College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Anthropology Club proudly rolled out their signature project, “Adventure Race: Anthropology and Ecology”, on April 19 to students at Compass Public Charter School in Meridian. The event, more than eight months in the making, was a collaboration with Bureau of Land Management’s, Evan Worthington.
Contacting Anthropology Club Advisor, Nikki Gorrell, in summer of 2018, Worthington proposed the idea that middle-school students in the Treasure Valley could benefit from learning about anthropology, ecological stewardship, ‘leave no trace’ principles, and Native American heritage. To bring these concepts to life in an engaging and informative way, Gorrell and Club members acted on Worthington’s proposal developing a series of stations and activities where points and tokens are earned to inspire healthy competition among teams of students.
Approximately fifty 7th and 8th grade students at Compass Public Charter School participated in the Club’s inaugural Adventure Race, which Gorrell and Worthington hope to continue during the upcoming academic year.
“An event like this helps to inspire potential future CWI students and promotes the classes and programs offered here at the College,” commented Gorrell. “It also highlights the importance of collaboration with local partners and gives Club members a chance to demonstrate effective teamwork and leadership – especially Anthropology Club President, Anne VanWassenhove, and Vice-President, Charlee Draper, who were integral to the success of this project!”
VanWassenhove received the Trailblazing LEADership Award for her work on this project during the 2019 Student LEADership Recognition Banquet. This award honors leaders who have engaged in a significant leadership role on campus.
To learn more about the Adventure Race or to get involved in Anthropology Club, contact Nikki Gorrell at 208.562.3403 or nikkigorrell@cwi.edu.
