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Monday - Friday
10:00 am-6:00 pm EST

Saturday
10:00 am-4:00 pm EST

Phone (260) 424-1420 or
Toll Free (877) 328-4327

1804 W. Main St.
Fort Wayne, IN - 46808

Map to the store


Trips and Events

2010 CLASSES




Most classes are one session each.
All classes require pre-registration. Please call us to make your reservation.

March 2010

4th - Thursday, 7:00pm - Ultra-light backpacking class

April 2010

22nd - Thursday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm - Ultra-light backpacking class
30th - Friday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm - Basic Canoeing class Session 1

May 2010

1st - Saturday, 9:30am - ??pm - Basic Canoeing class Session 2


More classes and trips to come soon!



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

Winter Camping

Instructor: Jon Yankowiak or Clayton Rust
7:00-8:30 pm EAU Classroom
For those who enjoy the outdoors in all seasons, EAU instructors will share their experiences with winter camping. Topics include: equipment, clothing, food, safety and more.
$10 Registration Fee Required 3 Days Before Class

Leave No Trace

Instructor: Jon Yankowiak
7:00-9:30 pm EAU Classroom
Individuals concerned about reducing the negative impact of camping and backpacking on the environment are invited to attend this class. As the class name indicates, emphasis will placed on low impact techniques when enjoying the outdoors.
No Registration Fee for this class but please call and reserve a seat.

Map & Compass

Instructor: Jon Yankowiak
Session 1: 4:00-5:30 pm EAU Classroom
Students of this class will learn basic to advanced techniques for using a compass and reading topographic maps. An introduction to GPS will also be covered.
Session 2: 7:00 pm - Location To Be Announced
Students of this class will learn to use their compass and map skills acquired during the first session, in an outdoor setting.
$15 Registration Fee (for both sessions) Required 3 Days Before Class

Basic Canoeing Classes

Instructor: Nick Norris - Retired ACA Whitewater Instructor
Session 1: 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: 9:30am-? On the Pigeon River
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

Intermediate Canoeing Class

Instructor: Nick Norris - Retired ACA Whitewater Instructor
This class is designed for those who have already completed both sessions of basic canoeing. All instruction will take place on swift water to take your skills to a higher level.
$50 Registration Fee Per Class - Required 1 Week Before Class

Cooking in the Outdoors

Instructor: Judy Esterline
2:00-4:00 pm Franke Park TeePee
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.
$15 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
$15 Registration Fee Per Class - Required 1 Week Before Class

Rappelling Class

Instructors: 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