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

June 1-5 at Bolton Adventure Center  (Bolton, VT) - Level 2 Ropes Course Practitioner Training & Certification: 
With Testing on June 6th. Cost: $550/$125 plus food & lodging. **This will be a system specific Dynamic training including the Giant Swing, Zip Line and Leap as specialty elements. ***This is an advanced course and an experience portfolio will be required for registration.  What you'll learn: This course is an advanced challenge course operations workshop. It is designed to help practitioners reinforce and improve the requisite technical and facilitation skills needed to effectively operate a low and high challenge course program. Emphasis will be on developing a deeper understanding of challenge course systems, program planning design and facilitation skills, and cultivating a critical eye for risk management. Register online at www.challengeworks.com or contact Mike Anderson at mike@challengeworks.com or 914-393-9140

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June 2 - 3, Willow Wattle Workshop in Marshfield, VT.
5 - 8pm
Learn how to make "willow wattles", bundles of cut willow branches that root quickly to stabilize eroding banks on the Bronstein/Ducharme properties in Marshfield. Please sign up in advance by emailing Ann at fwr@sover.net or by calling 802-655-4878.

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June 5, Waterbury Center, VT. Introduction to Backpacking
Thursday, 6:30 - 9 PM GMC Headquarters, Waterbury Center--Class
Take the step from day hiking to backpacking. Acquire the skills to venture out on your own overnight adventure. Learn about planning, packing food, sleeping shelter options, and minimizing weight. Beginners and experienced folks are invited to join in this discussion and share lessons and stories. In the second session we’ll practice what we’ve learned on a backpack in northern Vermont. Hike rating: easy to moderate. Distance not to exceed 6 miles or 2,000 feet elevation gain. Instructors: GMC Education Staff. Limit: 8. Fee: $55 . Register at www.greenmountainclub.org  by June 5.

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June 5 - 7, Stowe, VT.  - River Kayak Instructor Training 2009
The course will cover Level-1: Introduction to Kayaking and Level-2: Essentials of River Kayaking. The level of certification gained will depend on the experience and skill level of the candidate. Only participants who meet the skills and instructing requirements will receive certification. This training combines both the instructor development workshop (IDW) and instructor certification exam (ICE). The time allotted for practicing skills is limited during this course so it is necessary that participants have paddling skills and experience beyond the level of certification. Previous experience teaching or leading in coastal environments is also recommended. Instructor: David Su  Price: $299.00  Space for these programs is limited. Please reserve your place early. Umiak Outfitters, (802) 253-2317, Joshua Burke, Programs Coordinator, 849 South Main St., Stowe, VT 05656 paddle@umiak.com

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June 6 - 7, 2009, Waterbury Reservoir, - Instructional Clinic for Novice Whitewater Paddlers
This two day clinic will introduce beginning paddlers to the basics of boat handling, river reading, and techniques for driving a boat through moving water. The clinic starts early Saturday morning at Waterbury reservoir, and moves to river(s) in the local area suitable to level I instruction for the afternoon and all day Sunday. The clinic will be led by American Canoe Association certified instructors and other experienced paddlers. Most volunteers are trained in swiftwater rescue as well. Clinics for both Whitewater Kayak and Whitewater Canoe will be offered. The cost is $75 per person and includes a riverside lunch on both days. Boats, skirts, paddles, PFDs (life jackets), helmets, and some river clothing will be available for loan to students. http://www.vtpaddlers.net/paddle/instruction/index.php

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June 8  Charlemont, MA, - Wilderness First Responder
As an outdoor person you may find yourself in a situation where help is more than a phone call away. Typical first aid courses train students to provide care before an ambulance arrives. This course is designed for people who often travel where dialing 911 is not an option. It is experiential and tough, with emphasis on practical sessions and video taped simulations using mock victims. http://www.kayaklesson.com/wilderness_first_responder.htm

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June 8-9: Bolton Adventure Center (Bolton, VT) - Ropes Course Rescues for the Challenge Course Practitioner
Cost: $300 plus food & lodging.  Due to the intense nature of this course participation is limited proof of previous experience on a ropes course will be required.  THIS IS NOT A CERTIFICATION COURSE: What you'll learn:  This is an an intensive two day workshop.  Participants must have prior experience operating a ropes course.  This workshop will focus on the mechanics of rescues in a high ropes course setting. Belay escapes, belay switches, overhead lowers, ground lowers, mechanical advantage, vector pulls, Zip Line rescues and ultimately the Cut-A-Way will be covered.  Register online at www.challengeworks.com or contact Mike Anderson at mike@challengeworks.com or 914-393-9140

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 June 8 - 12, Charlemont, MA, - American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification
5-day Whitewater Canoe or Kayak
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification workshops are designed for kayakers and canoeists who want to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater kayaking or canoeing. Our highly experienced ACA Instructor Trainers present the most up-to-date teaching and paddling techniques. Each ACA Instructor Certification course has two parts: an Instructor Development Workshop, in which the Instructor Trainer presents teaching techniques and works to improve the paddling skills of aspiring instructors; and an Instructor Certification Workshop, in which the aspiring instructors teach a mock flatwater, moving water, or whitewater course. http://www.kayaklesson.com/aca_instructor_certification.htm

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June 8 – 14, 2009, Marlow, NH - WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER Certification Course
Taught by Wilderness Medical Associates - a leader in the field of Wilderness Medicine, this 70-hour definitive certification course gives anyone traveling or working in the wilderness essential skills and confidence, required to assess and manage medical problems in the backcountry. Course involves intensive classroom study, detailed hands on fieldwork and search and rescue simulation practice. Participants will be housed in traditional and indigenous wood heated dwellings at Kroka village and will be served delicious fire cooked organic food, much of which is locally grown. Cost, including room and board is $800, $650 for day student, and includes lunch and snack. To register, please call 603 835 9087 or email office@kroka.org
Kroka Expeditions 767 Forest Road Marlow, NH 03456

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June 8-15, 2009, Kayak Building Workshop
At Saint Johnsbury Academy  - If you would enjoy building and paddling your own ultra light Eskimo style Kayak, costing half of a heavy plastic boat, this is the right course for you. Ladies, in particular, will love these lightweight, easy to paddle kayaks.  Building your own is both fun and saves money. In just one week you will have a kayak which is less than 30 pounds, and is easy to carry, fast and responsible to paddle. The class meets from 8-4 in the Academy’s excellent wood working shop. Tools and materials are provided; Request more information from reliot@charter.net or call Rick at 802-626-5226.  I will send you a set of four workshop pages. Read the “Selecting Your Future Kayak” page and pick the design and color you like. Ask if you need help in deciding.  Then complete the “Registration Form” and send it with a check to Richard Eliot, PO Box 154, Lyndonville, VT  05851.  

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June 9-10 – ACA Whitewater Canoe Certification
Hulbert Outdoor Center will sponsor an American Canoe Association Certificate programs to become an ACA Tandem Canoe  Instructor. Course is taught by ACA Instructor Trainer, Mark Moore.  Courses cover Essential River and Flatwater Canoe Certification and Basic River Canoeing (Class 1 whitewater) certifications.  Canoes, PFDs, paddles and safety equipment is provided. Candidates must demonstrate basic boat control skills, teaching ability, safety awareness, and technical knowledge to obtain certifications. Fee: $245- 325.00 -  includes course, meals & lodging;  day student rates available. For more information and a printable registration form go to www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert   or contact  Lynn Daly, Registrar, at Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd., Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405.  Hulbert Outdoor Center is a non-profit outdoor education center located minutes off I-91 in the Upper Connecticut River Valley.

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June 12 - 15, 2009,  S. Burlington, VT - ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Course
ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor certification course covering Level-1: Intro to Kayaking and Level-2: Essentials of Kayak Touring. The level of certification gained will depend on the skill level of the candidate. Training combines both the instructor development workshop and instructor certification exam. Participants should have paddling skills and experience beyond the level of certification. Previous experience teaching or leading in coastal environments is recommended. Canoe Imports, 370 Dorset St. S. Burlington. RSVP events@canoeimports.com or Phone: 802-651-8760
Cost: $399

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June 13 - 14, 2009  - Basic Swiftwater Rescue 2-day Clinic
Geared toward the novice to intermediate paddler, our 2-day Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course is based on a curriculum developed by the American Canoe Association, and is designed to teach both river rescue techniques and safe river-running practices in all river craft. Our emphasis is on judgment and managing river rescue situations, as well as river rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment. Rescuing swimmers and pinned boats will is covered. Participants should have some familiarity with whitewater. http://www.kayaklesson.com/

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June 19 & 20, 2009,  East Charleston, VT. - SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Training
8am-5pm, $180 - Join NorthWoods for this intensive 16-hour, hands-on Wilderness First Aid course led by SOLO, a nationally renowned wilderness medicine school. This training, focusing is on the prevention, recognition, and treatment of backcountry injuries and illnesses, will prepare you to deal with medical emergencies in the field. Two-year WFA certification or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) re-certification provided upon completion. Recommended for trip leaders, guides, hikers, hunters and educators. Sign up early- this course fills fast! $50 non-refundable deposit required to reserve space. For more information, contact Luke at 802-723-6551 ext. 115 or luke@northwoodscenter.org .

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June 20 and 21, 9 am – 5 pm - SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
GMC Headquarters, 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: minimum 12/maximum 30. Fee: $180. Contact GMC for a list of overnight accommodations. Register at least three weeks in advance.
Register Online

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June 20 and 21, Waterbury Center, VT. Introduction to Backpacking
Saturday and Sunday, GMC Headquarters, Waterbury Center --Hike
Take the step from day hiking to backpacking. Acquire the skills to venture out on your own overnight adventure. Learn about planning, packing food, sleeping shelter options, and minimizing weight. Beginners and experienced folks are invited to join in this discussion and share lessons and stories. In the second session we’ll practice what we’ve learned on a backpack in northern Vermont. Hike rating: easy to moderate. Distance not to exceed 6 miles or 2,000 feet elevation gain. Instructors: GMC Education Staff. Limit: 8. Fee: $55 . Register at www.greenmountainclub.org  by June 5.

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June 20 - 28, 2009, Kayak Building Workshop
At Harvey's Lake Campgrounds - If you would enjoy building and paddling your own ultra light Eskimo style Kayak, costing half of a heavy plastic boat, this is the right course for you. Ladies, in particular, will love these lightweight, easy to paddle kayaks.  Building your own is both fun and saves money. In just one week you will have a kayak which is less than 30 pounds, and is easy to carry, fast and responsible to paddle. The class meets from 8-4 in the Academy’s excellent wood working shop. Tools and materials are provided; Request more information from reliot@charter.net or call Rick at 802-626-5226.  I will send you a set of four workshop pages. Read the “Selecting Your Future Kayak” page and pick the design and color you like. Ask if you need help in deciding.  Then complete the “Registration Form” and send it with a check to Richard Eliot, PO Box 154, Lyndonville, VT  05851.

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Jun. 23 - 25,  St. Albans Bay - Vermont Safe Boating Course
Safe Boating Course, Kill Kare State Park Tues, Wed, Thurs - 9:oo a.m. to 12 noon 802-241-3655 www.vtstateparks.com  Free Free parks@state.vt.us

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June 27 & 28,  Class II Whitewater Clinic
Erwin Clifford Park, West Hartford at 10 AM, - This two day clinic will build upon the strokes and concepts learned in the Novice Clinic. This clinic is also suitable for anyone with at least two days of whitewater instruction. You should be able to demonstrate at a minimum: wet exits, good balance, basic strokes, paddle in a straight line, controlled turns, self rescue, ferry, peelouts, and eddy turns. You do not need to be proficient in these skills, but you should be comfortable enough to put them to use in Class 1-2 water.  You will need to have your own equipment, or make arrangements prior to the clinic to obtain club equipment. You must have at a minimum: a USCG approved PFD, a whitewater specific helmet, sprayskirt (kayaks), paddle, and a boat. Flotation is highly recommended and will keep your rescuers happy.  http://www.vtpaddlers.net/paddle/instruction/clinics/class_II.php

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July 4 - 5, 2 Day “Learn to Fly Fish” Program
Hosted By The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa and The Green Mountain Troutfitters, Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides   $395/person *Ages 12 & up  This comprehensive 2 Day Program is absolutely the best method for learning the great sport of fly fishing.  In a relaxed setting, our Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides will help you develop the skills that will bring you confidence as a fly fisher.  Discover Vermont from the tranquil setting of a trout stream and see why so many people are hooked on fly fishing the Green Mountain State! All of the fly fishing necessities will be provided for you on the outing including the use of Orvis fly rod outfit, waders, boots, terminal tackle, flies and a Vermont fishing license. www.gmtrout.com info@gmtrout.com

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July 7, 2009, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. - League of American Bicyclists' Smart Cycling - Traffic Skills 101 Course
Fryeburg Academy, Fryeburg, Maine
This nationally certified and fun course will help you gain a full understanding of how to safely bicycle in a variety of situations and build your confidence by teaching you crash avoidance, traffic management and effective cycling techniques. If you don't feel safe bicycling on the road, this is the class to give you the skills and ability to "drive your bike" like any other vehicle. The class includes learning how to perform a bicycle safety check, on-bike skills practice, effective pedaling and bike handling. The Traffic Skills 101 course is a prerequisite for the League Cycling Instructor seminar. A bicycle in good working order, water bottle and well-fitting helmet are required. Classes are about half in-class and half on-bike. Recommended for adults and children above 14 accompanied by a parent. Cost is $50 for Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Bike/Walk Alliance of NH & Vermont Bike/Ped. members and $75 for non-members. Send a check payable to Charley LaFlamme LCI #285, P.O. Box 575, Moody, Me. 04054. The deadline for registering is June 26, 2009 and the class is limited to 12 students. Please sign up early so you don't miss out! For more information, contact Charley LaFlamme at chazbikeed@maine.rr.com  or call (207) 646-0635.

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July 16 - 17, 2009 Charlemont, MA, - Basic Swiftwater Rescue 2-day Clinic
Geared toward the novice to intermediate paddler, our 2-day Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course is based on a curriculum developed by the American Canoe Association, and is designed to teach both river rescue techniques and safe river-running practices in all river craft. Our emphasis is on judgment and managing river rescue situations, as well as river rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment. Rescuing swimmers and pinned boats will is covered. Participants should have some familiarity with whitewater. http://www.kayaklesson.com/

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 July 18 - Bowhunter Education Instructor Workshop
Waterbury, VT -- There is no more powerful way to give back to what you love than with a gift of your time.  If you love to hunt or trap in Vermont, there are few better ways to give your time than becoming a volunteer hunter education instructor. Now is the time to sign-up to become an instructor. This year’s instructor training workshops are scheduled to be held at the Waterbury State Office Complex: As a volunteer instructor, you will conduct the Hunter Education Program courses as a representative of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.  The department provides new instructors with training and materials to successfully conduct a hunter education course.
All instructor applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Successfully pass a background check

• Enjoy working with young people

• Believe in and practice safe, responsible hunting.

The application process includes providing personal references and a criminal history background check.  You can still take the instructor course if the background check has not been completed, but you will not be certified until passing it. Becoming a Hunter Education Instructor takes commitment.  But as an instructor you are helping to pass on a hunting heritage that adds to Vermont's quality of life. Through the efforts of our volunteers, hunting is safe and getting safer. To learn more, contact Ann Shangraw at (802) 241-3720.

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July 25 and 26, Danby, VT. - CROSSCUT SAW WORKSHOP FOR TRAIL MAINTAINERS
8:30 am – 5:00 pm Where: USFS Mount Tabor Work Center, Danby, Instructor: U.S. Forest Service staff. Limit: 12 Register by July 21 at www.greenmountainclub.org Learn safe and efficient use and maintenance of a crosscut saw and other hand tools. Gain hands-on experience cutting blowdowns and felling trees. Successful participants receive U.S. Forest Service certification for use of a crosscut saw to maintain trails in federal wilderness areas.

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Jul 26  - Aug 1 09,  Chateaugay,  NY - BASIC WILDERNESS SURVIVAL COURSE. 
This course is a prerequisite to all advanced courses.  It is a very comprehensive course that begins with understanding survival psychology.  Then the fun really begins!  We will cover all areas of basic wilderness survival that includes fire making techniques; constructing shelters from natural materials; finding and purifying water; utilizing tools and equipment; using a map and compass, as well as celestial navigation; knots, ropes, and making cordage; identifying  edible and medicinal plants; basic trapping techniques involving constructing and placement of snares and deadfalls; organizing and using survival kits (possible bags); fishing; signaling; how not to get lost; and much, much more.  There will be a lot of  classroom and hands-on field training, and both primitive and modern techniques will be taught.  Every skill learned in the classroom will be practiced in the field.  We want you to leave this course feeling totally confident and comfortable in the wilderness.  Nowhere will you find a course as complete and enjoyable.  Cost is $870. Contact us at weteachu@dishmail.net   Wilderness Learning Center, 435 Sandy Knoll Rd,  Chateaugay,  NY 12920  www.weteachu.com

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July 31, 2009, Brandon, VT. - HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE
Includes ARCHERY, Pre-register by calling Tom at 802- 247-6960  by July 31, 2009
Classes start: Friday, August 7, 2009 from 7 – 9 PM  Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 9 AM – 4 PM  Sunday, August 30, 2009 from 9 AM – 4 PM
Lunch will be provided, Student must pre-register. Student must be on time to all classes. Student does not need to take archery section of course but must take entire course if he/she wants to obtain an archery license. Classes are sponsored by and will be held at: Neshobe Sportsman Club, 97 Frog Hollow Road in Brandon.

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Aug 9 - 15,  09  Chateaugay,  NY - BASIC WILDERNESS SURVIVAL COURSE. 
This course is a prerequisite to all advanced courses.  It is a very comprehensive course that begins with understanding survival psychology.  Then the fun really begins!  We will cover all areas of basic wilderness survival that includes fire making techniques; constructing shelters from natural materials; finding and purifying water; utilizing tools and equipment; using a map and compass, as well as celestial navigation; knots, ropes, and making cordage; identifying  edible and medicinal plants; basic trapping techniques involving constructing and placement of snares and deadfalls; organizing and using survival kits (possible bags); fishing; signaling; how not to get lost; and much, much more.  There will be a lot of  classroom and hands-on field training, and both primitive and modern techniques will be taught.  Every skill learned in the classroom will be practiced in the field.  We want you to leave this course feeling totally confident and comfortable in the wilderness.  Nowhere will you find a course as complete and enjoyable.  Cost is $870. Contact us at weteachu@dishmail.net   Wilderness Learning Center, 435 Sandy Knoll Rd,  Chateaugay,  NY 12920  www.weteachu.com

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August 12-16, five-day backpacking course, LEAVE NO TRACE MASTER EDUCATOR COURSE
Where: White Mountain National Forest, NH, Instructors: AMC and GMC LNT Master Educators, Limit: 8, Fee: $629 GMC & AMC members, $699 nonmembers (includes lodging, food, and group camping gear), Contact AMC to register at (603) 466-2727, ext. 8115 or amclnt@outdoors.org
GMC has partnered with AMC and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to bring you this outstanding certification program. The LNT Master Course provides a comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace skills and ethics through practical application outdoors. The first day is spent in a classroom, providing in-depth information on the Leave No Trace program, reviewing gear, and packing. The remaining days are spent on a short backcountry trip implementing the principles of Leave No Trace and practicing teaching techniques in a supportive, peer environment. Ideal for trip leaders, outdoor professionals, land managers, and anyone interested in protecting the backcountry.

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August 15 - 16, 2009, 2 Day “Learn to Fly Fish” Program
Hosted By The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa and The Green Mountain Troutfitters, Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides   $395/person *Ages 12 & up  This comprehensive 2 Day Program is absolutely the best method for learning the great sport of fly fishing.  In a relaxed setting, our Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides will help you develop the skills that will bring you confidence as a fly fisher.  Discover Vermont from the tranquil setting of a trout stream and see why so many people are hooked on fly fishing the Green Mountain State! All of the fly fishing necessities will be provided for you on the outing including the use of Orvis fly rod outfit, waders, boots, terminal tackle, flies and a Vermont fishing license. www.gmtrout.com info@gmtrout.com

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August 22, Waterbury Center, VT. - MAP AND COMPASS I: LAND NAVIGATION BASICS
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. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Where: GMC Visitor Center, Waterbury Center, Instructors: GMC Education Staff, Limit: 15, Fee: $45, Age Limit: 16 and up, Register by August 14. Call GMC at 802-244-7037. 

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August 22 -23, 2009 Charlemont, MA, - Basic Swiftwater Rescue 2-day Clinic
Geared toward the novice to intermediate paddler, our 2-day Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course is based on a curriculum developed by the American Canoe Association, and is designed to teach both river rescue techniques and safe river-running practices in all river craft. Our emphasis is on judgment and managing river rescue situations, as well as river rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment. Rescuing swimmers and pinned boats will is covered. Participants should have some familiarity with whitewater. http://www.kayaklesson.com/

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August 22 & 23, Waterbury Center, VT. SOLO WILDERNESS FIRST AID
 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Where: GMC Headquarters, Waterbury Center, Instructors: SOLO staff, Limit: Minimum 12/maximum 30, Fee: $180, Contact GMC for a list of overnight accommodations. Register at least three weeks in advance at www.greenmountainclub.org  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.

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Aug 23-29 09, Chateaugay,  NY - WILD PLANTS INTENSIVE. 
We added this new course several years ago and it has become a very popular program. This course is devoted just to the study of wild plants.  We will spend the entire week learning to identify over 90 edible and medicinal plants.  Not only will you get to see these plants, but you will also learn how to gather, harvest, and prepare them.  You'll even get to eat some delicious wild plants. We usually prepare one whole meal with what we have gathered.  You'll learn how to make all kinds of healing salves, cough syrups, mixtures, essences, soaps, and tinctures from over 35 common medicinal plants.  You'll also learn how to make flour, cordage and natural dyes.  All materials we use during the course are natural and do not contain any petroleum products.  Everything you make will be yours to take home.  This course will be held at our base camp, but there will be many side trips taken to special areas. There is no prerequisite for this course. As with all of our courses, each night we will have a great campfire with interesting and informative group discussions.  Cost is $870.  Contact us at weteachu@dishmail.net   Wilderness Learning Center, 435 Sandy Knoll Rd,  Chateaugay,  NY 12920  www.weteachu.com 

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September 12, Waterbury Center, VT. - GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS 101
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Where: GMC Visitor Center, Waterbury Center, Hike rating: Easy to moderate. Instructors: Robert J. Turner; GMC Education Staff Limit: 20, Fee: $65, Register by August 28. Call GMC at 802-244-7037. Learn how to use your GPS receiver, or get exposure to the technology if you're considering buying one. After some basic background, field exercises on GMC’s property will familiarize you with the receiver's screens and functions. We'll capture waypoints and tracks, use navigation features, and discuss receiver performance. We'll learn to plot coordinate data from captured points onto a USGS topo map and to enter coordinates scaled from maps into the receiver. Bring your GPS unit (and instruction book) if you have one. Come prepared to spend most of the day outdoors. Distance not to exceed 4 miles or 1,500 feet elevation gain.