Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the cost?

The cost for one assembly is $595. Some schools need or want two programs, so I discount the second one by $340 for a total of $850 for two AM or two PM assemblies. I also have an all day rate of $1100 which, for example, can include two or three assemblies and then individual group work before, after and in between assemblies.

Do you have extra or hidden fees?

NO!  We have only the one flat rate.

Do you require a deposit or pre-payment?

No!  Payment the day of the assembly is all we require.

Can you connect your assembly with a drug-free or Character Counts program?

YES!  The references are very subtle and very profound at the same time.  Dog sled racing rules prohibit drug use.  When students see the potential abuse to a drugged dog they make the immediate human connection.  Students also see the virtues required to train and race a dog team; patience, discipline and perseverance among the few.  Good decisions making skills are also emphasized.  “Can you see the consequences of a bad decision at 45 degrees below zero?”
(read about our motivational and drug-free program)

We don’t study the Iditarod.  We don’t study dogsledding.  How can you connect your assembly to our curriculum?

MushHusky! assemblies are about Alaska.  We talk about Alaskan history (our flag, Russian influence), geography (do you know where Alaska is?), geology (did you know that we have 42 active volcanoes?) and science (have you ever seen the northern lights?).  All of these subjects are discussed using Alaska’s dogsledding culture as the delivery tool. (read more about our educational program)

How long is an assembly?

Each assembly is 45 minutes to an hour long.

How many students do you want at each assembly?

Seating arrangements determine the size of the assembly. I have spoken to as few as 10 students and as many as 1400 students in one assembly. However, we consider 200 students an average size for an assembly. Our goal is to provide a program that the entire audience will be able to see, hear and enjoy. Please contact us to discuss your school's seating arrangements. (click here)

What age groups are a MushHusky! assembly for?

Any age group in any combination depending on group size and seating arrangements.  For example, 500 students sitting on a floor does not work well. In this case we would recommend an assembly for just the older students, or 2 assemblies with k-2 in one assembly and the older students in another assembly. K-12 assemblies in the smaller schools are very successful. Please contact us to discuss your school's number of students and seating arrangements. (click here)

Do you have visual aids?

Yes.  I bring a dogsled that I use on the trail.  I also bring a lot of survival gear and some of the arctic clothing that I wear to deal with the cold.  The students also get to see the gear the dogs need to pull the sled.  There is always something in my hands for the students to look at.

Do you bring a dog?

YES!  I bring one of the dogs from my team to every assembly.  Airline rules are getting stricter regarding the transport of a dog so I don’t guarantee that a dog will be there, but I have never yet failed to have a dog at an assembly, except for the time in the fall of 2004 when the dog that I brought with me was stolen.  I go to great effort to make sure that a dog is there.

What do you need to set up for a MushHusky! Assembly?

It takes me about 20 minutes to a half hour to set up and take down.  I need only a small area to set up.  I need a screen or some sort of projection surface for the slides as well as an area that can be darkened for the slide show at the end of the program.  If you absolutely do not have a room that can be darkened it is OK!  It just means I can talk about Alaska and dogsledding a little longer and field a few more questions from the students.  If the group is large enough or acoustics are not very good I need a PA system.

How long have you been conducting assemblies?

I have been mushing dogs since 1992 and started conducting assemblies in 2001.  At this time (Spring 2007) I have been to nearly 1,200 schools and talked to nearly 500,000 students and teachers and have traveled to 21 states.

When are you coming to our area?

I schedule assemblies in most areas in the fall months and then again in the spring months. 

MushHusky!
P.O. Box 181, Anchor Point, Alaska 99556, 1-888-866-0156
info@mushhusky.com