"Spectacular, well organized, inspired and uplifting are the words
I would use to describe the program to anyone!"
-Participant in the Cameron: Navajo Nation Schools Tutoring
(Eagle's Nest) program
Synopsis We
offer four tutoring locations on the
Navajo Reservation. These
reservation schools are located in remote rural areas. Many students
have to travel long distances to school from their hogans
(traditional Navajo homes), sheep camps, or mesa top homes. Most
Navajo students grew up in Navajo speaking families whose parents
and grandparents were forced to leave home for boarding schools when
they were children. Thus formal education for the Navajos has often
been associated with a negative experience. Reading and writing
skills of
the
Navajo students are often below average. Explore the possibilities
and rewards of one-on-one tutoring, interaction with parents, or
working alongside teachers. Past
participants' comments relate a strong sense of fulfillment and many
hostelers form long-term bonds with students and teachers. No
previous teaching experience is required. Hostelers from all
backgrounds are welcome, no matter
what their experience. The only
requirement is a flexible and adaptable outlook. Hostelers have some
time during the week to explore unlimited vistas on their own or
with the group. Early arrival or stay over is recommended for
further sightseeing. Closest airports: Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ and Albuquerque
and Gallup, NM. Public transportation available from Phoenix airport
to Flagstaff.
No public transportation available to site: NAU suggests
carpooling.
Program
Offerings
Monument Valley:
Tutoring Grades K-6 and 7-12 # 6272 Make a difference in the life of a child
at Mexican Hat Elementary School (MHES) or Monument Valley High
School (MVHS) on the Navajo Reservation. Delight in the joys of assisting in the classroom,
one-on-one tutoring, and working alongside teachers and parents. Hostelers often return in successive years to continue working with
students and teachers because of the friendships and bonds formed.
MVHS serves 200 students and offers a varied curriculum with
opportunity for exploration of native culture. Many students travel
long distances from their homes to reach school each day and often
live without basic amenities; their families may burn wood, haul
water or use generators to live comfortably. Includes evening
discussions on Navajo culture and contemporary issues.
Tutor Grades K-6: Nov. 5 2006, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25, 2007
sessions; Tutor Grades 7-12: Nov. 12, 2006 and Mar. 4, 2007
sessions. Hostelers will be sent a detailed questionnaire to assist
with skill identification and grade placement. Time is available
during the week to explore the region on your own or with the group.
No previous teaching experience necessary. Portions of the costs for
this program may qualify as a tax-deductible gift.
Accommodations: Stay at Monument Valley's
premier location: historic Goulding's Trading Post
dating from the 1920's with modern motel. Wake up to panoramic views
from your private deck. Nearby: San Juan River, Natural
Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell.
Cameron: Navajo Nation Schools Tutoring
# 6262
(Eagle's Nest (3-5) and Gray Mountain (K-6) Schools)
Fall and Winter seasons This service program allows you to
help the school children of the Navajo Reservation. Field trip
to a traditional Navajo Hogan, and evening programs on Navajo
culture, provide additional insight. The small towns of Tuba City,
home of Eagle's Nest Intermediate School and Cameron, home of Dzil
Libei (Gray Mountain) Elementary School are located on the western
edge of the vast Navajo Reservation. Cameron is 50 miles north of
Flagstaff.
Programs beginning 10/29/06, 11/12/06,
2/4/07, 2/11/07, 2/25/07, and 3/4/07 will take place at Eagle's Nest
School (grades 3-5), twenty miles from Cameron in the town of Tuba
City, daily shuttle provided. Program beginning on 10/22/06 will
take place at Gray Mountain Elementary School (grades K-6). Portions of the costs
for this program may qualify as tax-deductible. Accommodations: Lodging, breakfast, and dinner at
modern motel/historic trading post
in Cameron (private baths). Lunch at the school.
Daily shuttle provided to and from school.
No public transportation to site,
commercial shuttle available from Phoenix to Flagstaff with
University shuttle to/from Cameron for extra charge.
