NMU student and UP200 intern Kenzie Jackson recently attended NMU’s Young Wildcat Scholars program to see sixth graders from across Michigan learn about mushing and dog care. The UP200 invited Ryan and Jana Roberts of Spirit Dream Racing to present to students. Kenzie shares her experience of the day below.
Young Wildcat Scholars (YWS) is a program organized by Northern Michigan University for 6th graders from across the state of Michigan. YWS students engage in a series of educational opportunities across NMU's campus and throughout the Marquette community for three days each spring. I sat in on a mushing session organized by the UP200 with Jana and Ryan Roberts as presenters.
The Roberts brought in an actual sled and blow up dogs to simulate what it is really like to mush in a race. The presentation started with mushing basics. The Roberts spoke about how and when they begin the training process for the race season, as well as what they do to prep their dogs all year round. The YWS students were fascinated to hear that for long races mushers camp with their dogs along the race trail. Time was spent explaining how important safety is during races and training. The presenters brought out all of their warm mushing gear and explained why certain materials are used. For example, wool gloves are typically the choice of mushers because it keeps their hands not only warm but also dry.
I personally had a great time learning right along with the students. I never knew half of the work that goes into preparing for the race season. I also enjoyed learning about all of the gear and accessories that are helpful and necessary for a musher to be successful. Remembering a stocked safety kit, food for the musher and the dogs when necessary, and sleeping gear are all things that I had never thought of.
After some presentation time the students got to see what it is actually like to mush. They took turns standing on the sled and yelling out calls. While they waited for their turn, the other students got to pretend to be sled dogs and actually pulled the musher. The students had so much fun and took their turn as mushers very seriously! The Roberts explained how important it is for the lead dogs all the way up in the front to hear the call. After a little timidness from the first student musher, each of the students were able to confidently direct their “dogs.” The presentation concluded with some fun mushing history and UP200 dog sled race stickers for all!
It was a great day for all who were involved. The Roberts lit a spark in what could be the next generation of future mushers! Seeing the joy and excitement from the students was delightful. Capturing their curiosity and smiles was a highlight of my job.
Thank you to Kenzie for her write-up of this experience and thank you to Ryan and Jana Roberts of Spirit Dog Racing for leading this session for Michigan students!
