Our four new students came together to begin getting to know each other and to learn all about the SCA and the Field School program. Mel and Trevor introduced the history of the SCA, as well as the Field Operation Standards – the bible of SCA policies. We talked about what makes a good crew member and played some games to get the crew working together. We also created a group contract – a beautiful poster that illustrates how we want to treat each other during this program. We went over a basic introduction to federal land management agencies before heading up to the BLM office. The students were able to meet with Elizabeth, Michael, Pamela, and Patrick and talk about their interest in the Field School program and their goals for the future. Former Field School crew member Jazmine was also in attendance, which gave the new students a great opportunity to ask questions and get excited about the prospects after graduation. The students also had their first day at Phoenix College. We got a tour of campus and later had a scavenger hunt of important PC buildings, resources, and offices. We also met our Outdoor Adventure Skills professor Dave Brown. We spent a full day in the field collecting data for a yellow billed cuckoo study with biology professor Tice Supplee. We were joined by two past Field School crew members AJ and Jacob, as well as Kathy and Steve from the Audubon. We then went to Table Mesa and did a field journal activity. All in all it was a fantastic first week and we’re all looking forward to the adventures ahead.
