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Denver high school students live the rural lifeColorado Twenty-five seniors from Lakewood are learning what farm and ranch life is all about while they stay with farmers and ranchers throughout Colorado. Students from Bear Creek High School will spend one week living and working with a rural host family, as part of the Senior Field Studies Program. During their visit, the students become part of the family. They help with the daily chores of the farm or ranch, attend any meetings the family might go to and participate in social activities. By participating in the daily operations of a farm or ranch, the students will gain first hand knowledge in production agriculture practices and activities. Through these activities, the students learn about the family values, business aspects, political issues and community activities that make up rural life in Colorado. Some students will have the opportunity to attend a rural high school for a day, in order to understand the differences in education throughout the state. The Senior Field Studies Program is sponsored by the Colorado Farm Bureau Women's Committee. Angela Ryden, Colorado Farm Bureau Women's Committee chairman said, "Senior Field Studies is an outstanding way of educating these students about agriculture. As future voters and consumers, we want them to understand the issues important to rural Coloradoans and that we take care of the land while producing a safe and affordable food supply. It is a great opportunity to break down stereotypes and build relationships, said Ryden. Senior Field Studies helps students and host families alike understand, just a little better, the link between the city and the country and that we all need to depend on each other." The students are living with their farm family from April 10 to 17. Mark Leachman, Senior Field Studies coordinator and teacher at Bear Creek, says each student chosen to participate in the program must raise over $1000 to be involved in the semester-long course. Aside from the rural experience, the students also study urban, suburban and wilderness areas. The program allows them to explore career opportunities in various industries and participate in community service programs. The students will also go white water river rafting and backpacking in the desert, along the way. The program provides an opportunity to learn and grow by trying new things in new and challenging environments. It cultivates leadership and problem solving skills and promotes the values of responsibility and hard work. The students receive school credit for their participation in Senior Field Studies, which also involves classroom study, essays, tests and keeping a journal. In the past, the students have not only learned about the agricultural industry, but also made new friends with their host families. Many students have returned to visit their host families after the program is over. Host families participating in 2008 reside in the following areas: Amherst, Lindon, Stratton, Boone, Monte Vista, Center, Alamosa, Parlin, Palisade, Olathe, Whitewater, Paradox, Norwood and Craig. 4/21/08 Date: 4/16/08
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