International School For Earth Studies
Vitals
- GYA Accredited Since: Unaccredited by the GYA. Please see the Standards for more information.
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Enrolling:
Yes - Mission Statement:
At Earth Studies, we offer nature and environmental education-centred, experiential programs for gap year students. Our programs facilitate immersion in nature and a homestead lifestyle to cultivate awareness of self, the environment and grounding on the land. Our campus and wildlife sanctuary reside on a 500-acre homestead in the rolling hills, mixed woodland of the Pontiac in Western Québec. We were founded as an environmentally focused private school in 2001.
Our programs include:
Women's Winter Empowerment Gap
5-week program (starts February 19th, 2024) -
Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
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Attachments
Program Locations
Typical Itinerary
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We invite students to participate on our 500-acre campus and wildlife preserve in the rolling, mixed woodland of western Québec. Here, students find a place to grow as individuals, push their comfort zones, and develop as community members of a working homestead. They build meaningful relationships with their peers and the host family, work to befriend the resident Seppala Siberian huskies and go dogsledding through pristine forest trails, expand on their knowledge of environmental issues and brainstorm community-led solutions for social and environmental problems while acquiring skills in personal self-defence. During our program, students complete onsite training in best practices under the lens of ecotourism and dog-powered sports. All our activities are centered on family, the homestead lifestyle, mentorship, and the pursuit of personal development.
Program Outcomes
- CANINE AWARENESS: Learn to define rules & apply boundaries & limitations within a kennel.
- CANINE SPORTS: Gain experience & develop skill sets in tandem dog sledding & skijoring.
- CAREER in ECOTOURISM: Develop knowledge of the outdoor adventure travel industry.
- EMPOWERMENT: Develop foundational knowledge & confidence toward future career choice.
- EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: Engage in the learning process by doing. Action stimulates personal reflection.
- MENTORSHIP: Gain enhanced self-esteem & self-confidence by building a mentor relationship.
- PUSH COMFORT ZONES: Take on new experiences confidently within a supportive family unit.
- COMMUNITY BUILDING: Find a sense of belonging by networking with like-minded people.
Program Details
- Program Starts: Winter
- Program Duration: Less than 2 months
- Typical Program Cost: $8500 USD
- Program Financial Aid: No
Staff Training and Certification
Adventure Ecotourism Québec: Accredited Member since 2010
Adventure Ecotourism Québec: Quality and Safety Certified
Adventure Ecotourism Québec: 2015 Sustainable Best Practices Award
Canadian Wilderness Medical Training: Wilderness First Aid
AEQ Canine Team Guide Certification (GAC): Musher Instructors
Paddle Canada: Flatwater + Voyageur Canoe Instructors
GEOFFREY CUSHING, Diploma in Environmental Science, Lethbridge College.
His extended family, confronting the climate crises and promoting social tolerance remain his life’s work. As Director of Operations at Earth Studies for 33 years, Geoffrey has promoted environmental literacy by hosting, guiding, facilitating, and mentoring youth and adults worldwide.
JO ELLEN CUSHING, Diploma in Environmental Science (Enforcement), Lethbridge College, Certificate in Marine Biology, Brigham Young University, Hawaii.
A horsewoman from Western Canada, bridging awareness and implementation for eco-centered wildlife management is her raison d'être. As Director of wildlife rehabilitation at our provincially licensed wildlife rehab facility and as Manager of onsite Upkeep and Maintenance, she has led nature-centered learning and community wildlife outreach for 33 years.
DEREK CUSHING, BA in Environmental Studies, Carleton University.
An environmental educator and wildlife rehabilitator, Derek is studying to be a high school teacher with teachables in geography and history at the University of Ottawa. He has been an outdoor guide for ten years.
CORIE JO CUSHING, Civilian and Military Certified Instructor in Krav Maga Self-Defense, Trained in Basic Primitive Survival Skills, Tom Brown Tracker School, New Jersey.
As the in-house horse farrier and trainer, CJ applies the natural horsemanship philosophy. She has been a wildlife rehabilitator for over 15 years.
JANNA LEE CUSHING, Civilian and Military Certified Instructor in Krav Maga Self-Defense, Trained in Basic Primitive Survival Skills, Tom Brown Tracker School, New Jersey.
As head canine sports instructor, Janna Lee brings kennel training and management to experiential education for life skill development for all ages. She has been a mushing guide for 17 years.