Trips and Events
All Classes Are One Session Each—Descriptions on bottom of page. Events are subject to change - please call us with any questions you may have.
February 2008
Feb 26 (Tuesday) 7:00 pm - Ultra-light Backpacking Class
March 2008
Mar 13 (Thursday) 7:00 pm - Backpacking Essentials Class
Mar 18 (Tuesday) 7:00 pm - Ultra-light Backpacking Class
Mar 21-30 - Florida Black River Canoe Trip (see Updates Page)
Mar 29 (Saturday) 10:30 am - Wildflower Nature Hike Spurgeon Nature Preserve
April 2008
Apr 3 (Thursday) 7:00 pm - Backpacking Essentials Class
Apr 5-6 (Saturday & Sunday) - Planet Adventure Race Hoosier Nat’l Forest
Apr 6 (Sunday) 2:00 pm - Wildflower Nature Hike To Be Announced
Apr 10 (Thursday) 7:00 pm - Ultra-light Backpacking Class
Apr 24 (Thursday) 7:00 pm - Basic Backpacking Class
May 2008
May 3 (Saturday) 10:00 am - Cooking In The Outdoors Class
May 16 (Friday) 7:00 pm - Basic Canoeing Class—Session 1
May 17 (Saturday) 9:30 am - Basic Canoeing Class—Session 2
May 18 (Sunday) 8:00 am - Basic Rappelling Class
May 23-26 (Friday - Monday) - Little Manistee River Canoe Trip*
June 2008
Jun 13 (Friday) 7:00 pm - Basic Canoeing Class—Session 1
Jun 14 (Saturday) 9:30 am - Basic Canoeing Class—Session 2
June 28-July 6 Missouri River Canoe Trip*
*Whitewater Canoeing Qualified
Ultra-light Backpacking
Instructor: Nick Norris
7:00-9:00 pm EAU Classroom Ages 14 & up
Appalachian Trail hiker, Nick Norris, will be sharing his experiences in minimalist backpacking. Learning how to reduce the weight of your backpack using light weight equipment is the main emphasis of this class.
$10 Registration Fee Required 3 Days Before Class
Basic Backpacking
Instructor: Judy Esterline
7:00-9:00 pm EAU Classroom Ages 14 & up
Experienced instructor and backpacker, Judy Esterline, will be conducting a basic backpacking class for individuals interested in learning a more traditional approach to enjoying the backcountry. Topics include: equipment, clothing and boots, food, safety and sanitation, and trip suggestions.
$10 Registration Fee Required 3 Days Before Class
Backpacking Essentials
Instructor: Clayton Rust
7:00-9:00 pm EAU Classroom Ages 14 & up
Knowledgeable and experienced backpacker, Clayton Rust will teach members of this class about the importance of selecting and properly using quality gear for enjoying their backcountry experience. Also, planning trips and preparing for the physical endurance will be covered.
$10 Registration Fee Required 3 Days Before Class
Compass Classes
Instructor: Judy Esterline
Basic Compass
2:00-4:00 pm Solomon Farm Ages 14 & up
Students of this class will learn how to use and read a compass, to measure their stride, and to follow a bee-line course. Compasses will be provided.
$10 Registration Fee Required 3 Days Before Class
Intermediate Compass
Instructor: Judy Esterline
2:00-5:00 pm Solomon Farm Ages 14 & up
Students of this class will learn how to read topo maps to locate trails and navigate across country using a compass. Compasses will be provided.
$10 Registration Fee Required 3 Days Before Class
Canoeing Class
Instructor: Nick Norris - Retired ACA Whitewater Instructor
Basic Canoeing
Session1: Intro to Canoeing 7:00-9:00 pm EAU
This introduction to canoeing emphasizes entry level paddling skills needed before taking to the water. Other topics in the two hour class include: equipment, safety and rescue, strokes and maneuvers.
Session 2: On the Pigeon River 9:30am-?
This class will be conducted on the Pigeon River. Interested students will learn first-hand how to canoe safely and easily on flat and moving water. The class will meet at Chubby’s in Orland and then move to the river. Some canoes are available for those who do not have one.
$65 Registration Fee For Both Sessions - Required 3 Days Before Class
Outdoor Cooking Classes
Instructor: Judy Esterline
Cooking In The Outdoors
Members of this class will learn how to prepare a great tasting meal over an open fire using a variety of utensils such as Dutch ovens, pudgie pie makers, spits, foil, and muffin tins. All materials and food will be provided.
$10 Registration Fee Per Class - Required 1 Week Before Class
Dutch Oven Cooking
Instructor: Judy Esterline
The class focuses on using Dutch ovens to prepare easy and tasty meals. From the main course to dessert, participants will learn the how to make great recipes which will be shared at the close of class. All materials provided.
2:00-5:30 pm Location To Be Announced
$10 Registration Fee Per Class - Required 1 Week Before Class
Rappelling Class
Basic Rappelling
Instructor: Russ McGurdy & Clayton Rust
8:00 am-4:00 pm
Members of this class will learn the basics of rappelling including ropes and equipment, safety and self-rescue, belaying and more. By the end of the day, participants will have the opportunity to rappel off a five story building..
$50 Registration Fee Required 1 Week Before The Class