The Upper Skagit Rafting Adventure
Fall September - November
River rafting and a scavenger hunt through the North Cascades National
Park Visitors Center
Learn the basics of river rafting on the emerald waters of the “magic” Skagit
River. On this 9-mile stretch we will view and identify the abundant waterfowl,
wildlife and native plants. Students will understand habitat relationships
and use of ecological terminology. Students will also learn the importance
and significance of this river’s protection under the Wild and Scenic
Act of 1968. The Upper Skagit program teaches about a rich cultural history
beginning with Native American traditions, fur trading and gold mining,
and ends with a recent generation of logging, dam building and outdoor
recreation. This program is perfect for children of all ages and abilities.
Goals
1) Provide students with a basic understanding of the life cycle of the 5 pacific
salmon, local flora and fauna, glaciers and the birth of rivers, and the Skagit
River’s designation under the Wild and Scenic Act of 1968 (ENV)
2) Provide students with an introductory class on river rafting including swift
water safety and a lesson on paddle rafting (REC)
3) Provide diversity training to special education and general education students
(EDU)
4) Provide diversity training to ELL students as well as general education students
(EDU)
5) Increase multi-ethnic integration between ELL students and general education
students (EDU)
6) Increase the language acquisition skills of ELL students (EDU)
Objectives
- Be capable of teaching someone else the names of ALL 5 pacific salmon
- Identify and Log sightings and evidence of 50% of this list: salmon, merganser
duck, harlequin duck, bald eagle, water ouzels (American dipper), great blue
heron, cougar, black bear, beaver, and deer
- Be capable of describing the Skagit River in your own words
- Be able to demonstrate and explain basic paddle rafting strokes, a defensive
swimmer position (feet first) and aggressive self rescue
- Be able to name 2 of the 3 most common dangers on the river: foot entrapment,
strainers and rope
