From boot camp to Guyana IT ALL started with a book. When West Vancouver’s Adam Wood received a book from his parents for Christmas full of overseas agencies, little aid he know it would lead to adventures in Guyana. One of the agencies he applied to was Youth Challenge Interna- tional (YCI), a program that combines conservation, communi- ty service and scientific research in adventurous projects from Alaska to Costa Rica. Ail the projects are conducted by volunteers ages 17-25. After applying, Wood managed to get on the short list. That was the easy part. + Next came the rigorous 48-hour selection weekend where the can- didates are tested for their deter- mination, cooperative skills and problem-solving abilities. “They took us outside of Can- more in Alberta. We met at 9 p.m.,’’ says Wood. ‘‘There was a foot of snow and it was -20 degrees. They were doing stuff with us until 3 a.m.”” The 20-year-old soon discovered what the organizers were after. After being traipsed around blindfolded and led through trees and over stumps in the snow he realized, ‘‘The em- phasis on the weekend is you couldn’t make it on your own, you had to help others.”’ “You get to know each other, By Sarbara Black News Reporter you work as a group, a team,” Wood explained, which is the key element in YCI projects where members are thought of as a “family.’’ . Despite the ‘‘family feeling’’ the organizers never relented on the test weekend. At 6 a.m. they woke the youths up and advised them that ‘“‘there was an earthquake, you have 10 minutes to get all your belongings packed.”’ “We end up carrying a stretcher for three hours and your own pack, which is about 20 pounds. It was just crazy!’ exclaims Wood. Of the 16 people who showed up for the boot camp 12 were ac- cepted. Wood says that is an unusually high acceptance rate. , Usually the selection weekend weeds out a good number of less-than-hardy. Thanks to his stick-to-it- iveness, in August of next year Wood will be working for three months in Guyana on several pro- jects. “There are three types of pro- jects,’ said Wood. ‘Science research, medical assistance and construction.”” A current science project in- volves tracking the population distribution of bats which have been spreading disease to Guyana’s cattle. Other projects in Guyana include building schools, establishing a national park system and conducting inoculation programs. Wood believes his group will be travelling mostly by canoe since there is only one main road in the country and it is ‘‘a big rut.” What moved Wood to under- take such an adventure? “Iv’s both personal and non- personal,”’ Wood says. ‘‘I’ve done two years in biology at UBC and it’s probably not what I want to do. I want to see a different side of me and test myself in new ways...doing things for people.” He hasn’t even gone to Guyana yet and already he’s excited about the possibility of going back after the project. In the next seven months Wood has to raise the $3,000 for his par- ticipation in the project. If you are an organization or individual interested in con- tributing to Wood’s fundraising efforts, call him at 926-9959. Classes offer latest in aerobic fitness THE NORTH Shore Neighbour- hood House .is offering two free fitness classes so that participants will have the opportunity to try the latest developments in aerobic fitness. On Monday, Jan. 13 from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., Margaret Lewis will -lead a step jazzercise class. This class combines elements of jazzer- cise with the popular style of step aerobics. The program is ongoing; how- ever, after Jan. 13 the drop-in fee will be $4.50 or participants may use their jazzercise passes. On Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., fitness instructor Sharon King will iead a fitness workshop on step aerobics. King Blood Donors Urgently Needed RED CROSS BLOOD DONOR CLINIC Lions Gate Hospital Medical Day Centre Gymnasium Monday, January 13 Tuesday, January 14 2:30 — 8:00 p.m. 200 E. 15th Street will take participants through the steps and demonstrate proper technique as well as the fun and benefits that step aerobics offer. King also teaches an ongoing step aerobic class on Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. and par- ticipants are welcome to attend. The workshops on Jan. 13 and 14 are free. Participants are asked to pre-register and come prepared “8 | STUDY to actively participate in the classes. These classes are a good oppor- tunity for new participants to become involved and try aerobic activities. For more information visit the North Shore Neighbourhood House at 225 East 2nd St. in North Vancouver or call 987- 8138. SKILLS PROGRAM | The program that helps students reach their full potential in school or out. « Time Management « Time Power / Goa! Setting e Listening « Note taking « Outlining e Reading « Study strategies « Test taking strategies e 30 hrs. of individual Instruction North Shore 985-6811 Sylvan Learning Centre. a Helping kids do better? [ Whistler NEWS photo Mike Wakefield ADAM WOOD, of West Vancouver, will be heading off to Guyana in August to work on Youth Challenge International projects. He . had to undergo a tigorous selection weekend to be chosen as a volunteer. In the meantime, the 20-year-old has to raise $3,000 toward his travelling expenses. 4g Announcing a new Decorating Service is fo sult any budget. Let me help you avoid an expensive decorating error. Call today! Terina Aquec! A SHADE BETTE Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 7 years . 4877 Marine Dr., N. Van. 984-4104) #4-38918 Progress Way, Squamish 892-5857 932-6617