OUR VALUES: What did we gain from this trip?
During this intensive, I got to see facets of our beautiful state that some may not see in their entire lives. Furthermore, I got to spend nearly two weeks bonding and making memories that I'll cherish forever with some of the greatest people I know. The monetary cost may have been high, but the return on that investment is something beyond worth.
-Duncan Wright
Traveling through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was an experience of a lifetime that made me feel more connected to nature. Meeting new people and seeing the pristine and clear waters of Glacier Bay made me appreciate the state I live in. Having this opportunity will let me tell more exciting stories throughout my life and let other people know how special remote places are. Kayaking for twelve days out in the wild let me forgot the busy life I know back in civilization and enjoy the life that I am living in the moment.
-Jacob Reausaw
Trips like these are unique. The thing about it, the reason it can be hard to feel interested at first, is that the true experience can’t be captured in either words or pictures. It’s the sort of thing that can only be understood through being there, seeing it, smelling it, touching it, tasting it, hearing it. Living it. To be honest, in the beginning I had doubts as to whether or not the trip was worth it; but once I experienced it, once I’d gone through the close calls and the playing it safes, the ups and the downs, once everyone passed that final barrier of civilization and professionality that holds so many of us in a sort of shell, as it were, I knew that I’d made the right choice. Trips like these are unforgettable. They’re incredible. They’re events that have never happened before, and will never happen again; at least, not exactly like they did the last time. And whether each one works out the way it was supposed to, it’ll always be worth it- because sticking it out through to the end, no matter what, is truly living life to the fullest.
-Sophie Verbrugge
Before this trip I had never been to the state capital. Before this trip I had never been to Glacier Bay. Now that the trip is completed, I have a new chapter of memories that will last a lifetime. I find that the experiences Polaris has offered me are what makes everything in between worth while. Not only did I get this chance to explore the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park, one of the most remote places, but I got to do it all beside my own classmates. All the work that led up to the intensive was worth it; we did it all to find ourselves in a priceless moment.
-Julia Ditto
As a parent, one of the biggest draws to Polaris is the opportunities provided for teachers, students and parents to work together, creating a learning environment not found in traditional schools. Intensives are the embodiment of this principle, allowing teachers to provide experiences not possible in a normal classroom setting, focusing not just on one subject, but on our interactions with our peers and our connection to the world around us. This trip was a fabulous way to explore new places, share and gain knowledge, and reflect on our place in the natural world. At Polaris, it's the journey, and this trip was certainly a part of that journey in every way.
-Jonathan Ditto
From this intensive I take away a deeper appreciation for the beautiful state we live in. Having the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the coolest Alaskan wildlife was truly a breathtaking experience. In particular, my favorites included some of the sea life we saw while kayaking such as the whale at our campsite near the glacier or the group of sea lions. On day four when we could see a sea lion devouring an entire seagull, I could not help but feel so lucky to live in a place where I have the opportunity see things that people could only dream of. In the end though, it was the ability to share these experiences with the rest of our group that really cemented this trip as something to remember. I hope that in the future we will all remain closely connected and continue to share these memories.
-Trent Devereux
This view of southeast Alaska was truly one-of-a-kind. I had a hard time taking the leap of faith to stay committed to this trip because I was scared I would get stuck out there or even not be able to assemble the right gear to go. I also felt that this intensive was way out of my comfort zone, but after I actually started the trip I became more confident and overcame my anxiety. I am so glad that I was able to travel through Glacier Bay.
-Eddie Lada
As Eddie reflected with us on his time away, he was grateful for how this trip - getting outside of himself & into a kayak - changed his confidence. We spoke of the Tlingit phrase "what we do not understand, we fear; what we fear, we destroy."
To step away from our own nature/comfort and understand the nature of a place, an animal, a culture, is life changing. We face our fears to understand ourselves and it a little better. That is valuable well beyond a book lesson, man-made classroom or teacher. A chance to teach ourselves.
This intensive was a personal challenge course, a lesson with nature, it's elements and self; a chance to develop emotional intelligence as well.
Much gratitude to Bryan & Siri for encouraging our youth to leap into a place not many get to see. And Glacier Bay was spectacular too.
-Diane Lada
Looking back on this intensive, I can safely say that I have only a precious few excursions have left me so enamored and awed on a trip like the Glacier Bay intensive or any other similar trip for that matter. As we paddled through the East Arm, the slowness and stillness of the kayaks compounded to add a second dimension to our travels, really allowing a reflection on where we were in the world. Also, the fact that throughout the trip, I most definitely had to learn and figure out new obstacles that I had never encountered before. Personally, what I took away from the intensive is just how unknown life is. Fresh water sites, good camping spots, paddling in kayaks, most of these aspects were an unknown for me, making me a bit on edge about how to handle all of it. But in all reality I could prepare and I could try to be ready but the only way for me to handle it was to take everything one at a time, learn with life as it goes, and deal with any challenges in the best way I could. Just getting out there, trusting the process and tackling any new challenges I faced was all I could do - after all, hands weren't made for sitting on.
-Cody Wong
Much to the chagrin of teachers, students are bound to forget the information we try so hard to get across in our academic classes. Yet the impact of the experiences they have in the wilderness is such that they will never forget them, and certainly the skills practiced will carry over in being successful in life. There are numerous skills that make a successful trip: preparing for the trip, having to face the unexpected with flexibility and yet remain focused; the camaraderie developed by having to depend on your fellow students and be dependable in turn; and, finally, the deep appreciation for being able to get away from “civilization” to the quiet and beauty of the wilderness itself.
-Siri Hari Hari Khalsa
Traveling through the remote wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska has been a powerful episode for students and teachers alike. It adds another layer to the meaning of “home”, whether that’s Alaska or this spinning blue marble we call Earth. This has been a potent experience to last a lifetime. Our students entered with varying degrees of experience, confidence, and anxiety, but all emerged strong and clear-eyed, except, perhaps in an unguarded moment when an eye may have gotten misty. Or maybe that was me. On this adventure, students had time, space, and peace to reflect and make connections with the unplugged, unmediated natural world, with their peers become friends, and with some inner facets of themselves.
-Bryan Smith
-Duncan Wright
Traveling through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was an experience of a lifetime that made me feel more connected to nature. Meeting new people and seeing the pristine and clear waters of Glacier Bay made me appreciate the state I live in. Having this opportunity will let me tell more exciting stories throughout my life and let other people know how special remote places are. Kayaking for twelve days out in the wild let me forgot the busy life I know back in civilization and enjoy the life that I am living in the moment.
-Jacob Reausaw
Trips like these are unique. The thing about it, the reason it can be hard to feel interested at first, is that the true experience can’t be captured in either words or pictures. It’s the sort of thing that can only be understood through being there, seeing it, smelling it, touching it, tasting it, hearing it. Living it. To be honest, in the beginning I had doubts as to whether or not the trip was worth it; but once I experienced it, once I’d gone through the close calls and the playing it safes, the ups and the downs, once everyone passed that final barrier of civilization and professionality that holds so many of us in a sort of shell, as it were, I knew that I’d made the right choice. Trips like these are unforgettable. They’re incredible. They’re events that have never happened before, and will never happen again; at least, not exactly like they did the last time. And whether each one works out the way it was supposed to, it’ll always be worth it- because sticking it out through to the end, no matter what, is truly living life to the fullest.
-Sophie Verbrugge
Before this trip I had never been to the state capital. Before this trip I had never been to Glacier Bay. Now that the trip is completed, I have a new chapter of memories that will last a lifetime. I find that the experiences Polaris has offered me are what makes everything in between worth while. Not only did I get this chance to explore the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park, one of the most remote places, but I got to do it all beside my own classmates. All the work that led up to the intensive was worth it; we did it all to find ourselves in a priceless moment.
-Julia Ditto
As a parent, one of the biggest draws to Polaris is the opportunities provided for teachers, students and parents to work together, creating a learning environment not found in traditional schools. Intensives are the embodiment of this principle, allowing teachers to provide experiences not possible in a normal classroom setting, focusing not just on one subject, but on our interactions with our peers and our connection to the world around us. This trip was a fabulous way to explore new places, share and gain knowledge, and reflect on our place in the natural world. At Polaris, it's the journey, and this trip was certainly a part of that journey in every way.
-Jonathan Ditto
From this intensive I take away a deeper appreciation for the beautiful state we live in. Having the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the coolest Alaskan wildlife was truly a breathtaking experience. In particular, my favorites included some of the sea life we saw while kayaking such as the whale at our campsite near the glacier or the group of sea lions. On day four when we could see a sea lion devouring an entire seagull, I could not help but feel so lucky to live in a place where I have the opportunity see things that people could only dream of. In the end though, it was the ability to share these experiences with the rest of our group that really cemented this trip as something to remember. I hope that in the future we will all remain closely connected and continue to share these memories.
-Trent Devereux
This view of southeast Alaska was truly one-of-a-kind. I had a hard time taking the leap of faith to stay committed to this trip because I was scared I would get stuck out there or even not be able to assemble the right gear to go. I also felt that this intensive was way out of my comfort zone, but after I actually started the trip I became more confident and overcame my anxiety. I am so glad that I was able to travel through Glacier Bay.
-Eddie Lada
As Eddie reflected with us on his time away, he was grateful for how this trip - getting outside of himself & into a kayak - changed his confidence. We spoke of the Tlingit phrase "what we do not understand, we fear; what we fear, we destroy."
To step away from our own nature/comfort and understand the nature of a place, an animal, a culture, is life changing. We face our fears to understand ourselves and it a little better. That is valuable well beyond a book lesson, man-made classroom or teacher. A chance to teach ourselves.
This intensive was a personal challenge course, a lesson with nature, it's elements and self; a chance to develop emotional intelligence as well.
Much gratitude to Bryan & Siri for encouraging our youth to leap into a place not many get to see. And Glacier Bay was spectacular too.
-Diane Lada
Looking back on this intensive, I can safely say that I have only a precious few excursions have left me so enamored and awed on a trip like the Glacier Bay intensive or any other similar trip for that matter. As we paddled through the East Arm, the slowness and stillness of the kayaks compounded to add a second dimension to our travels, really allowing a reflection on where we were in the world. Also, the fact that throughout the trip, I most definitely had to learn and figure out new obstacles that I had never encountered before. Personally, what I took away from the intensive is just how unknown life is. Fresh water sites, good camping spots, paddling in kayaks, most of these aspects were an unknown for me, making me a bit on edge about how to handle all of it. But in all reality I could prepare and I could try to be ready but the only way for me to handle it was to take everything one at a time, learn with life as it goes, and deal with any challenges in the best way I could. Just getting out there, trusting the process and tackling any new challenges I faced was all I could do - after all, hands weren't made for sitting on.
-Cody Wong
Much to the chagrin of teachers, students are bound to forget the information we try so hard to get across in our academic classes. Yet the impact of the experiences they have in the wilderness is such that they will never forget them, and certainly the skills practiced will carry over in being successful in life. There are numerous skills that make a successful trip: preparing for the trip, having to face the unexpected with flexibility and yet remain focused; the camaraderie developed by having to depend on your fellow students and be dependable in turn; and, finally, the deep appreciation for being able to get away from “civilization” to the quiet and beauty of the wilderness itself.
-Siri Hari Hari Khalsa
Traveling through the remote wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska has been a powerful episode for students and teachers alike. It adds another layer to the meaning of “home”, whether that’s Alaska or this spinning blue marble we call Earth. This has been a potent experience to last a lifetime. Our students entered with varying degrees of experience, confidence, and anxiety, but all emerged strong and clear-eyed, except, perhaps in an unguarded moment when an eye may have gotten misty. Or maybe that was me. On this adventure, students had time, space, and peace to reflect and make connections with the unplugged, unmediated natural world, with their peers become friends, and with some inner facets of themselves.
-Bryan Smith