Classrooms ‘Adopt a Musher’ for the Yukon Quest

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Competitive dog mushing can be a sled load of fun, not only for participants, but for those who follow the sport. One special way for school classrooms across the nation to participate is through the ‘Adopt a Musher’ program.

The Adopt a Musher program connects classrooms with individual mushers. Mushers are able to explain what it is like to travel the thousand icy miles of the Yukon Quest, to cross snowy mountains, and camp on the frozen tundra with the dogs and more.

Lisa Nilson, the new Yukon Quest Executive Director, said the program has become increasingly popular in recent years.

“Last year was really big. We had 76 classes in 18 states and over 25,000 students involved,” Nilson explained. “We send them information about basic commands that our mushers, things that they pack in their sleds.”

Once their classroom has been paired with a Yukon Quest musher, students have the opportunity to send in questions for the musher to answer.

“That way they get to learn about the mushers, they get to learn about the dogs, and they get to learn about the sport in general.”

To participate, contact the Yukon Quest through their website or email ehorvath@yukonquestalaska.com.

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