Welcome! Tracking the Pack Friday, Saturday, Sunday October 14 16, 2016 We are so happy you are interested in the Tracking the Pack program! Below are important details to make your International Wolf Center experience care-free and fun. Registration Registration is available online. Please go to the Register button on the page for this program, fill out your registration, make your payment, and we will send you a confirmation email. confirming your registration. This is a popular program, so get your registration in early! Registrants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To participate in the program, you must have the completed Medical History and Liability form (attached to this document) filled out and turned in before you will be allowed to participate. You can mail it, scan and email it, or bring it in on the first day. Mail it: International Wolf Center Wolf Specialist 1396 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731 Handicapped Accessibility or scan and send via email to programs@wolf.org The International Wolf Interpretive Center in Ely is a handicapped accessible facility. We have sign-language interpreters and blind guides available if arrangements are made ahead of time. However, our outdoor educational programs may involve walking, hiking over uneven terrain, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, or other moderately to strenuous activities. The International Wolf Center cannot provide special arrangements for persons physically unable to participate in the planned activities for a specific program. Cancellation and Refunds Policy International Wolf Center reserves the right to cancel programs if: The minimum number of registrations is not met. (Full refunds will be given to those who have registered, however, the Center is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by participants in preparing for the program including flight and/or other travel expenses). Severe weather or other emergency conditions occur that may endanger participants or staff. If a participant must cancel their attendance at a program: All cancellations are subject to a $50.00 processing fee. Cancellations made between 15 and 30 days (or more) of the program start date will receive a full refund of program fees, or a credit to be used towards a future International Wolf Center program. Cancellations made within 14 days of the program start date will not receive a refund. No refund can be made for absence from the program unless arrangements are made at the time of the booking. The International Wolf Center regrets that it cannot make exceptions to the refund policy. If you think there is a chance that you will need to cancel, we recommend purchasing separate trip insurance. 1
What you need to know to enjoy your International Wolf Center Program! Lodging Lodging will be on-site in a slumber-party style arrangement. Participants will be able to sleep in our auditorium on lightly carpeted floors for the duration of the program. Participants are welcome to bring any and all portable sleeping necessities to make their rest more comfortable (cots, air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, etc.). Bedding will not be provided by the International Wolf Center. The International Wolf Center does not have public bathing/showering facilities, however you may purchase shower time at many local outfitters including Spirit of the Wilderness BWCA Outfitter, or the Ely Sauna. Meals This program includes the following meals: Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast Breakfasts are cold continental style, served early each morning by our staff. Lunches vary with each program, but may include box lunches at the International Wolf Center from a local deli, or a trip to a local restaurant. Dinners vary with each program, but may include Pizza at the International Wolf Center from Sir G s Italian Restaurant, Portage Pizza, or a trip to a local restaurant. If you have dietary restrictions, please make very clear descriptions in your registration. Transportation Transportation to our facility in Ely Minnesota will be on your own, however programming trips off site will be provided via our 14-passenger bus. Transportation to restaurants if applicable may be provided by our 14-passenger bus, but other local explorations outside of the program will be on your own. You may also request that you drive your personal vehicle to program locations. Please contact IWC education staff for this request, as locations may be difficult to reach with multiple vehicles. You need to bring: Sleepwear Change of Clothes (several sets) Closed-Toed Shoes &/or boots Sleeping bag/cot/air mattress Pillow Toiletries (toothbrush/paste, etc.) Warm Clothing (Layers!) Hiking attire Bug Spray (avoid Deet) Camera Notepad Personal snacks (if desired) Water bottle (if desired) Handheld GPS (if desired) 2
Annual temperatures for Ely, MN Having the proper equipment for outdoor activities can make the difference between a fun adventure and an uncomfortable slog in the woods. The use of layered garments for protection against weather extremes is key to a successful outing. Loose-fitting layers allow you to maintain a comfortable body temperature and keep you dry as temperatures, precipitation, and your own exertion levels change. Proper footwear is also essential. Even in summer, do not wear sandals, flip flops, crocs, etc. for outdoor programs. Please wear closed-toed, supportive athletic shoes or boots with socks. PLEASE come prepared for the weather. Consider the predicted temperatures, PLUS wind chill and nightly lows. Image courtesy of www.weather.co 3
Program Itinerary* Friday, October 14 5:00pm Meet and greet at International Wolf Center. Discuss expectations and activities for the upcoming weekend. 6:00pm Depart for dinner at a local restaurant 7:30pm Learn the history and methods of wolf research over a fire pit snack 8:30pm Enjoy a private viewing of the Fortunate Wilderness film, featuring research on Isle Royale 9:30pm Bring in personal belongings and settle in for the night. Saturday, October 15 7:30am Rise and shine! Pack up belongings and store them on site. 8:00am Enjoy a continental breakfast provided by staff 8:30am Prepare for a day of radio telemetry with a quick equipment refresher and discuss the game plan for trekking out into wolf territory in search of radio signals 9:00am Depart from the International Wolf Center, and begin your search on our bus 11:30am Return to the International Wolf Center for lunch 12:30pm Return to the field for further searching, or depart for a hike at a local trail into wolf country 3:00pm Return to the IWC for a quick break, with time to explore our facility and gift shop 5:00pm Step outside and assist staff in a deer necropsy 6:30pm Enjoy a pizza dinner from our local Italian restaurant Sir G s 7:00pm Sit back and enjoy our What s for Dinner? program, and watch as our ambassador wolves are fed their dinner 8:30pm Discuss wolf management in North America, and how it relates to on the ground research 9:30pm Bring in personal belongings and settle in for the night. 4
Sunday, October 16 7:30am Rise and shine! Pack up belongings and store them on site. 8:00am Enjoy a continental breakfast provided by staff 8:30am Wrap up with discussions and Q&A regarding the field of wolf research. Learn how to keep in touch with one another, and how to move forward into future wildlife research careers The International Wolf Center closes at 5pm on Sunday October 16, participants are welcome to stay until close on the last day of their program. *Note: Itinerary is subject to change, and outdoor hikes and activities may vary with weather conditions. 5
Medical History and Liability Form Please fill out a form for each program participant Program name: Program date(s): Name of participant: Age: Gender: Please list an Emergency Contact: Phone: Participant s Home Address: City/State/Zip: Home Phone: Do you have any special dietary needs or food allergies? Are you allergic to bee stings or insect bites? Do you have any medical conditions or allergies we should be aware of? Are you currently on medication? List here: Current Immunizations: Health Insurance Company: Policy Number: Family Physician: Phone: I understand that there are inherent risks in any program which involves travel and/or outdoor activities, including the possibility of serious injury or death. I agree to hold the International Wolf Center harmless for any injury that I incur. In case of injury, I give permission for necessary emergency medical care to be given to me at an appropriate medical facility. I understand that The International Wolf Center reserves the right to decline any person as a participant for any reason which affects the operation of the program or the rights and welfare or enjoyment of the other participants or staff. I fully understand the Cancellation and Refund Policy as stated in the documents attached to this registration form. Signature: Date: I give permission to the International Wolf Center to take and use photos or other media of me for promotional use. Signature: Date: 6