Wednesday, October 11, 2006

12:46 AM

Thanks to Emma who noticed that my Sunday journal was actually on Emilys journal. weird.. anyways here is it!

Sunday October 8, 2006, 5:16 pm
Hello everybody!

Today has been a bittersweet day. I think the only highlight of today was that it snowed in Churchill right before we left. Of course, I freaked out and ran around laughing : ) And I guess that another highlight was the fact we all actually realized how much of a family we truly are.

Saying goodbye was a very hard thing to do this morning. I almost cried when having to say goodbye to Robert, the Captain, Lisa-Joy, and the other adults I have grown to admire. Then saying bye to my friends Angela, Jake, and Johnny Boy (aka Jonathan) made me once again hold back the tears. Angela and I would have the most random conversations, while Jake had a "filter" that would turn everything we would say into something different, and Jonathan would make fun of me in such a subdued manner that I would have only a few seconds for a witty comeback. I really love these people, and they are all so unique and wonderful it would take a novel for me to explain how each of them is great.

I cannot believe that this trip is over, but then again it is just the beginning. I know I will see them again, maybe not soon enough, but I will stay in touch. Plus, I have this feeling of home in the arctic. Go figure, the California "sunshine surfer girl" as Mikkel calls me, finds comfort out in the freezing arctic.

Throughout this trip I have heard from so many people whose daily lives have been effected by climate change, learned so much from my peers and teachers, and felt the bone-chilling wind brush across my face that I can't help but feel a passion to share this experience with so many people.

As I said, this experience is in a way, just beginning. Now that I am offically an Arctic Ambassador I will be able to share the facts of climate change and of the plight of the polar bears. I plan on speaking at the San Diego Zoo, my school, and even having an article in TEEN Magazine.

I will let you all know the dates of all these events as they are set in stone. Hopefully I could meet all of you! Thank you soo much for all your support! And remember: you CAN make a difference in this world. Either by turning off your lights when you leave a room or use your car less and walk more. Not only can you help the polar bears, but you can help yourself.

Thank you once again!
Yours~ Shelby : )

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

6:35 PM

Hi everyone!

Sorry about the delay, I tried to post an entry yesterday but it didn't go through i guess...

Well, first off I want to say thank you to everyone involved with this amazing camp! From the wonderful people at Gyspys to you all at home reading our journals, you all made it a great experience! Thank you for your time and support, it means a lot!

Sunday and Monday were hard for all of us. We left Churchill right as snow flurries started to fall from the cloudy skies, and said our goodbyes to Robert, the Captain, Jake, LJ and JB. I had tears in my eyes when giving them all hugs and encouraging words that we would see each other again soon. Once in Winnipeg, amongst the fluster of missing luggage, Johnathan walked up and said he was leaving. That was a shock. After trying to make him laugh one last time by giving him a hug and taking a quick picture, we said goodbye. Up next was Angela, she also had to go home. We were hoping to have one last night with her, but it didnt work out...

Later at the hotel, the rest of us wrote out our answers to FAQ's we might get with media interviews and wrote the last journal entry. Mostly everyone had flights early in the morning, so I went to bed as early as I could after our Thanksgiving dinner and photo booth session. I woke up at 4:40 then ran down to say goodbye to Emma and Kourtney, both of which still had bags left in Churchill because our plane couldnt carry them all. Then I tried to go back to sleep, but I just couldn't. As I walked Candace, Jesse and Rashaad to the airport (which was only a few steps away), I realized I missed Patrick. I feel horrible. But I am sure he will forgive me if I bake him some lemon squares when I go to visit him. I tried holding back tears when saying goodbye, but when Candace let some out, I was over. At least I made her and Jesse laugh. By the way, Jesse gives good hugs, even through a big puffy jacket. Next to leave were Emily and Tamara. Poor Tamara was a zombie, and I had to lead her around like a seeing-eye dog. Once again, tears came down, this time because Tamara let loose first. Emily and I kept hugging each other, and I gave them each one last hug.

I went back to the hotel to prepare for the wrap up interview for the documentary. I never knew I could talk for 45 mintues straight, I guess I am living in my dad's footsteps. I can't wait until November when it will be out. It will even be on Country Canada's website!

Joseph, Mikkeline and myself then watch the DVD of the Camp photos and talked about the experience in general. Before I knew it, I had to run and throw stuff into my suitcase and dash downstairs to the lobby. Saying goodbye to Carolyn was the last straw for me. Before Kathy and I left to go into Customs, Carolyn and I shared one long hug. I really didn't want to let go.

This trip has been extraordinary and certainly life changing. I have changed significantly over the course of this Camp. However, this wouldn't have been possible without the San Diego Zoo and PBI. I can never repay them for what they have given me. I am truly blessed to have met all my fellow Ambassadors, the brilliant teachers, and the peoples of the Arctic.

As I told my friends: It is not the end, it is just beginning. This Leadership Camp of 2006 was the forward section of the big book of Educating to inspire passion for change through conservation and
understanding of the environment. ( Our Mission Statement)

I have a feeling we will all keep in contact, these friendships are too strong to break. It is not a matter of if we will see each other again, it's a matter of time. Until then , I will think about all of them often and think back to all our laughs.

There is soo much I wish to share with you about every aspect of this Camp, but it would take forever too read. I would like to leave you with this however: There comes a time in which you will learn about who you are and what you want to do in your life, this Leadership Camp was that time for me.

In my biograpghy I wrote a few months ago, I mentioned how I think we can change the world. I typed that with the idea that we can, but now I can type it with fact... WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD! Boom baby!

Thank you again for all your support,
I will miss writing to you all!

Yours truly~ Shelby : )

Friday, October 6, 2006

6:01 PM

Hello!

We had the most amazing experience this morning, we got to go on a helicopter ride inland to a polar bear maternity den. Once before I have been in a helicopter, and it was with a stunt pilot that flew through the L.A. skyscrapers. Both of these were amazing flights, but todays was incredible. The view from the air was breath taking. I didn't realize that there were so many water sources out here! When we arrived, as soon as my foot hit the tundra it sunk. The ground was covered in lichen and different types of vegetation, all of which were above a pond. We stuck an arm down into the ground and once our forearm was underground, we felt water. It felt so trippy to have my arm eaten up and feeling water underground.

I actually got to crawl inside the maternity den, and after a few staged shots for the documentary, I got to explore. It was bigger than I expected, and it was quite nice by bear standards of course : ) I didn't mind getting dirt in my hair, then rolling around with Mikkel and Candace on the lichen and taking random pictures. It felt even better to be on solid ground and be able to roll around, since we have been on the Tundra Buggy Lodge for 3 full days now.

There have been other memories throughout the day, like seeing two white wolves on the helicopter ride back from the den. For the few seconds I saw them, they as gorgeous as ever. Then Jon and I have been at it, he enjoys teasing me then seeing my shocked face. He doesn't realize it yet, but I have him figured out! : ) Tamara and I have had so much fun together, and Candace is still a great friend as always. Patrick and I have a greeting and we give each other fake smiles. There are so many memories I have, so many laughs and smiles. I really am going to miss everyone.

But I must look to the future and how I am going to use all the information I have gained on this trip to help inspire others and educate them. I have the documentary and I wish to get it on a channel in the U.S. But I will have an article in TEEN magazine, and maybe Sweet 16 too. Plus I want to go after TV and radio interviews, possibly NBC Nightly News : ) I have tons of classroom presentations in the works, and also a huge speech in front of my entire high school. I'm so excited at the future, I feel more hope towards making a difference. I know that the people I am laughing with and learning with at this camp will be the movers and shakers in this world. They are just too wonderful and brainy to sit down and watch the world go by before their eyes. That makes me very optimistic for our generation.

Without your support, this wouldn't be possible. Thank you for reading!

Yours truly~ Shelby : )

Thursday, October 5, 2006

7:20 PM

Hey you all!

This morning we had a surprise visit from a sub-adult bear. He was very curious and in fact came up for a closer look:

Yes, I took this photo. This is one of the most memorable pictures I have taken on this trip. I really enjoyed watching this young bear because of his body language. He would glance at us, then take a few steps and look back again.
Today we didn't go out and explore the tundra, we prepared for a video confrence with a elementary school from southern Manitoba. This was interesting because sometimes our internet connection would freeze, maybe it because of the arctic wind. It was just like televison, everything was on pins and needles. Plus, my friend Tamara and I both winged answers to the questions that our group was not prepared for. I love having to be quick witted on the spot, therefore this was quite fun. Everything went really well and the kids enjoyed it.
Tomorrow we get to go out on the helicopters for a long flight across the tundra to a maternity den. This is going to be awesome and quite an experience. Can't wait to show you the pictures and maybe even a video.

Thanks for your support!
~Shelby : )

Thursday, October 5, 2006

7:06 AM

Video by Patrick King
Banshee Productions
Song by Shelby Stanfield and Tamara Dorrington

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

10:17 PM

Good evening everyone!

Last night I saw the northern lights for the first time in my entire life. It was simply breathtaking. Even though some of the people on the Buggy have seen more brilliant forms of the northern lights, and they didn't bother to stay up and watch, it was meaningful to a California girl like me. The way the green lights danced in the sky was beautiful. No words can describe how I felt when my eyes first gazed at them, but I will try my hardest to enlighten you. Yes, it was cold. Yes, it was windy. And yes, it was very late at night. But, it was like my heart stopped. Everything seemed to disapear around me. My eyes focused on the lights above me that eluminated the artic sky.

Today, we actually got to listen to ( and ask tons of questions ) to two elders who trapped and also young trapper. I came to listen with an open mind, because here at this camp we are supposed to learn all sides and accept them. The amount of respect I have gain from these people is huge! They know so much about the animals behavior it is extraordinary and it seems they more than keepers at zoo. These trappers care about the animals and don't trap them for the heck of it, they hunt them because thats who they are and what they have known all their lives. Its is actually an art to trap an animal and the whole process of preparing it. Though I thought I would feel awkward hearing about this process being an animal lover, but from all the fur coats I have seen I felt relieved to know there are trappers out there who respect the animals.

Plus, the video that has been added is of my groups presentation of chapter 6 of the book we had to read before this trip. It is called "Impacts of a Warming Artic", and the chapter we had was about the sea ice melting and allowing for more sea routes through the north. Jesse and Joseph are seals conversing, while Rashaad is a greedy pirate who sails the seas. It ends with Tamara and I skipping in then singing a hippy song. This by far was one of the highlights of the trip and even when Tamara and I were writing the song was amusing. We tried to show both the good and the bad effects of the sea ice allowing more sea routes. Hopefully it can keep you all laughing.

I do not know what tomorrow will bring except more amazing memories : )

See you tomorrow,
Shelby : )

P.S. I just spellchecked and for the first time in my entire life with an essay over 3 paragraphs, I had everything correct. This is crazy. Good crazy of course!

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

7:36 PM

Hi everybody!

Even though today started a little slow on the animal activity, it sure ended with a bang!
We left Churchill early this morning to head out to the Tundra Buggy Lodge. The ride was a little bumpy, yet along the way we saw our first polar bear! He was resting along side of the rocky road and he glanced up at us every now and then. Besides the bear, we also saw a playful artic fox. He kind of reminded me of my cats because he would roll around on his back, then jump back up and continue along.
A few hours later at the Lodge, we were about to eat some dinner. However, those thoughts quickly left my mind as someone spotted a mother and two cubs walking along the coast. I ran to get my dad's spiffy and high-tech camera and sprinted outside to view the polar bears. But I seemed to have forgotten my jacket, and ran back to get it. By the time I got it and prepared to shoot, the bears had gotten closer. In fact, I stayed outside in the windy Artic inbetween the Buggies for over 20 minutes. My hands became pink and shriveled, but being close to the three bears made it all left my mind. Besides taking lots of pictures, I took with me a sense of pride of the Artic. Seeing the mother bear be protective of her curious young made me feel a will to protect them. I feel so much love for polar bears right now it is amazing. When I was out in the wind, while everyone else was eating dinner, I felt so connected to them. The moment when the young male looked directly at me will stay with me for my entire life.

Tonight it is clear, and we have a chance to see the northern lights. If we do, today will end up being one of the most amazing days of my life. If we don't, it will still end up as a wonderful memory.

Tomorrow will be just as exciting!
See you then~ Shelby : )

Monday, October 2, 2006

8:21 PM

Hello to all of you!

First off, I wish to thank you for following us along on our journey. It really means a lot to everyone that is apart of this camp!

Today has been an adventure all-around. From a filling breakfast to exploring Polar Bear Alley all the way to playing Polar Bear Survivor , it was packed with things to do and people to see. One of my most favorite memories from today was freezing as we walked along the Hudson Bay and walked where few others have walked before. Our amazing guide, Kelsey, with his gun by his side told us many interesting facts. My boots and jeans were soaked from stomping through the bizarre terrain which was a mix of rocks, awesome looking seaweed, sand, and a variety of plants. This walk really showed me how unique the land is up here. Even though it was extremely cold, I eventually got somewhat used to it, but I enjoyed every minute of soaking in (sometimes literally) the Artic landscape in Churchill.
There is so much more I wish to tell you all, but there s not that much time. Tomorrow we leave for the Tundra Buggy! Hopefully we can see some polar bears and artic foxes!
Thank you so much for all your support!
~Shelby : )

Sunday, October 1, 2006

9:25 PM

Hey everyone!
Our first day in Churchill has finally arrived. The weather didn't look too dandy from the air, and our eyes did not fool us. Once we settled in to our HUGE condo-like rooms, (Emily and mine is by far the best : ) a few of us went out to explore in the very cloudly city of Churchill. It reminded me of the dense morning fog we get in Huntington Beach, but back in California it wears off by noon. I would love to tell you it does the same here in Churchill, but as we were walking through, it started to drizzle. All of us laughed it off, while shivering of course. Sure enough, by the time we left the supermarket, which has the most expensive ice cream due to the transportation fees of getting it up here, it was pretty close to pouring. As our small band of explorers left, we noticed four huskie puppies tied up outside a closed store. Now, I love all dogs, but huskies and golden retrievers have a special soft spot in my heart. When I saw these four adorable dogs, my heart melted and the rain seemed to vanish...until it started to drip down from my soaking hair onto my frozen face. My friends from Maryland, Candace and Jesse, were just as happy as I was to be with the dogs. The three of us continued to brave the rain to play with them, and after our brains were frozen ,we started to walk away.Then we heard the puppies calling out to us. With heavy hearts we glanced back at the four ( did I mention they all were different colors?) artic dogs, and continued back to our cozy rooms.
I must mention dinner because it was, well umm, extraordinary. Not only did we have the mayor of Churchill speak to us, but the food was wonderful. They let us choose what we wanted for everything, and for dessert I got a huge piece of mocha cheesecake. Let me just say, that I really want a Churchill cookbook.
Tomorrow we have to be ready to go for a full day of adventure by 6:30, so I must be off.. I still smell like wet dog.. and I should add that my jeans got so dirty from the dogs, I am washing them as we speak. Oh! I hear the beeping sound! Dryer time!
Bye for now~Shelby : )

Saturday, September 30, 2006

5:08 PM

Hi again!
I woke up this morning with a smile on my face. After all the Dove chocolate wrapper, told me so! : ) (Candance my fun roomate brought them)
After we ate this morning, there were three wonderful guest speakers. It was a joy to hear what they all had to say, but I really enjoyed hearing from Ms. Heidi Cook. She is actually part Cree, one of the Indigenous Tribes of Canada, and Heidi had a lot to say about her people and the effect of climate change and global warming on the people of the Artic. I felt bad because I asked her so many questions, but I learned a lot. One of the most interesting things about the Cree is their Medicine Wheel. It is a circle drawn with four divisons, and each part is a different color. There are many different themes for the wheels. There is one for health, the divisons are Spiritual, Mental, Physical, and Emotional. Others include:elements, seasons, people, and more. They all connect and balance each other. And the amazing aspect is that you can personalize them.
Tomorrow we leave for Churchill! Woohoo!
Bye~Shelby : )

Saturday, September 30, 2006

4:56 PM

Good day!
Yesterday was very bizzare. I woke up in my own bed with my cat sleeping by my side in good ol' California, but I fell asleep in the most perfect bed in Winnipeg. Traveling across two time zones, and arriving in Winnipeg at 11am Pacific time seemed crazy to me!
I love the people here! Everyone is so sweet and charming. Last night I feel asleep feeling that I had known everyone forever. We all get along very well, and have so much fun. I believe the best part of yesterday was dinner. Yes, the food was wonderful, but talking and laughing with everyone at my table was better. In fact, after we all ate, we continued to stay at the table for an hour or so.
Bye for now! ~Shelby : )

Thursday, September 28, 2006

8:20 PM

Hello everyone!
Wow! I cannot believe that I leave for Winnipeg in less than 10 hours! ( I have a countdown widget on my computer) This is going to be an amazing adventure. Ever since I got selected, it has felt as if I was living in a dream.

I am practically done packing, practically meaning I still have the "morning rush" pack job in which I throw in everything else I will need. Even though my family travels often, we still have the "late night cram" and "morning rush". I am sure most people do. Actually, this is one of my favortite aspects of traveling. I feel that it gets me pumped up for the trip, even though I do run around the house like a chicken with its head off.

Well I get to wake up at the wee hour of 2:30 in the morning, to be at LAX at 4:30. Kathy Myers from the San Diego Zoo, who I know from Zoo Corps, will be joining me on this trip! She is quite a character and such a fun person. We are going to have a brisk walk to our connecting flight in Denver, Colorado! Once we arrive in our hotel in Winnipeg, we will only have about an hour before we meet the rest of the "gang". I am really looking forward to meeting teens who also care about animals and the environment.

So long California! Hello Canada!

Talk to you all soon!
~Shelby : )