Vermont Outdoor Guide Association

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Tracking Club - Dates: Sundays, 11 AM - 1 PM
Tracking takes constant practice. It takes time with your knees in the dirt or snow, measuring, drawing, and observing to build the relationships that will allow you to read the stories of the forest. The club is normally an informal wander utilizing whatever lessons we come across. Notebooks, pencils, and measuring tapes are always welcome. The only thing you must bring is your passion for tracking. Location: Meets at Goddard College lower parking lot in Plainfield, VT. Cost: Free ROOTS School, www.RootsVT.com

November 1, Waterbury Center, VT.  - Map and Compass I: Land Navigation Basics
GMC Headquarters Back Forty Lodge, Waterbury Center, Develop your navigation skills in the woods with a map and compass. Build your confidence in using these essential outdoor tools as we practice “getting lost” and finding ourselves in indoor and outdoor exercises. Learn what to do when you run into a cliff or river, how to interpret terrain, and estimate distances. No experience necessary. Compasses provided. Be prepared to spend most of the day outdoors. Distance not to exceed 4 miles or 1,500 feet elevation gain. Hike rating: easy to moderate. Instructors: GMC Education Staff. Limit 15. Fee: $50.  Age Limit: 16 and up. Register at least 2 weeks ahead. Saturday, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. call/e-mail (802) 244-7037 or www.greenmountainclub.org and sign up today.

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November 1-2, 2008, Fairlee, VT. - Backcountry Search & Rescue with SOLO
This two-day course is taught by the staff of SOLO, nationally recognized leaders in the field of wilderness medicine & rescue. Course will cover the basic principles of rescuer preparedness, search management, leadership, some basic backcountry medicine, map & compass skills, ropes and knots , packaging and carrying litters. EMT’s can receive 16 hours of National Registry CEU’s.  Fee; $205 includes lodging, meals and course, day student rates available. Pre-registration is required.

Nov. 1-2,  2008, Fairlee, VT. - Wilderness First Aid Course with SOLO.
Join staff of SOLO for a two-day introductory course in wilderness medical emergencies.  This course includes CPR and practical simulations. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and trip leaders.   Recognized by American Camping Association and various Guide Licensing Boards. Fee of $205.00 includes meals, lodging and course, day student rates available.  Pre-registration is required.

Nov. 1-2, 2008, Fairlee, VT. - Wilderness First Responder Recertification with SOLO
This two-day review is designed to recertify Wilderness First Responders. Although open to any WFR graduate, SOLO has reciprocity with WMI/NOLS and WMA; graduates of these programs may be recertified through SOLO providing their certification is current at the time of the course. CPR recertification available. Fee of $215 includes meals and lodging, day student rates available. Pre-registration is required.

Hulbert Outdoor Center is a non-profit environmental/outdoor education center located minutes off I-91 in the Upper Connecticut River Valley. For more information or to register contact, Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405, www.alohafoundation.org/Hulbert CONTACT PERSON: Deb Williams - (802) 333-3405, deb_williams@alohafoundation.org

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November 15, 2008, Plymouth, VT. - Animal Tracking Weekend
Event Details: $250 per person Please call or e-mail to schedule In this course students will learn the basics of animal tracking. Students will learn various drills and techniques to help master this challenging skill. Students will gain hands on experience and practice as they track coyotes, deer, moose, and each other through Vermont 's forests. Contact Niki@headnorthllc.com  for additional information or custom programming and dates available for private groups. www.headnorthllc.com

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November 29 and 30th, Sugarbush Resort -  Telemark Workshop
Presented by the North American Telemark Organization (NATO)
$190 + lift ticket, Lincoln Peak http://www.sugarbush.com/funandevents/event.asp?id=778

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November 30 - December 6, Plymouth, VT. - Wilderness Survival Week
Event Details: $500 per person Please call or e-mail to schedule The weeklong Wilderness Survival course teaches an invaluable skill set in order make the student at home in Nature. Students will practice advanced fire building and tool making skills and will become experienced in primitive trapping. Build a solid skill base for prolonged survival situations and be ready to face the unexpected in today's unstable world. Contact Niki@headnorthllc.com  for additional information or custom programming and dates available for private groups. www.headnorthllc.com

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December 6 and 7, Waterbury Center, VT. - SOLO Wilderness First Aid
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. GMC Headquarters Back 40 Lodge, Waterbury Center
Sign up early – this course fills fast! This sixteen-hour, hands-on course will prepare you to deal with medical emergencies in the field. The focus is on the prevention, recognition, and treatment of backcountry injuries and illnesses. Wilderness First Aid certification or WFR recertification provided upon completion. Instructors: SOLO staff. Limit: 30. Fee: $180. Contact GMC for a list of overnight accommodations. Register no later than three weeks in advance of the course date. call/e-mail (802) 244-7037 or www.greenmountainclub.org and sign up today.

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Dec. 6-7 & Dec. 13-14, 2008, Fairlee, VT. - Wilderness EMT Module
Designed for currently certified Emergency Medical Technicians. Wilderness Modules are certified by the organizations providing the training.  Meets  the guidelines established by the Wilderness Medical Society, SOLO’s Wilderness Module has been approved by the National Registry of EMT’s for 48 hours of Nat’l. Registry CEU’s. Course takes place over 2 weekends including Friday evenings. Fee$450. includes meals, lodging, course for 2 weekends or $360. day students. Pre-registration required.  Hulbert Outdoor Center is a non-profit environmental/outdoor education center located minutes off I-91 in the Upper Connecticut River Valley. For more information or to register contact, Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405, www.alohafoundation.org/Hulbert CONTACT PERSON: Deb Williams - (802) 333-3405, deb_williams@alohafoundation.org

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December 12, 2008, Windjammer Inn, Burlington - Firearms Law
Whether you are a firearms owner yourself, or your clients include hunters, sport shooters, people keeping guns for home or self-defense, or defendants charged with criminal firearms offenses, this program will guide you through the complex intersection of guns with state and federal law. Many Vermont practitioners are unaware of the critical federal law impact that state criminal and family court cases can have on their clients’ legal rights of firearms possession. In this program, Second Amendment attorney Cindy Hill will explain what a ‘firearm’ is under federal law, including differences in regulation among many different kinds of guns; the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision confirming that the right to bear arms is indeed a personal right; the Brady background check process, and what to do if your client wrongfully receives a Brady denial; how to approach a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives seizure and forfeiture action; and the Vermont state laws regarding carrying and using firearms.
Attorney Hill is the NRA referral attorney for Vermont and is author of Brady Denial: You Can Get Your Guns Back (Paladin Press) and The Gun Owner’s Guide to the Laws of Vermont. She has published numerous articles on firearms law for organizations such as the Handgun Club of America. She handles dozens of firearms-related matters each year, including appealing and correcting Brady denials, fighting BATF forfeitures, and representing individuals charged with gun crimes in state and federal court. 3.0 MCLE Credits, 12:30 – 1:00 Registration, 1:00 – 4:00 CLE Program, Register Early – Space is Limited - VT Bar Association, www.vtbar.org/index.asp

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Dec. 13-21, 2008,  Fairlee, VT. - Wilderness First Responder with SOLO.
Join staff of SOLO, nationally recognized leaders in the field of wilderness medicine & rescue, for a ten-day intensive wilderness emergency care course. Learn skills needed to deal with emergencies in remote settings, with a focus on the extended care often required in wilderness medical emergencies. Practical simulations and lectures. Excellent course for outdoor enthusiasts or outdoor trip leaders. Fee: $755. includes meals, lodging and course, day students - $550. Pre-registration is required. Hulbert Outdoor Center is a non-profit environmental/outdoor education center located minutes off I-91 in the Upper Connecticut River Valley. For more information or to register contact, Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405, www.alohafoundation.org/Hulbert CONTACT PERSON: Deb Williams - (802) 333-3405, deb_williams@alohafoundation.org

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December 20, 2008, Plymouth, VT. - Nature Awareness Weekend
Event Details: $250 per person Please call or e-mail to schedule Spend time reconnecting with the Natural World. Learn skills and techniques to practice wide-angle vision, animal tracking, recognizing animal sign, plant identification, and bird language. Enjoy cleansing meditation and experience the power of the Sweat Lodge and let yourself tap into the Natural World around you. Contact Niki@headnorthllc.com  for additional information or custom programming and dates available for private groups. www.headnorthllc.com

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Jan. 10, Fairlee, VT. - Winter Skills Day
A series of in-depth pre-registered workshops the day before WinterFest.    www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert Skate-a- thon, Sun. Jan. 10,  Lake Morey Inn      www.uvtrails.org This event is sponsored by Hulbert Outdoor Center and Upper Valley Trails Alliance, For more information on Sunday’s WinterFest activities and events, OR Saturday WINTER SKILLS pre-registered workshops  ,   OR the Lake Morey Skate-a-thon  contact (802)-333-3405  or  (802) 333-9075

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January 31- February 2, 2009 - Three-Day AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education) Avalanche Level I
Petra Cliffs Mountaineering School will teach you the basics of avoiding avalanches including route selection, evaluating avalanche potential and rescue procedures. This stand alone course is a must for skiers, snowboarders, climbers & backcountry enthusiasts. The Level 1 Course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche occurrence, avalanche terrain, decision-making, and rescue. It is an ideal first course for those new to travel in avalanche terrain and a great review or upgrade for anyone who has some experience or prior training but feels they need a skills "tune-up." The Level 1 Course is designed to lead into the AIARE Level 2 Courses. Participants receive 24 hours of classroom and field instruction over 3 days, and can expect to cover the following subjects:

• Types of avalanches

• Characteristics of avalanches

• An introduction to how avalanches form and release

• Identifying avalanche terrain

• Trip planning and preparation

• Travel techniques

• Decision making

• Avalanche rescue

Click here for more information. Times:   9am - 4pm Cost:   $ 275, includes all technical equipment

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February 22, 2009 - Intro to Ski Mountaineering
Learn the fundamentals of safe winter travel over snow and ice on skis! Prepare yourself for your dream line in the North Cascades, Alaska, the Alps, or the Chilean Andes. Components of instruction include the use of ice axes & crampons, rope team management skills, glissading and self-arrest techniques, crevasse rescue, steep skiing techniques, and snow and ice anchor building. This is the perfect introduction to everything you need to successfully and safely travel in the big mountain environment. Cost:  $ 165  http://www.petracliffs.com/