By Randy Nelson
In a few days, summer vacation will begin for staff and students alike. While this means a “vacation” for many, for others it is a matter of shifting gears and pursuing other interests and jobs. The Mini-School staff more readily fits into the latter category.
Nick Jambeck has just become part owner and “MANAGER” of Scenic River Tours, a canoe outfitting operation a few miles away from his home outside of Pine City, on the Saint Croix River. He is busy developing ideas for building a trading post and making available hand-made art products and crafts from the rural communities. Much of this summer pursuit is compatible with his teaching and growing and we expect another outstanding year from him next year. He has been named Rookie of the Year in Mini-School.
Also in the canoe outfitting business is Doug Berg who operates Portage Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail in northern Minnesota. Doug senses an extremely busy summer in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as this recreational activity is becoming increasingly popular. Anyone headed up that way this summer should make it a point to drop in and see Doug and his family. He has been named Canoeist of the Year in Mini-School.
In a more academic area, Randy will be going to Utah State University in Logan, Utah, to do further work on his Masters’ program. This will be his second summer there and he looks forward to the mountains, warm temperatures and low humidity, and easy going pace of living.
Saving the best looking staff member for last, Linda Douglas will be moving this summer to a family ranch near Browning, Montana. Linda’s contributions to the program will be missed, but not nearly as much as she will be missed. The students and staff wish her the best of fortunes, health, and prosperity in the year to come and hope she will occasionally let us know what is going on “Out West.”
As for the nerve center of the program, Lesley Hughes-Seamans (Lester), will be attending Mankato State University. The program is fortunate she has decided to work with it another year because her talents as a secretary, counselor, friend, contributor, trip co-leader, etc. are immeasurable and invaluable. In so many ways Lester is actually our fifth staff member and the students are appreciating this fact as well.
From the staff to all the Mini-School students, parents, administrators, community members, and all mankind: Have a healthy and happy summer!