just to run this race one time?  Let a former beach boy from southern California who was tundra struck at an early age tell you all about it.

Iditarod has some very impressive statistics:  1150 miles, over 3000 feet in elevation, sub-zero temperatures, and hurricane force winds.  But Iditarod isn’t about the numbers; it is about a musher and their dog team sharing a common goal.  It is about overcoming the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that line the trail from Anchorage to Nome.   It is about building a team to do things you never thought you could.  It is about being part of that team, part of the history, part of the greatness that is sharing your life with a dog team in Alaska.  It is magic!

Eric came up through the ranks.  From a fan in the early 1980’s, to an Anchorage volunteer in 1992, to a trail volunteer in 1995, to the oldest rookie (age 58) in the 2006 Iditarod, to his fourth Iditarod (third finish) in 2009, Eric Rogers has seen it all.  You can read about his adventures on his website (www.rnorthbounddogs.com) and on his blog (www.rnorthbounddogs.blogspot.com), but it is much more fun to hear them in person.

Eric comes with a dog (or two) and a powerpoint presentation that can be tailored if you have specific interests.  His talk is “G” rated, kid friendly, and has been adapted for all ages from preschool to senior citizens.  His goal is to entertain, educate, and inspire his audience.  To learn about the Iditarod from Eric’s unique perspective contact him at (eorogers@gci.net).Iditarod Musher, Eric Rogers will present programs in Alaska and outside of Alaska. He is also seeking a sponsor to help cover costs of travel expenses associated with presentations outside of Alaska and hopes to be on tour in many different areas and states. If you know of an organization interested in sponsoring his tour or if you are interested in having him speak at your school, contact Eric by sending him an email. Click Here!

MushHusky Assembly Tour for 2008-2009. The Ruzicka Family:

On tour in the lower 48! Bringing Iditarod and mushing to the communities and classrooms!

Click Here to visit their website!
The price for one assembly is $595 or $750 for two a.m. or two p.m. programs. The school assemblies are held Sept. /Oct and then March/April/May.
The 2008/2009 tour will be visiting Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and
Kansas. “We also will include one week for Texas (1st week in December) and another two weeks for Virginia and North Carolina (April/May). We have never been in Pennsylvania and hope to include a week or two on our tour for that state.

We do let the schools define our tour. So, we will spend more time in a state depending on the amount of schools that want us to visit that year in that state.”

“Finney” Andrea Auf der Heyde

Finney, Iditarod’s FIRST Teacher on the Trail(1999) will be on tour in Indiana during the school year with an incredible and inspirational program for students. Finney, accompanied by her sled dog, Annui, have many adventures to share with audiences of all ages. Seeing a sled, winter gear, and other items helps bring the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Alaska to within the walls of the school Don’t miss this opportunity. Click here to contact Finney!

Tasha Stielstra and Nature’s Kennel! Pulling to Succeed

“Nature’s Kennel, owned by Ed and Tasha Stielstra, is located near McMillan in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Nature’s Kennel is home to nearly 100 outstanding Alaskan Huskies. Tasha has combined her 4 years of classroom teaching experience with 10 years of mushing to create the very unique and effective “Pulling Together” program for schools” www.natureskennel.com

“Pulling Together” offers:

Full or half day programs

Hands-on, minds-on activities

Age appropriate, interactive slide show

Mushing equipment for students to handle

Free teacher/classroom activity packet

Small or large group presentations

Contact Tasha: Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Racing & Adventures

www.natureskennel.com

PDF Document: Odyssey Presentation: 2009

Bill Borden

Bill Borden, of Kennesaw, is the first Georgia resident to complete the Iditarod.  He finished the Last Great Race in 2002 in 14 days, 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 14 seconds.  That is not a bad time when you consider all of the mishaps encountered along the Iditarod Trail by Bill and his team.  Bill takes his “Cool Dreams” presentation to schools all over the Southeast.  The talk can be tailored to most any age group from pre-school up to college age, as well as for church, Scout or business groups.  Bill tells of his many trials and tests of Faith as he ventured forth to complete a lifelong dream of racing the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.  The power of prayer plays a big part in Bill’s story but he tells it with humor and personal detail that keeps all audiences enthralled.  A typical Cool Dreams speech includes a PowerPoint slide show of Alaska’s beauty, a demonstration of musher gear, seeing the actual sled Bill drove to Nome, meeting a sled dog and a Q&A session afterwards. The overriding theme of the presentation is that through proper planning, perseverance and Faith, anything is possible.

For a presentation in the Atlanta area Bill asks that a $300 donation be made to Cool Dreams, Inc. which is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit organization, or a $500 donation for two speeches at the same school on the same day.  A larger contribution is requested for destinations further outside the metro Atlanta area which require more drive time and more time away from Bill’s ‘day’ job.  The Cool Dreams experience can be sponsored by a parent, grandparent or a company and their information can be prominently displayed at the start and finish of the PowerPoint show. Please call to ask how Cool Dreams can inspire your group.  1-877-SLED-DOG.

See www.cooldreams.net or   www.877SLEDDOG.com for more information.   Or email bill @ cooldreams.net

Karen Land

Karen Land, a writer and three-time participant in the 1,150-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race across Alaska, is on the road year-round with her sled dog, Borage, giving dog mushing presentations in libraries and schools across the country.

Since 1999, Karen and Borage have given over 800 talks. For more information and reviews of their presentations, go to their website at www.mymusher.com. E-mail Karen directly at mymusher@yahoo.com.

In 1999, Karen took a job caring for 100-some Alaskan Huskies at the Montana kennel of 21-time Iditarod musher, Terry Adkins, DVM. In 2001, Karen finished the 450-mile Wyoming International Stage Stop Race, the 250-mile Can Am Crown in Maine, and Montana’s 350-mile Race to the Sky Sled Dog Race.

In March 2002, Karen made her first appearance in the Iditarod and finished the race in just under 14 days. She went on to compete in 2003 and 2004. Completing the 1,150-mile Iditarod is among the most difficult feats in all of sports. More people have reached the summit of Mount Everest than have made it to the Iditarod finish line behind a dog team.

Join Borage and Karen on an icy adventure in the comfort of your library or school!

Meet Cindy Wilson’s students!

Cindy’s brother made them a wheeled sled for their Idita Race.

Each year, hundreds of schools around the world hold their own Iditarod  in parks, on school grounds, along beaches, or even in backyards.  After studying the race and completing lessons, the learning is put to test in classroom or school wide Iditarod events.

No matter what you call it— Mini- Iditarod races, IKidARod,  or School Iditarod, the result is the same.  Students practice basic content skills and enjoy the race.

Send us pictures and information about the Idita Race in your school or community to help teachers plan their future events!

We went to a company called imagestuff.com and ordered these cool dog tags as reading incentives for the kids.  They run about $.30 apiece when ordered in a large quantity.  Any student reaching their reading goals for the Iditaread received one.  We have given the official Iditarod pencils in the past.

I got  each classroom a dog bootie, and provided them with a poster board on which teachers could post maps to track their mushers and class reading totals.

I also hung a banner at the school entrance that read “MLD Iditaread”.  Finally, we ordered about 12 new children’s books on Alaska and the Iditarod for our school library, and I set out my large collection of books, maps, videos, flags, etc., for all the teachers to use.

Ms. Blair

View the classroom packet created by Ms. Blair by clicking here!   (PDF DOC)