Thanks to Trailside Discovery Camp in Anchorage for inviting the Iditarod Education Department to spend a day with their campers.  Education Director, Jane Holmes, and Iditarod volunteer and mother of Iditarod finisher Meredith Mapes of Fun on the Run Kennel,  Marilyn Mapes, visited two of the camp’s sites, Russian Jack Springs Park and Kincaid Park, to share about the Iditarod to kids ranging from 5 to 14 years old. The students had good comments and questions and of course, some knew a lot about the race already. 

Vinson, a 4-legged Iditarod veteran himself, stole the show as he modeled a harness, a coat, a belly warmer, and even the 2 layers of hair that a dog must have to be the correct dog breed to run in the Iditarod. Marilyn shared real-life information about what mushers eat, what dogs eat, and the gear mushers need on the race route. Students learned “Gee!”, “Haw!”, “Whoa!”, and some start commands.

We were very glad to be part of the activities for Trailside Discovery Camp, a program that offers environmental opportunities to students.  If you would like an Iditarod presentation to be given at your school or student program, email Jane Holmes at jane.holmes@iditarod.com for information.