Ecoquest invites energetic and committed students who are interested in
exploring the natural world and developing the skills to be community leaders.
We offer learning outside the classroom within a community of new friends.
Ecoquest welcomes students in the Saskatoon Public School Division from a
variety of backgrounds, experiences and interests.
Getting Started
The application process is meant to challenge you to reflect on what draws you to the
program. Please allow yourself time to thoughtfully and thoroughly complete your
application. There are three parts to this application:
Student Application Form
Teacher Referal Form
Student Application Letter
Student Application Form – Page 1
Personal Information
Name:
Male
Female
Address:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Date of Birth:
Parent/Guardian Information
Name:
Name:
Address:
Address:
Home Phone:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Work Phone:
Teacher Reference
Outside Reference
Teacher:
Name:
Grade/Subject:
Address:
School:
Home Phone:
Email:
Email:
Your references may be asked to review appropriate sections of this application. Please
ask your references’ permission to use their names. You may submit one optional letter of
reference with your application.
Student Application Form – Page 2
The Ecoquest program requires a great deal of student responsibility, commitment
and effort. The following is an assessment of whether the Ecoquest program is a good
match for you. Please answer each question as honestly as you can:
Student Self- Assessment
Seldom
I am kind and accepting of my classmates.
I work hard at school and complete my work on time.
I willingly accept the direction of my teachers.
I work well with other students.
I have a positive attitude.
I am able to work with people I do not like.
I am able to work independently without supervision.
I do not blame others when things don’t go well.
I like to challenge myself physically.
I am determined to do my best academic work.
I lead an active lifestyle and eat nutritious food.
I recognize when work needs to be done and use my time
effectively.
I am honest and trustworthy.
I willingly volunteer during group work.
I enjoy learning in new ways.
I enjoy spending time in nature.
I make safe and mature decisions.
I ask for assistance from peers and teachers when needed.
I accept responsibility for my actions.
I am open to receiving feedback on my work.
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Time Commitment
This program will require that you spend periods of time away from school and home. The
length of time can vary from one to seven days in duration and activities may require your
commitment during both the day and night. Your class time may not always be between
8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Some of these activities may be scheduled with less than 48 hours
notice.
Please list and clubs, sports, or activities you belong to: __________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Student Application Form – Page 3
Health and Learning
1. Ecoquest is an inclusive program, which is accepting of different learning needs,
styles, and skill levels. Please state any learning challenges you experience:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Students will be very active in the program and must be capable of physical activity on
a regular basis. Please state any medical conditions, serious allergies or illnesses you
experience: ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3. Are you capable of physically rigorous activity?
4. Rank yourself on your fitness level: Poor 1 2
Yes
3
4
Maybe
No
5 Excellent
5. What level of swimming have you achieved? _____________________
Ecoquest is a smoke, alcohol and drug free program.
Associated Costs
In the past the cost to the student for this program has been $200.00. Our school division
will be notifying us of a possible reduction in fees this spring. Please note that acceptance
into the Ecoquest program is not based on the ability to pay. Please contact us if cost is
a concern. The Ecoquest program has gear available for students to sign out, however,
students will need to supply their own bike.
Submitting your Application
The application form, teacher referral and student application letter must be submitted to
the office at Buena Vista on or before April 7th. Incomplete and late applications will not be
considered. Please see instructions on the following page for completing the letter. The
selection process will be completed around the beginning of June. All applicants will be
notified of their selection status by mail.
Your signature below indicates your understanding of, and agreement with the
information outlined in the application.
Student: ________________
Parent: _______________
Date:
Parent: _______________
________________
Student Letter of Interest - Instructions
Please write a personalized, typed, one-page letter explaining why you are interested in being
in the Ecoquest program next year. In your letter please comment on the following topics,
and provide examples where relevant:
Your relationship with nature.
Your relationship with other students.
Your ability to work independently and make responsible decisions.
How you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Your academic effort.
This letter must be type-written, and completed by you, the student. You may have one adult
proof read your work for grammar and spelling.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Teacher Referral Form
Student: _____________________
Teacher: _____________________
School: ___________________
Date: ____________________
Dear Grade Seven Teacher,
The teacher’s recommendation is an important part of the Ecoquest selection process. Here is
some background information on Ecoquest’s student expectations and experiences.
Due to the integrated nature of the Ecoquest program, students must demonstrate a significant
level of dependability, responsibility and independence.
Throughout the program students are very busy with many overlapping responsibilities and
assignments.
Students are occasionally unsupervised and work independently on various work research
projects.
The student will be travelling to and working in a number of different settings ranging from urban
to wilderness, and classroom to independent field work.
The success and safety of the program and its participants depends on safe and mature
individual actions.
Because there are only a certain number of positions each year, every effort must be made to make
the selection process as fair as possible. This reference is an attempt to verify that the student and
the program are a suitable match. Please rank the student on the following points:
Seldom
Always
Manages time efficiently.
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Able to work respectfully in a diverse group.
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Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
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Interested in learning and shows initiative.
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Has good attendance and punctuality.
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Is a good judge of appropriate and respectful behaviour.
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Is capable of physically vigorous activity.
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Is intellectually curious.
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Ask for help with challenging tasks
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Please
provide
a short comment on the student’s suitability for the Ecoquest
program:
Volunteers
willingly
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Not Recommended
Overall suitability for the Ecoquest program?
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Highly Recommended
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This form is confidential. It will not be shown to the student unless you do so. Please put your
completed form in a sealed envelope and return to the student to submit. Thank-you for taking the
time to complete this form. We appreciate it.
Tyler Rittinger
Jana Miller