River Relief

January 10, 2016

The Missouri River: Catalyst for Learning 2016

6th - 12th Grade Educators Workshop

June 13-16, 2016 – 4 days and 3 nights

Registration is Closed, Check out our 2017 Workshops

Hotel Frederick – Boonville, Missouri

Tuition without Lodging: $350

Tuition with Lodging: $500 

Registration is Closed, Check out our 2017 Workshops!

Calling All Formal and Non-Formal 6th- 12th Grade Educators!

Connect with the natural and cultural history of the Missouri River through adventure and investigation.  Discover the river ecosystems and the natural forces that shaped them. Understand how human choices have affected the river’s rhythm and flow.Knowledgeable and experienced instructors will show you how to use river education to integrate science, social studies, English language arts and math in a way that engages students, strengthens their learning and prepares them to be college-ready and career-ready.

About the Missouri River: Catalyst for Learning

Information Packet

Want to know what to expect? Download the information packet. This packet contains a schedule, lodging information, a packing list, driving directions, travel information, and general policies. 

Tell an Educator 

If you know an educator that would benefit from attending the workshop, please share this opportunity with them. Or you can provide us with an educator’s contact information and receive a one-of-a-kind Missouri River sticker! 

Registration Process

1. If you are applying for financial aid, please refer to the "Financial Aid" section below. You will need to complete this process before registering. Financial Aid recipients will receive a separate registration link when they are awarded financial aid. 

2. If you are not applying for financial aid, please complete the online enrollment process or call 573.443.0292. Please have your payment information ready when enrolling. 

3. After completing the enrollment/payment process, download a pdf of the registration packet; fill it out and mail to P.O. Box 463, Columbia, MO 65205 or e-mail to kristen@riverrelief.org. The packet contains the following forms: (a) medical form, (b) general risk release form, (c) and travel form. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to qualified participants. To apply for financial aid, download a pdf of the financial aid application, fill it in and mail to P.O. Box 463, Columbia, MO or e-mail to kristen@riverrelief.org.

We will begin awarding financial aid at the beginning of April and then continue making awards on a rolling basis until all available funds are awarded. We are typically able to notify financial aid applicants of the amount we are able to award within a month of receiving an application. The applicant will then be given a deadline and separate link to register for the course; do NOT register before you are notified of your award.  

Registration Deadlines            

• Financial Aid Application Open – January 13 to May 11. Notification of awards begins early April. Awards made on a rolling basis, apply early.  
• Enrollment Open – January 13 to May 30        
• Registration Open – January 13 to May 30 

For any questions, e-mail kristen@riverrelief.org or call 573.443.0292.

ReCap of 2016

• Click here to see photo's from 2016 Educators Workshop 

• Click here to read about the 2016 Educators Workshop 

The Missouri River: Catalyst for Learning Staff

Kristen Schulte, Education Coordinator 

The Missouri River Academy is managed by Kristen. She is responsible for the planning, designing and implementation of the Academy. She had over nine years of experience in environmental education and a Master of Science in Natural Science Education from Teton Science Schools Residential Graduate Program. In addition, she has been certified for over seven years as a Wilderness First Responder. In her role at Missouri River Relief, she will work to advance our mission of connecting people to the Missouri River with an emphasis on education.

Jan Weaver, Missouri River Academy Assistant

Jan studied dinosaurs for her Masters and prairie spiders for her Ph.D., and did research on Missouri forest insects and spiders for several years after graduation. She was director of and taught in the Missouri Environmental Studies program for 17 years, and assistant science director and teacher for the MU Honors College for 9 years. She now works for the Missouri Environmental Education Association developing and promoting environmental education resources in Missouri.

Jeff Barrow, Director

Jeff has been involved in clean water issues for years, helping start Show-Me Clean Streams and Missouri River Relief to his work at Greenbelt Land Trust. Through the years, he has served as a coordinator and board member of Missouri River Relief. In addition, he is certified is American Red Cross Basic First Aid. Jeff has a deep love of the Missouri River and is a two-time veteran of the Missouri River 340 Paddle Race.

Steve Schnarr, Program Manager

Steve lives in Columbia, Mo., a stone’s throw from the Missouri River. His love for the river developed from years of exploring its waters by canoe. He was drawn to Missouri River Relief as a volunteer at local clean-ups, later serving as an event coordinator, MegaScout coordinator, MRR board member and is currently the Lower Reach Manager, Steve coordinates the River Relief crew, manages the website and communications and organizes clean-ups across the state. He is also certified in American Red Cross Basic First Aid.

Melanie Cheney, Assistant Program Manager

Melanie has been a volunteer crewmember with Missouri River Relief since 2002, working on clean-ups, special projects, and educational events.  As an AmeriCorps Stream Team Assistant, she networked with Stream Teams in the area, developed education programs and helped coordinate events. She is also certified in American Red Cross Basic First Aid.