Download a PDF of the 2013 Interim Semester Handbook.

Beautiful Beyond WordsEA13The RouteburnTrack,New ZealandeCO ADVENTURESponsorBrian HillJennifer MaherPriceS$4,000Course Length8 daysDescriptionThe focus of this experience will be the Routeburn Track, called by many‘beautiful beyond words.’ The 43km Alpine hike is rated “medium” (4 days/3 nights – up to 6 hours of hiking per day) and runs through the WorldHeritage-listed Fiordland National Park and Mt. Aspiring National Park,traversing New Zealand’s Southern Alps.Accommodations will be in huts with gas-burning stoves for heating, acommon room for cooking and dining as well as communal bunk rooms.Students will backpack-in food and cooking utensils and backpack-outrubbish, as well as be assigned cooking and clean-up duties.Students and parents may anticipate extra expenses to prepare themselvesfor the course in terms of adequate equipment, e.g. backpack, hiking shoes,sleeping bag, etc. This is not included in the course costs. Equipment rentalis available for: backpacks, sleeping bags, hiking pole and rain pants.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Rigorous Adventure,Students must be physicallyfitObjectives• To study the natural history and ecology of New Zealand, especiallythe Fiordland National Park at the tip of the South Island and as wellas to experience the unspoiled and magnificent landscape along one ofthe safest tracks in New Zealand’s remote back country.• To offer a rewarding physical challenge, to build team spirit andleadership and practical outdoor skills and self-sufficiency.• To gain an overview of the evolution and cultural developmentof the people of New Zealand and in particular, the South Island/Fiordland.• To better understand the impact of human activity and invasivespecies on the completely unique ecosystems of this remotecountry.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Physical: A two and a half hour tramp with weighted backpacks.Participants should be in very good physical condition and be able tocarry a 30 pound backpack for six hours each day.• Academic: Each participant will research and present material to thegroup.• Medical: Each participant will obtain a physical examination and medicalclearance.Post-Course requirements:• Each student will contribute to our Routeburn Trek Google Site bykeeping a journal while on Interim and taking photographs.24 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL