International School for Earth Studies: ISES

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To empower intergenerational guardians to

create a thriving environmental consciousness.

The International School for Earth Studies is a nature education center that rescues indigenous wildlife, engages in domestic animal husbandry, promotes environmental awareness and connects people with the Land.

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ABOUT

Founder's Message

The ISES Experience
When Jo Ellen and I were planning our family in the mid 80s, traditional values were under siege from a society consumed with entitlement and ignorant about the environment. As parents, we pledged to teach our children about the natural world, helping them understand the interconnectedness of all life forms. We would be the change we wished to see in the world.25 years later, the ISES family is resolved to promoting environmental awareness and initiative. In spite of scientific knowledge and social insights readily available, planet Earth desperately struggles with the New Age. As ecosystems collapse and societies implode, our brave new world is in desperate need of people stepping forward with innovative solutions. And time is running out. Seven billion people now share our planet and the global quality of life deteriorates exponentially. So, ISES extends an invitation to all Nations to join our vision to empower inter-generational guardians in creating a thriving environmental consciousness. Students must appreciate that our programs are not intended for the apathetic.- Geoffrey Cushing, Co-Founder and Director of Operations

We are looking for the next generation of youth to bring radical change to the world. We are committed to protecting wild animals and the environment. Our goal is to balance modern technology with traditional sustainable practices. ISES values a strong family environment, as we are a family owned and operated business. ISES provides the resources to students such as wild animals, land and environmental knowledge in order for students to develop a larger perspective.

We give students the opportunity to improve wilderness skills to use in even the most urban environments. ISES gives students the tools to be able to teach others. The world is in need of dire change and it is necessary to see the problem and to understand how that problem came to be in order to fix it. We like to provide students with unique experiences that they would not normally have the opportunity for. Students at ISES are expected to go beyond understanding that humans are creating environmental consequences, they are expected to think outside the box to take action to fix these problems.

Testimonials

Doug Doug B....The memories... as well as countless others serve both as reminders of the unforgettable experience which I had, but also of the subtle, yet profound growth which occurred during my time at ISES. I have become more confident, more diligent, more mature, and more proud of myself as a person. From ISES, I have a plethora of memories from which I can draw strength and fulfillment.If any one thing encapsulates my journey of self-discovery in Canada, it is that while dog-sledding, even if the sled had overturned, even if I had dumped and was being dragged through a snow bank, I never let go of that sled. Though I am not sure how many times I dumped the sled, I can say with absolute certainty that not once did I ever let go...

Shannon Shannon W.Been travelling a lot, so.. been to many different places places, but the best place I've been was ISES, it changed my life. It changed how I looked at the world, like before.. I used to think I didn't belong here...there's a different place for me, but now I look back on that. I was wrong... there is a place for me out there. I just need to chase my dreams.

Molly F Molly F.The International School For Earth Studies was an amazing and eye opening experience for me. My experience was full of non-stop fun! One of the many highlights of my trip was experiencing first hand the culture of Canada's Aboriginal population during a five day trip to James Bay...

Elijah Elijah M. As I looked at the beauty of their home and felt the great nature around me. I thought to myself, this land was different...

Roni RoniNo matter what your background or past life experiences, everyone is able to find their niche at ISES. The Cushing family, both extremely welcoming and highly motivating, provide a safe haven to explore nature and the beautiful Canadian wildlife as well as discover yourself...

Doug B.

Shannon W.

Molly F.

Elijah M.

Roni R.

PARENTS

A Second Home

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It can be difficult watching a young adult taking on the world for the first time. In the end every parent knows that there is a time to set the child free. It is important to know that your child is safe and is making the most of what is available. Every parent wants to know that their child is learning and having fun within a safe environment. ISES is a family run school with years of experience in outdoor education and recreation. Since our beginning we have strived to ensure the safety of our students and family. We know how precious a childs life is to the parent and we treasure our students with a profound and watchful eye.
Located in Quebec Canada our school is a safe place for anyone to learn. In the midst of thick Canadian forest, our students have the unique opportunity to come very close to the pristine Canadian habitat. Being located in Canada our school offers the safety and tranquility Canadians experience all their lives. Without a concern for war, terrorist attack, or even natural disasters our students have fun while parents enjoy the tranquility of know their child is safe.
In Canada we are proud of our Health Care System. Health care is not denied to anyone, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. Parents can rest assured that their children will have access to emergency assistance if the need should ever arise. Our nation takes initiative in setting high standards for health assistance and emergency services.

PROGRAMS

We offer a variety of programs to different audiences with time commitments. Click on one of the programs below to learn about what ISES offers. Explore the list of certifications we offer and course schedule.

ISES Enlightenment Winter Gap

Study Tour

Intro to ISES

Insight Quest

A 3 week session open to ages 15 to 17, bridging cultural boundaries and creating environmental awareness.

ISES offers a 1 week course open to adults, connecting ages 18 and up to animals and the Land.

4 weeks of adventure open to ages 18 and up. Experience America's history and wild environment.

This is a 10 week gap semester open to ages 18 and up. Be the leader now!

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

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Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

VIDEO

ISES Experience 2011

ISES Experience 2011

Experience ISES 2011

Intro to ISES

Intro to ISES

Intro to ISES Course

Sequioa

Sequioa

Sequioa

A picture only goes so far, video says it all. You will see from the footage that no day at ISES is the same and we have a lot of fun with our animals and environment. Stay tuned for more.

Select a video > ISES Experience 2011 > Intro to ISES >Sequioa

No animals or people were harmed in the making of these films.

CONTACT

Contact Us

Our normal office hours are 9am to 5pm EST. Please allow 2 business days to get back to you.

International School for Earth Studies

197 Fierobin Road

Ladysmith, Québec, Canada J0X 2A0

Tel. 819.647.3226
Geoffrey CushingDirector of OperationsTelephone. (819) 647 - 3226Email: gd.cushing_earth-studies.caJo Ellen CushingDirector of Wild Animal RescueTelephone. (819) 647 - 3226Email: jocushing_earth-studies.caDerek CushingStudent OrganizerTelephone: (819) 647 - 3226Email: derekcushing_earth-studies.caKirk CushingProgram CoordinatorTelephone. (613) 883 - 3227Email: kirkcushing_earth-studies.caCorie Jo CushingDirector of Animal ProgrammingTelephone. (819) 647 - 3226Email: cjcushing_earth-studies.caJanna Lee CushingDirector of Mind, Body & SoulTelephone: (819) 647 - 3226Email: jlcushing_earth-studies.ca

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

APPLY NOW

Apply Now

You must read the policies and click below in order to download the ISES application.

ISES 1.2 Health Form.pdf

ISES 1.3 Insurance Form.pdf

ISES 1.4 Student Agreement.pdf

ISES 1.5 Statement of Good Standing.pdf
Admissions PoliciesClick 'I Agree' below after reading the ISES policies forms and download the application. All forms must be completed with the application form in order to apply. Please read forms carefully and answer truthfully. Students and parents will be held accountable for answers during the programs. Any student who does not fill out forms truthfully may be sent home at any time at discretion of ISES staff.Applicants need to be gainfully occupied such as attending school, employed or volunteering.Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions with the application. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm EST. If you leave a message we will contact you as soon as possible. You may be able to get a quicker response by email on the weekends at info_earth-studies.ca.Student BehaviourStudents must behave appropriately and abide by ISES staffs recommendations especially within dangerous circumstances. These circumstances may include expeditions directions, experience or wild animal encounters. ISES is not a school for students with motivational, behavioural or therapy issues. ISES does not deal with youth-at-risk students. ISES may send home any student who exhibits disruptive, dangerous or lazy behaviour.Equal OpportunityISES does not discriminate against sexual orientation, race, religion or any other minority. Students must be able to accurately and honestly answer the forms above to be considered a potential student.Deposit PolicyISES requires a deposit of 25% of the program fee at the time of enrolment confirmation. This fee is non-refundable 15 days before the start date of the program.Travel to and from the ISES campusAirport/bus/train travel to Ottawa is the responsibility of the student. However, transportation to ISESs campus from Ottawa (ISESs rendezvous city) is provided by ISES staff. ISES is not responsible for delays or cancellations due to weather or other affairs.

ISES_Program_Registration.pdf

Download the ISES Application by clicking "I Agree" indicating that you agree to the policies above.

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

IQ

Insight Quest (3 Week) Ages: 15 - 17

IQ syllabus.pdf

What we offer
General Course DescriptionThe Insight Quest program brings together an eclectic group of youth from different socio-geographic regions of North America. The program focuses on helping students practice skills associated with leadership dynamics, environmental responsibility and respect. Students make full use of the activities and animals groups on campus in environmental education, outdoor recreation and wildlife rehabilitation.There are two sessions taking place during the summer: July and August. Each session has a different environmental focus and study tour. Each focus also includes numerous environmental themes discussed during the three week program. Activities on campus include groundwork with horses, sled dog kennel maintenance, medicinal plants, canoeing and much more. Please refer to the syllabus for more information and the schedule for specific dates.Enrollment & DeadlinesISES requires a deposit of 25% of the program fee at the time of enrolment confirmation. This fee is non-refundable 15 days before the start date of the program. Applications are rolling and programs fill on a "first come first serve" basis, therefore they fill quickly, long before the start of the program. Deadlines for all programs are three weeks before the start date. Cost$2550 includes lodging, food and on-course transportation. This cost does not include personal spending money on trips and study tour souvenirs.

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

Enlightenment

Winter Gap 2012 - Syllabus.pdf

ISES Enlightenment (Gap 10 Week) Ages: 18+

What we offer
ISES Winter Gap Program 2012OUTDOOR Education: Winter Gap ProgramProgram DescriptionThe ISES Winter Gap brings together students ages 18-22 from across North America, including First Nations Native Americans. This 10-week residential program integrates domestic and wild animal connection, environmental awareness, and traditional outdoor recreation. Daily group meetings and critical thinking exercises engage students in leadership language with a view to developing tomorrows environmentally sensitive spokespersons and leaders.Dog sledding and skijoring on our private trail highlight the winter animal husbandry program. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter outdoor survival skills further the ISES winter gap experience. Students also discover nature through stargazing, moonlit dog-sledding, and hiking; connecting them with elements of the natural and nocturnal world.DVDs, discussions and regional field trips help students gain awareness about pressing North American land use issues such as: energy demand by growing urban populations, food quality and factory farming, and the systematic destruction of natural habitat.Course goals1. To provide students with a safe and healthy learning environment2. To offer students exhilarating traditional outdoor recreation education3. To introduce students to a husky kennel, wild animal rescue facility & equine center4. To promote environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation awareness5. To bring together North American youth who represent different cultures6. To teach leadership language through common respect principlesCourse objectives1. Provide awareness of campus liabilities: remoteness, lake, resident & wild animals2. Offer quality instruction in: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, outdoor winter survival & wilderness first aid3. Bond students with huskies and horses through care & connection4. Engage students in research highlighting North American environmental issues5. Establish a multi cultural peer group that promotes regional environmental awareness6. Build a proactive peer culture through promoting cooperative living & group dynamics Ground PoliciesStudents should be self-motivated, want to connect with animals, enjoy outdoor recreation, and be environmentally proactive. Participants should be physically fit, exercise appropriate independent living skills, and be willing to share in daily chores, including meal preparation. Ensuring respect and safety for students, resident animals, and staff members is the responsibility of all program participants.Program Overview· Daily group chores· Resident wild and domestic animal groups· Huskie kennels & maintenance, dog care and dog sledding· Horse stable & maintenance, equine care and connection· Winter hazards & hypothermia i.e. lake ice safety· Photo journals· Creative journal writing· Environmental awareness through D.V.D.s, research & discussions· Cross-country skiing· Snowshoeing· On-site wildlife camera observation· Winter outdoor survival skills· *10-day field trip to James Bay Cree First Nation culture connection * Weather permitting Certifications Offered- Wilderness First Aid Responder & CPR- Introduction to Animal Husbandry: Level - 1- Kennel Maintenance & Dog Sled Management

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

Intro to ISES

Intro to ISES (1 week) Age: 18+

What we offer
General Course DescriptionBy popular demand, ISES is now offering a week long course that is a intensive introduction of the offerings at ISES. This program focuses on outdoor recreation, wildlife rehabilitation and environmental awareness. The course teaches the basics of medicinal plants, falconry and wilderness survival basics. The specific teaching varies upon the season and discretion of the instructors. This is the first of courses open to adults. The group dynamics allows students the opportunity to discuss environmental and social topics with like-minded peers. The experience allows participants to escape their everyday hectic lifestyles and get down to the business of connecting with nature, animals and the land. Enrollment & DeadlinesISES requires a deposit of 25% of the program fee at the time of enrolment confirmation. This fee is non-refundable 15 days before the start date of the program. Applications are rolling and programs fill on a "first come first serve" basis, therefore they fill quickly, long before the start of the program. Deadlines for all programs are three weeks before the start date. Cost$850 includes lodging, food and on-course transportation. This cost does not include personal spending money on trips and study tour souvenirs.

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

Study Tour

Study Tour (4 week) Age: 18+

What we offer
General Course DescriptionThe study tour focuses on environmental awareness across Canada and the upper States. Students spend one week on campus to orient their minds and connect with the Land, animals and nature. The study tour begins in the second week and the group goes West to Waterton National Park in Alberta. Experiences along the study tour include meeting with First Nation traditionalists, eradicting invasive plants, summiting mountains in the North American Rockies and spotting wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Students become more aware of their environment and in tune with the land. They learn ways to change our destructive habits into a positive environmental impact. Enrollment & DeadlinesISES requires a deposit of 25% of the program fee at the time of enrolment confirmation. This fee is non-refundable 15 days before the start date of the program. Applications are rolling and programs fill on a "first come first serve" basis, therefore they fill quickly, long before the start of the program. Deadlines for all programs are three weeks before the start date. Cost$3400 includes lodging, food and on-course transportation. This cost does not include personal spending money on trips and study tour souvenirs.

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

Schedule

2012 Program Schedule
Applications are rolling and programs fill on a first come first served basis. Deadlines for all programs are three weeks before the start date.ISES EnlightenmentWinter Gap Program- January 6 thru April 1 , 2012Spring / Summer Gap Program- April 15 thru August 19, 2012Fall Gap Program- August 25 - November 1, 20124-Week Cross Continent Study Tour- September 1 - 30, 2012Insight Quest - Winter (15-17 yrs)- February 10 - 19, 2012Insight Quest - Summer (15-17 yrs)- July 7 - 28, 2012Winter Intro to ISES- March 17 - 24, 2012Parents March Break Retreat- March 9 - 11, 2012Ashbury College LEEDES Retreat (11-13 yrs)- August 4 - 11, 2012

Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.

Certifications

Certifications

Depending on the program and season, these are possible certifications that students can achieve through our programs.
Dog Sled Kennel Management (160 hours)This certification is offered during the gap semester during the winter and spring programs. Courses such as Intro to ISES, Insight Quest and Study Tour offer an introduction to the dog kennels. Students who complete the certification will have learned how to care and maintain a kennel system, prepare dog for sledding, solo sled, equipment and history of dog sledding. The certification is offered through Aventure Écotourisme Québec. Flat Water Canoeing Certification (Level 1 to 4)We do most of our canoeing on our private lake. Learn tandem and solo techniques, manuvere T-rescues, in safe and fun environment. Students can put their canoe skills into practice on overnight expeditions. This certification is offered through Recreational Association of British Columbia.Parelli Natural Horsemanship LevelsStudents have the opportunity to use our Parelli resources as an introduction. Students can later gain certification from Levels 1 through 4 through the Parelli system. Students have the opportunity to use our horses for their Level 1 certification.Leave No TraceTread with a light footprint, leave no litter and no evidence that you were there. Respect your environment. This course gives students insight into leading a positive environmental impact in the wilderness.Wilderness First Aid & CPRISES offers these certifications through various organizations. This course is included in the gap semester and can be offered in other courses by request.

Thriveability Tips

Thriveability Tips

We are frustrated with the word "sustainability". What does that mean? Should we continue to keep things as status quo? Continue the environmental destruction? Continue the pressing greed of profit? No, thriveability means that we wish to mutually thrive with the natural environment. How do we work together to help Mother Earth so that she can help us? The following tips are suggestions from ISES on how to thrive:
1. Reduce your consumption. Ask yourself if all the stuff you purchase is really necessary. Does it actually make you happier and the world a better place?2. Commit to stop using plastic bottles for water, juice, milk, etc. An island of plastic, the size of Texas, lays in the middle of the Pacific Oceanis. Protect our fragile oceans!3. Monitor your daily energy habits. Unplug all appliances and chargers when not in use. Do you know how much electricity you are using? Where does it come from and what percentage of your carbon footprint is from destructive, dirty fossil fuels? How can you limit your energy needs?4. Commit to know where your food comes from. How far did that banana travel? Did the cow come from a factory farm? Who farmed your food? Are the workers paid a decent wage?5. Take control of your health. Research. Eat a whole plant based diet. Exercise. We suggest reading the China Study and Righteous Porkchop.6. Reduce your waste. Do you know what landfill your trash goes to? How much energy does it take to recycle that aluminum can? Was it neccessary to have? Can you reuse it? 7. Become environmentally and socially aware. Be open-minded, but also learn to take some opinions with a grain of salt. Consider the impossible.8. Grow an organic garden. Even those who proclaim not to possess green-thumbs, growing vegetables and herbs are so easy. Google it!9. Build your community. Involve yourself. Start a community garden or a town sustainability council. Create a hiking or nature walk group. Become active in your city council. 10. Reconnect to the earth. Stay outside. Climb a tree. Take a nap in a meadow. Go to the beach. Sleep outdoors.

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CONTACT
197 Fierobin Road
Ladysmith, Québec J0X 2A0
819.647.3226
info_earth-studies.ca
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Copyright 2011 International School for Earth Studies. All rights reserved.