INTRODUCTION TO GLACIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPEDITIONARY RESEARCH ON THE JUNEAU ICEFIELD: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS

A true expeditionary science training program, JIRP's Pre-College program is open to physically and mentally healthy, fit, enthusiastic high school students who have finished their junior or senior year of high school. The group meets in Juneau, AK in early July, and participants then make the rigorous, day long hike from Juneau up to Camp 17 on the Juneau Icefield. Students climb through boreal rainforest and the famous "vertical swamp", cross over alpine meadows and tundra, and climb the length of the Ptarmigan Glacier to reach Camp 17. The first full day there involves orientation to camp life...including daily cooking, cleaning, water collection, and general maintenance chores shared by all. JIRPers are instructed in field mapping techniques and create a geologic map of Camp 17's rocky arete, and students venture out on the ice daily to measure ablation and ice conditions in 4 meter deep "mass balance pits" that they carve into the ice.

The expeditionary nature of the experience is thoroughly integrated as well. Basic mountaineering training - including safe travel over ice (self arrests with an ice ax, crevasse rescues, and proper use of ropes, harnesses, and other climbing equipment) - is provided by a professional guide who is part of the group. When weather permits, the group will take day hikes across surrounding glaciers and climb up nearby peaks. Evenings are spent analyzing data collected during the day, engaging in small seminars, watching movies, practicing mountaineering techniques, and simply spending time together.

All of these activities build the skills and camaraderie that are essential to members and leaders of successful expeditionary science teams.