Q & A
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Below are lists of the most commonly asked questions about our hike and cause. If we do not answer your question here, please feel free to ask it below!
Questions about Donating to our Cause
We would like to make it possible for children without financial means to have access to education in the outdoors. Outdoor education provides a place for exploration while learning hands-on science, teamwork and gaining a better appreciation for our community. You can help make it possible for more students to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience outdoor science school offers. Each week, we hike kids out on trail where we take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in the outdoors. We meet approximately 1,500 students each school year and both children and adults leave claiming it was “the best week ever.”
We have noticed smaller class sizes and fewer schools attending outdoor science school, primarily due to lack of funds. It is unfortunate when students are ready and willing and have the support of their teachers and chaperones but are unable to attend because they cannot afford it. Outdoor schools currently have scholarship programs but these awards have been depleted due to the economy and high use. We would like to increase the number of scholarships available, making it possible for more students to attend.
We have experienced that we are innately curious about what is around us. However, it seems that much of our youth have lost their connection to nature. It is impossible to ignore our relationship with our planet earth, but we are often blinded, failing to appreciate what we have. We are hoping to deepen the desire and understanding of the beauty that surrounds us, by enabling more students to attend outdoor science school and have the experience for themselves. In addition to learning earth science, students enhance personal and social development and develop a deeper appreciation for nature. Their camp experience is perhaps the most impactful field trip they go on during their middle school years. We watch students come together working on teamwork, problem solving, social skills and critical thinking.
As a community we benefit from students gaining a better understanding of our environment, therefore learning how we impact and affect our surroundings. By immersing ourselves in nature we find more than just beauty in the scenery, we are challenged by the terrain and gain fitness by our efforts. The desire for exploring uncovers the obscure and the art of questioning reveals the answers.
Are you a Non-Profit Organization? What is InspireOut?
InspireOut is a nebula, if you will... the early formations of what could potentially in the future be a non-profit. It takes quite a while to receive that status, so for now, InspireOut is two naturalists working hard to raise awareness of the importance of Outdoor Education as well as collecting donations for scholarship funds so that no child is blocked from these programs we dearly believe in. All donations are being divided among the three outdoor schools we have chosen to aid.
Outdoor Education can be simply defined as experiential learning in, for, or about the outdoors. The term ‘outdoor education’, however, is used quite broadly to refer to a range of organized activities which take place in a variety of ways in predominantly outdoor environments. The schools we are donating have classes from a public school attend typically in a residential program for 3-5 days. Students range from 1st-8th grade and learn science lessons in a "hands-on" outdoor environment. In addition, students gain confidence and independence as they live in a new community away from their parents for a week.
This experience is the journey of a lifetime, however, we know that it cannot be done alone. We are seeking support from those who believe our cause is worthwhile and those who find the compassion in their hearts. Donations, gear, equipment, food and encouragement are welcome and we seek to honor those who provide contributions with recognition on our site, expressions and coverage during and after our journey as well as positive vibes the whole way through. We are keeping a regular blog and will be maintaining our site with regular updates.
There are two ways to donate: 1) click the donate button on the right-hand side of our website and pay by credit card using paypal. 2) Check or Money Order: Please mail check or money orders to InspireOut, 17349 Parkside Ct., Monte Sereno CA 95030.
** Please Note that any donation can receive a tax credit – we just need you to specify which school you would like us to donate to and we will process a receipt for you. If you would like your donation to be anonymous on our donors and sponsors page, please email us at InspireOut@gmail.com.
Yes! You must simply choose which school you would like to donate to, or how much you would like to donate to each school separately, in order to receive a receipt from that school.
How do I make my donation Anonymous?
We will receive the names of all who donate. However, we can make sure your name is not added to our "Thanks Yous" section if you so choose. Here's how to make this happen:
If you use Paypal: when you are confirming your donation on paypal, you can add a message. Please put ANONYMOUS so that we know not to write your name on our thank you page.
If you write a Check: In the bottom right hand corner of your check where it usually says "for" please make sure to write ANONYMOUS.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 so that 200 children will be able to attend Outdoor School through a scholarship of $125. Since we are donating to three different schools with different pricing, the number $125 is an average of what it would cost to send a child to Residential Outdoor School for three days. For the most part, outdoor schools aid low-income families by giving out partial scholarships which means the $25,000 we raise could potentially impact many more students. Once our journey is complete, we will be gifting the Web of Life Field School, Klamath Outdoor Science School, and Great Basin Outdoor School with the donations we receive from you to dramatically boost their scholarship funds. To learn more about these terrific schools, go to our page Where is My Money Going under our Donate Tab?
What Schools are you donating to and how?
The three outdoor schools we have chosen to donate to are Web of Life Field School (WOLF) in Aptos CA, Great Basin Outdoor School (GBOS) in Lake Tahoe NV, and Klamath Outdoor Science School (KOSS) in Klamath Falls OR. We believe their missions and dedication to educating children are excellent. We will be donating the scholarship money we raise to each schools Scholarship Funds- 50% to WOLF, 25% to KOSS and 25% to GBOS.
Questions about the Trail
Where do we see pictures and videos from the trail?
We are constantly uploading pictures from the trail thanks to our Iphone! Go to http://gallery.me.com/mamacher to see our many albums of pictures and videos from the trail!
Thru-hiking is the process of hiking a long-distance trail from end to end. The term is most commonly associated with the Appalachian Trail, but is also used for other lengthy trails and long distance hikes, including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. (Thank you Wikipedia)
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) wiggles somewhere around 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada. The trail navigates a wide array of terrain as it zigzags through three Western States, including Southern-California desert, snow covered Sierra-Nevada mountain passes, and expansive views in the Cascade Range. It is rightfully named "crest" as it travels across the tops of main mountain ranges between Mexico and Canada. The scenery is diverse and difficult, providing an opportunity for challenge and growth. To learn more about the Pacific Crest Trail, visit www.pcta.org.
Where is the Pacific Crest Trail?
The PCT travels from the border of California and Mexico to 7 miles into Canada along the tops of numerous mountain ranges. It travels through California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada - please click on our map located on the homepage to see the trail in more detail.
Approximately 4 to 4.5 months. We depart April 19th, 2010 and hope to be finished on September 27th, 2010.
How many miles will you hike per day?
We will average approximately 20 to 25 miles per day. In the high Sierra this number could reduce a bit.
We don't think so. We just love Outdoor Education, children, and hiking. You think otherwise if you wish...
