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Project Details

This section will cover my project proposal and my final project report 

Project proposal

Outdoor Engagement Center

www.suu.edu/siel/outdoor

351 W. University Boulevard, ST 172

Cedar City, UT 84720

 

 

SUU Outdoor EDGE Project Proposal Cover Sheet

If your Outdoor EDGE project is an independent project with travel, complete the following proposal and submit the proposal on canvas by the due date.

Student Information

Name (Last, First):

 Montour, Joshua

T#: T00988154

EMAIL:

 joshuamontour@gmail.com

Phone: 802-535-6950

Major ( & Minor):

 General Education

Project Information

Title of Project:

 Photos of the National Parks

Expected Start Date (month/day/year): 01/01/2017

Expected End Date (month/day/year): 01/1/2018

 

Project Mentor: Tasha Seegmiller

Mentor’s Email: edge@suu.edu

 

Project Group Members (if applicable):

 

 Project Abstract: For my project I am going to explore the National parks in and around Utah. I plan on bringing my camera so I can capture the beauty of the national parks. The reason for my project is to help me know more about Utah and how it was formed. I also plan to take photos so I can spread awareness to others about the natural beauty that is all around us, and what we can do to help keep these parks natural and healthy.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Learning Goals or Intended Outcomes (for you):

 

1. Become better acquainted with my camera and its functions.

2. Learn more about our national parks and how to conserve their beauty.

3. Help others to have better realization of our natural resources.

 

 

 

Outdoor EDGE Project Proposal:  Independent Project with Travel

Please complete your Outdoor EDGE project proposal by fully addressing the following details.  Rigor is an expectation, and is defined as attention to detail within work that is done with care.

 

  1. Outdoor Significance:  During my project I will be exploring the national parks, while exploring I will have the chance to see many great scenes and views. My goal is to capture as many of these views as possible. While I am enjoying the parks I must be courteous of the nature that lives there. I must be mindful to not leave trash laying around or disturb the wildlife. My time in the parks will be a personal journey to learn more about myself, and tap into my creative nature. Because of the rugged terrain I will be tested and tried throughout my journey.                

  2. Personal or Professional Development: Through my trips to the park I believe that I will learn a lot about myself. I must remember to keep a clear mind, and that things may not always go as planned. I must be sure to take time and remember why I am there and further understand myself and what I represent. Also I think that this project will help me to be better in tune with my creative side, this will help me see the world in a different perspective as well.

  3. Trip Plan:  Please complete a trip plan detailing your itinerary and preparations.  You may use the Outdoor EDGE Trip Plan to complete this section.  Please include at least two citations showing you have current and reliable sources* to complete your planning.

  4. Detailed Timeline*:  Please complete a table detailing tasks and activities, deadlines, and the purpose of each.  You may use the following table as a guide:

 

Activity

Hours it will take to complete

Purpose/Notes

Deadline for task

 

Drive to and from parks

20 hrs

To document and collect photos of the parks

1/1/18

Taking pictures of the park

20 hrs

To have something to show for my work

1/1/18

Editing and composing photos

5 hrs

Collecting my thoughts and putting them into a meaningful portfolio

1/1/18

 

  1. Budget*: An itemized budget, including a brief justification for each item. You must also indicate how your expenses will be covered.  The table below is meant as a guide.

 

Item

Cost

Funding Source

Purpose

 

Personal time

 40 hours @ $12/hr

Myself

To complete my project

Gas

Wear on vehicle

$400

$50

My paycheck

Traveling to the national parks

Camera

GoPro

Backup camera

Camera bag

Hiking clothes/shoes

Digital picture frame

$650

$500

$300

$75

$200

$50

My pell grant

My paychecks

To be able to capture every moment of my journey to the greatest potential.

TOTAL

$2705

 

 

 

  1. Safety Briefing:  On our trip to the National parks we will be confronted with many perils. be sure to bring warm weather gear, as the climate can change in a instant. Be sure to pack enough food and water for at least two days, as you never know if we could get caught out in the wilderness overnight. Please be sure to bring and wear sunscreen and or protective clothing. the high desert is a great place to get sunburned. Bring proper foot get and hiking clothes as we will be out if rough terrain. A first aid kit is highly advised, while we don't plan for injuries they can happen and a first aid kit could be the difference between a positive and a negative outcome. Please remember to pay attention to where you are going, and if with a partner stick together. Always keep to the trail and within eyesight of someone else, getting lost alone could be fatal.       

  2. Mentor Information:  Please write down the name, email, and phone number for your mentor.  Please explain the skills, abilities, and/or experience your mentor has to make him or her a qualified mentor for your project.

  3. Deliverables: At the end of my project I would like to have a Website set up with my photos scrolling through my trip and experiences. I will take photos of myself or have my wife along with me taking photos of me doing my project. This will help prove that I am the one taking photos. Also she will be with me incase anything goes wrong or we need emergency help.

  4. Project Analysis: 

1. I have spent plenty of time outdoors so camping hiking and other outdoor activities are not an issue for me.

2.My camera and my car will be my two main assets. Also park rangers will be great assets in helping me to find the best places to shoot my photos.

3. My personal weakness especially being outdoors is over confidence, I tend to not view things a too big of an issue since I love spending time outdoors. I must remember to not take any chances and to keep my head on a swivel.

4. Some of the things that could hinder me would be camera malfunctions, car troubles, weather, timing, and busy parks or park closures.

  1. Plan B:  In case I am not able to travel to the parks to take pictures I will plan to take photos of Cedar City and the surrounding towns. The purpose of this would be to show the history of Cedar City and the surrounding area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUU PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

Name of Participant ______Joshua Montour___________________________  Class/Activity ____Edge 3050___________________________Date(s)_9/21/16________________ 

Address ___559 E Nichols Canyon Rd______________ Email __joshuamontour@gmail.com__  Phone 802-535-6950_____

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER OF CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS AND ASSUMPTION OF THE RISKS AGREEMENT.

This Participation Agreement and Waiver and Release of Liability is entered into between the undersigned “Participant” and Southern Utah University, its organizations, affiliates, partners, sponsors, vendors, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, agents, contractors, contracted entities and facilities and the owners and lessors thereof, hereinafter referred to as “SUU” or collectively as “Releasees”). 

In consideration for the privilege of participation of the Participant in SUU sponsored activities, Participant certifies that they are over the age of 18 and acknowledges and agrees as follows:

  1. Participation in the activity sponsored by SUU, includes participation in outdoor recreation activities (including but not limited to climbing, hiking, rock climbing, repelling, wilderness survival, etc.) and requires good health and fitness and can be HAZARDOUS AND PRESENT A DANGER TO PARTICIPANT. Participant believes he/she is qualified to participate in activities, and if at any time the Participant believes conditions to be unsafe, he/she will immediately discontinue further participation in the Activities _JMM______INITIALS

  2. Participation in Activities exposes Participant to RISKS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH.  Risks may arise out of contact and/or participation with other participants, spectators, equipment, environment, facility and/or fixed objects; falls, collisions, rough play, and other mishaps; exposure to adverse weather conditions and/or high altitude; flaws and defects in equipment and facilities; irregular conditions; and negligent maintenance, and negligent participation. Risks may be caused by the Participant’s own actions, or inaction, the actions or inaction of others participants, the condition of the facilities in which the Activities take place, and/or THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES.” Some Risks cannot be predicted or controlled. There may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time.  __JMM_____INITIALS

  3. Assumption of the Risks. I understand and agree that participating in or being present at or around the activity may create predictable and unexpected risks of serious physical or mental injury or death.  These risks may include, but are not limited to: sprains; strains; fractures; damage to the head, face or body; emotional distress, flesh wounds; musculoskeletal injuries; cosmetic injuries; cuts; abrasions; penetrations; paralysis, foreign objects in the eye; amputations; permanent disabilities; and other serious injuries or death (collectively "risks"). I CONSENT TO PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES AND FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES (LEGAL AND FINANCIAL) incurred as a result of such participation.  ___JMM____INITIALS

  4. Waiver and Release of Liability. In consideration for the privilege of the Participant’s participation in the Activities, the undersigned hereby RELEASES, DISCHARGES, COVENANTS NOT TO SUE, AND AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS RELEASEES from any and all liability, demands, losses, medical expenses, lost opportunities, damages or attorney’s fees and costs stemming from any or all claims for negligence, expressed or implied warranty, contribution, and indemnity, and/or claims of negligent rescue operations, first aid, and emergency care, to the broadest extent permitted by applicable law suffered by the Participant incurred on his/her account with respect to the Participant’s personal injury and other injury or harm, disability, and/or death, or property damage, arising directly or indirectly from the Participant’s participation in Activities, as caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the Releasees or any of them, and further agrees that if, despite this release, the Participant or any other person makes a claim on the Participant’s behalf against any of the Releasees, THE UNDERSIGNED WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RELEASEES FROM ANY LIABILITY, LITIGATION EXPENSES, ATTORNEY FEES, LOSSES, DAMAGES OR COSTS ANY MAY INCUR AS THE RESULT OF ANY SUCH CLAIM, WHETHER ASSERTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THE PARTICIPANT, OR ANOTHER PERSON. ___JMM____INITIALS

  5. Governing Law, Venue and Jurisdiction: The undersigned understands and agrees that this document is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted under applicable law and shall be governed by Utah law. In the event of a dispute, the exclusive venue and jurisdiction for any lawsuit arising out of such dispute shall be the state court of Iron County, or the federal courts located in Salt Lake City, Utah. __JMM_____INITIALS

  6. Severability: If any provision of this document is determined to be invalid for any reason, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of any of the other provisions, which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect as if this document had been executed with the invalid provision eliminated. __JMM____INITIALS

 

THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT I HAVE COMPLETELY READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT AND ITS TERMS. THAT PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT. I AM AWARE, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT I ASSUME ALL RISKS AND WAIVE AND RELEASE CERTAIN RIGHTS THAT I AND EACH OF MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, FAMILY, RELATIVES, GUARDIANS, CONSERVATORS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES AND ASSIGNEES MAY HAVE AGAINST RELEASEES. 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature                                                                        Printed Name   Joshua Montour                                                                  Date 9/21/2016

Project Completion Report

Name: Joshua Montour

Project: Taking photos of National parks

Project Abstract:

For my project I went around to a few of the national parks here in Utah and a few of the surrounding states. The goal was to capture the diversity and beauty of the landscapes all around us. I want to be able to share these photos with other students here at SUU, especially those who are from out of state or international students. I want them to be able to enjoy and experience some of the awesome luxuries we have right in our backyard.

Project Goals

  1. Find and capture a few of the iconic sights from different parks

  2. Explore some new parks that I've never been to

Deliverables:

Photos of my experience can be found on my website http://joshuamontour.wixsite.com/soulgatephotography (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

 

Hours Dedicated to project:

Travel time to/from Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks: 30 hours

Time spent hiking 20 Hours

Travel time to/from Zion national park: 6 hours

Time spent hiking: 6 hours

Travel time to/from Bryce Canyon national park: 5 hours

Time spent hiking: 4 hours

Travel time to Cedar Breaks national monument: 2 hours

Time spent hiking: 2 hours

Project Accomplishments 

I was able to travel to multiple parks while working on this project some of the ones I explored were; Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Kolob National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park. By exploring and capturing these parks I feel so much more appreciative of all the work people put into these lands and their preservation. 

Lessons learned: 

  1.  The first lesson I learned while I was on my journeys was to take time to enjoy every aspect of the journey. It is often easy to get excited about where you are going and the expectations of what’s going to be there, but it is also important to be able to enjoy the entire journey. The long drives the miles of cityscape are all parts of the adventure that should be equally important.

  2.  Not always taking the photo. During my expedition there were times when I was just so immersed in the wonder and awe of the scenery. I just wanted to take as many photos as possible to capture every moment and every scene. But as I was snapping away I realized that sometimes its best to put down the camera and just enjoy the moment for what it is. By not taking pictures it really makes me enjoy what is around me. It allows me to have memories un-captured, so that someday I can go back and make more memories.

  3. Making the most of every situation. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Cars break down, the weather takes a turn for the worse, and people are standing in the way of your shot. But it is important to make the most of your situation. Try not to get caught in the negativity; have a positive outlook, and even the worst situation may have a ray of light in it.

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