Vermont Outdoor Recreation Directory
"There's no better time than Vermont."
"There's no better time than Vermont."
Sponsored By Vermont Outdoor Guide Association (VOGA)
Vermont Outdoor Education, Training and Certification Events
Vermont's event calendar for survival skills, outdoor educational training and leadership certification clinics and programming for search and rescue, CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, survival, firearms, hunter education, Wilderness First Aid, EMT training and primitive skills. We post events as they are sent to Vermont Outdoor Guide Association by our members.
Winter Survival
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Paddlesports
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Map and Compass
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Rock and Ice Climbing
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Firearms Training
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Ongoing Educational Programs
Hunter Education
Snowmobile Safety Course Schedule Vermont Boating Safety Course Schedule American Canoe Association Instructor Certification at ZOAR Outdoor ATV Safety Course Charter Boat Captain's License For International Waters Red Cross for CPR/AED, First Aid & Life Guard Training You can also check with your local fire department. |
SOLO Medical Courses
Train NEK offers a full schedule of SOLO Rural and Backcountry Medicine Courses.
SOLO Wilderness First Aid and CPR with Train NEK SOLO Wilderness First Responder Refresher and CPR with Train NEK. SOLO Wilderness First Responder with Train NEK American Mountain Guide Association
Climbing Guide, Alpine Guide and Ski Guide Certifications https://amga.com/ 
Vermont EMS Academy is an education and training facility focusing on every element of Emergency Medicine.
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Outdoor Education and Training Event Calendar
May 2, 2023, LEVEL 2 of Game of Logging Chainsaw Training
Tue, May 2, 8:00 AM
TBD • Lincoln, VT
Starts at $220.00
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-2-of-game-of-logging-chainsaw-training-may-2-2023-tickets-460903915017
May 4, 2023, LEVEL 3 of Game of Logging Chainsaw Training
Thu, May 4, 8:00 AM
TBD • Lincoln, VT
Starts at $220.00
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-3-of-game-of-logging-chainsaw-training-may-4-2023-tickets-461720166447
May 10, 2023, CPR & First Aid Training Courses
Montpelier, VT - The VRPA is offering two First Aid & CPR Training courses this spring. Anyone is welcome to attend these sessions - full time staff, part time staff, or the general public. If you need to get re-certified or trained for the first time, these courses are a great option. This blended learning course includes online content available for completion a few weeks prior to the skills session. The online portion takes between 2-3 hours to complete. Those that register will receive this information. Space is limited for each class, so register early. https://www.vrpa.org/event-5212416
May 17 - 21, 2023, ACA Level 3-4: Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop
Saint Michael's College - The Adventure Sports Center at Saint Michael's College will be hosting this ACA Level 3-4: Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop / Instructor Update. The workshop will be led by ACA Instructor Trainers Todd Johnstone-Wright and Ben Morton. Questions or registration inquiries? Visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/242072811590868/
May 19 - 29, 2023 Spring Raft Guide Training, CPR & First Aid in Bingham, Maine
May 19, 2023, (1) Pre-training orientation meets at our base in Bingham, Maine at 3:00 PM, on Friday.
May 20 - 28, 2023, On-River training will begin on Saturday and continue through Sunday.
May 29, 2023, CPR, First Aid, written examination and licensing will take place on Monday
May 20-21, 2023, Canoe Level 3-4 Current Instructor Update Course (2 Day)
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification workshops are designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater kayaking, canoeing, SUP or swiftwater rescue. 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.
May 20-22, 2023, Canoe Level 1-2 Instructor Certification Workshop (3 Day)
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification workshops are designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater kayaking, canoeing, SUP or swiftwater rescue. 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.
May 20-24, 2023, Canoe Level 3-4 Instructor Certification Workshop (5 Day)
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification workshops are designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater kayaking, canoeing, SUP or swiftwater rescue. 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.
MAY 26 - 29, 2023, Survival Basics 4 Day Intensive at Roots School
https://rootsvt.com/events/survival-basics-4-day-spring/
May 27, 2023, Vermont Emergency First Responder Course
Waterbury Ambulance Service is hosting a Vermont Emergency First Responder Course on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at the Waterbury Village Fire Station. It is a hybrid, one-day course with American Heart Association online education beforehand. It is a great opportunity for those interested in getting a start in EMS. It is medical certification compliment for Firefighters or Law Enforcement Officers. The cost for the course is $75.00. More information and registration is online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waterbury-ambulance-2023-vermont-first-responder-course-registration-622704896107
June 5, 2023, CPR & First Aid Training Courses
Hartford, VT - The VRPA is offering two First Aid & CPR Training courses this spring. Anyone is welcome to attend these sessions - full time staff, part time staff, or the general public. If you need to get re-certified or trained for the first time, these courses are a great option. This blended learning course includes online content available for completion a few weeks prior to the skills session. The online portion takes between 2-3 hours to complete. Those that register will receive this information. Space is limited for each class, so register early. https://www.vrpa.org/event-5212416
June 10, 2023, Essential Rescue Skills for Paddlers 1 Day Clinic
Charlemont, Massachusetts - Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced | Prerequisites: Class II paddling skills. This one-day Rescue Skills for Paddlers course is designed for people who paddle together and want to have the skills to look out for each other. These skills are also helpful if you are starting to teach friends and want to have a good understanding of the quickest way to do simple rescues. We emphasize overall river safety and river rescue techniques and are boat-based or can be performed with a minimum of equipment. https://www.zoaroutdoor.com/lessons-clinics/
June 10, 2023, American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
Newfane, VT - The American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers course is to teach those with a duty to act the knowledge and skills needed to respond appropriately to breathing and cardiac emergencies. https://vemsa.enrollware.com/schedule
June 17, 2023, Women's Survival Basics Class
This “crash course” in basic outdoor survival principles is excellent for those who are short on time, yet want to feel more confident in the outdoors. This is the perfect course for an introduction to core concepts that will help keep you centered and making healthy decisions if things get hairy. It's mostly lecture-style with some hands-on training on topics such as staying warm, building fires, signaling for help, navigation concepts, knife sharpening, building emergency shelters, and more. Young, old, injured or otherwise are welcome! Minors 16 and 17 years of age are welcomed but must be accompanied by an adult. https://www.owlsskills.com/ Sign up at: https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=gpb1drynjjlbeqzj
June 18, 2023, Women's Sheltercraft Class
Shelters are a primary survival tool with a wide variety of styles and building techniques depending on the environment and resources available. They are a survivors second line of defense behind clothing and equipment, and basic knot craft is a natural pairing with shelters. Building and living/staying in shelters can also be a lot of fun! Minors 16 and 17 years of age are welcomed but must be accompanied by an adult. https://www.owlsskills.com/ Sign up at: https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=vw6mx8h5se3xmh01
July 15 - 16, 2023, Flint Knapping Stone Tools
Shaping rocks into beautiful and functional tools is a fun and challenging skill that has been practiced for over 3 million years! This course is a basic stone tool class for beginner and intermediate flint knappers. We will learn the basics of percussion, indirect percussion, and pressure flaking as our methods for reducing the stone. We will then look at the process involved for making hide scrapers, wood scrapers, saws, knives, blades, and projectile points such as arrowheads and spear tips. Tools and Materials are provided. Participants are welcome to camp right before, during, or after the course but food is not provided so please bring a bag lunch. https://rootsvt.com/
July 16-21, 2023, Vermont Wildlife Course for Educators
The interactive field course that gets educators out into Vermont’s streams, forests and wetlands with some of the state’s leading natural resource experts takes place at the Buck Lake Conservation Camp in Woodbury. Now in its 38th year, “Wildlife Management and Outdoor Education Techniques for Educators,” is a one-week, three-credit graduate course taught by Vermont Fish and Wildlife and other Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) staff through Castleton University. Tuition is $710 for the course. Books, food and overnight facilities are included. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. A course description, schedule of activities and registration information are available by email from Alison.Thomas@vermont.gov. Buck Lake Conservation Camp is located east of Route 14, north of Woodbury Village.
June 24 - 25, 2023, Women's Two-Day Navigation Course
This is a specialty course based on feedback from y’all! It’s designed for beginner to intermediate folks that want a refresher and/or to deepen their skills. If you’re brand new to navigation, this will be a great way to immerse yourself in the concepts and give you a solid starting point for exploring safely! We’ll spend two days delving into all things navigational: scouting technique, styles of compasses and how to use them, map concepts and how to read them including reading topographical maps (ones with contour lines), how to read/find coordinates, magnetic variation, getting a personalized pace count, route finding principles, making and using a 6 point checklist, night navigation, natural navigation, and tidbits on using various improvised tools to help you move safely through different environments. We will spend one night (Saturday) practicing a little night navigation, answer any questions you may have around the fire, and have a meal together! Dinner will be provided on Saturday night. You may camp out with us on Saturday night or find other accommodations if you prefer. https://www.owlsskills.com/ Sign up at: https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=m0vmvdwm5x3nkrds
July 22-23, 2023, Women’s Whitewater Weekend
Come join us for a weekend of women on whitewater. It is a great opportunity to gather, learn, celebrate, and connect. If you’re new to kayaking and curious to see what it is all about, you can chose the Zoar Outdoor Beginner or Intermediate clinic options. We also have a two day Women’s Swiftwater Rescue Clinic run by women instructors this weekend. Our amazing women instructors will not only teach the skills of whitewater, but they will create a positive atmosphere to foster learning and connections! After paddling on Saturday, meet up at Zoar Outdoor for an evening get together for women paddlers. https://www.kayaklesson.com/paddler-resources/events/womens-weekend/
September 2 - 4, 2023, Roots Rendezvous
This event is an annual gathering of people with a huge variety of workshops and skills to choose from. Bring family and friends to come have a great time with others who share a passion for the natural world. Leave knowing more about yourself and the beautiful world which we inhabit. We love the magic of this event. If you have been, you know, and if you haven't it is a great time to come and learn and enjoy yourself in beautiful Vermont. The schedule from last year is up so that you can get a sense of the event. We often put out the schedule mid summer, so you can expect some old and new workshops. https://rootsvt.com/events/roots-rendezvous/
October 21 - 22, 2023, Black Ash Pack Baskets
Weave an approximately 18” tall traditional Adirondack pack basket with cedar runners and base and adjustable harness. This basket is made to last and be used. The workshop is two full days and will include a discussion on how the material is harvested and processed. This is a great class for teens and adults. Saturday starts at 9am and goes until at least 5pm or a bit later, with Sunday ending by 4pm ideally. Good knife skills and hand strength will be helpful. There is an additional materials fee for this class of $100 in cash or check to be made out to Penny Hewitt and paid to her on the first day of the class. https://rootsvt.com/
Tue, May 2, 8:00 AM
TBD • Lincoln, VT
Starts at $220.00
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-2-of-game-of-logging-chainsaw-training-may-2-2023-tickets-460903915017
May 4, 2023, LEVEL 3 of Game of Logging Chainsaw Training
Thu, May 4, 8:00 AM
TBD • Lincoln, VT
Starts at $220.00
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-3-of-game-of-logging-chainsaw-training-may-4-2023-tickets-461720166447
May 10, 2023, CPR & First Aid Training Courses
Montpelier, VT - The VRPA is offering two First Aid & CPR Training courses this spring. Anyone is welcome to attend these sessions - full time staff, part time staff, or the general public. If you need to get re-certified or trained for the first time, these courses are a great option. This blended learning course includes online content available for completion a few weeks prior to the skills session. The online portion takes between 2-3 hours to complete. Those that register will receive this information. Space is limited for each class, so register early. https://www.vrpa.org/event-5212416
May 17 - 21, 2023, ACA Level 3-4: Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop
Saint Michael's College - The Adventure Sports Center at Saint Michael's College will be hosting this ACA Level 3-4: Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop / Instructor Update. The workshop will be led by ACA Instructor Trainers Todd Johnstone-Wright and Ben Morton. Questions or registration inquiries? Visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/242072811590868/
May 19 - 29, 2023 Spring Raft Guide Training, CPR & First Aid in Bingham, Maine
May 19, 2023, (1) Pre-training orientation meets at our base in Bingham, Maine at 3:00 PM, on Friday.
May 20 - 28, 2023, On-River training will begin on Saturday and continue through Sunday.
May 29, 2023, CPR, First Aid, written examination and licensing will take place on Monday
May 20-21, 2023, Canoe Level 3-4 Current Instructor Update Course (2 Day)
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification workshops are designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater kayaking, canoeing, SUP or swiftwater rescue. 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.
May 20-22, 2023, Canoe Level 1-2 Instructor Certification Workshop (3 Day)
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification workshops are designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater kayaking, canoeing, SUP or swiftwater rescue. 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.
May 20-24, 2023, Canoe Level 3-4 Instructor Certification Workshop (5 Day)
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification workshops are designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater, moving water, or whitewater kayaking, canoeing, SUP or swiftwater rescue. 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.
MAY 26 - 29, 2023, Survival Basics 4 Day Intensive at Roots School
https://rootsvt.com/events/survival-basics-4-day-spring/
May 27, 2023, Vermont Emergency First Responder Course
Waterbury Ambulance Service is hosting a Vermont Emergency First Responder Course on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at the Waterbury Village Fire Station. It is a hybrid, one-day course with American Heart Association online education beforehand. It is a great opportunity for those interested in getting a start in EMS. It is medical certification compliment for Firefighters or Law Enforcement Officers. The cost for the course is $75.00. More information and registration is online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waterbury-ambulance-2023-vermont-first-responder-course-registration-622704896107
June 5, 2023, CPR & First Aid Training Courses
Hartford, VT - The VRPA is offering two First Aid & CPR Training courses this spring. Anyone is welcome to attend these sessions - full time staff, part time staff, or the general public. If you need to get re-certified or trained for the first time, these courses are a great option. This blended learning course includes online content available for completion a few weeks prior to the skills session. The online portion takes between 2-3 hours to complete. Those that register will receive this information. Space is limited for each class, so register early. https://www.vrpa.org/event-5212416
June 10, 2023, Essential Rescue Skills for Paddlers 1 Day Clinic
Charlemont, Massachusetts - Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced | Prerequisites: Class II paddling skills. This one-day Rescue Skills for Paddlers course is designed for people who paddle together and want to have the skills to look out for each other. These skills are also helpful if you are starting to teach friends and want to have a good understanding of the quickest way to do simple rescues. We emphasize overall river safety and river rescue techniques and are boat-based or can be performed with a minimum of equipment. https://www.zoaroutdoor.com/lessons-clinics/
June 10, 2023, American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
Newfane, VT - The American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers course is to teach those with a duty to act the knowledge and skills needed to respond appropriately to breathing and cardiac emergencies. https://vemsa.enrollware.com/schedule
June 17, 2023, Women's Survival Basics Class
This “crash course” in basic outdoor survival principles is excellent for those who are short on time, yet want to feel more confident in the outdoors. This is the perfect course for an introduction to core concepts that will help keep you centered and making healthy decisions if things get hairy. It's mostly lecture-style with some hands-on training on topics such as staying warm, building fires, signaling for help, navigation concepts, knife sharpening, building emergency shelters, and more. Young, old, injured or otherwise are welcome! Minors 16 and 17 years of age are welcomed but must be accompanied by an adult. https://www.owlsskills.com/ Sign up at: https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=gpb1drynjjlbeqzj
June 18, 2023, Women's Sheltercraft Class
Shelters are a primary survival tool with a wide variety of styles and building techniques depending on the environment and resources available. They are a survivors second line of defense behind clothing and equipment, and basic knot craft is a natural pairing with shelters. Building and living/staying in shelters can also be a lot of fun! Minors 16 and 17 years of age are welcomed but must be accompanied by an adult. https://www.owlsskills.com/ Sign up at: https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=vw6mx8h5se3xmh01
July 15 - 16, 2023, Flint Knapping Stone Tools
Shaping rocks into beautiful and functional tools is a fun and challenging skill that has been practiced for over 3 million years! This course is a basic stone tool class for beginner and intermediate flint knappers. We will learn the basics of percussion, indirect percussion, and pressure flaking as our methods for reducing the stone. We will then look at the process involved for making hide scrapers, wood scrapers, saws, knives, blades, and projectile points such as arrowheads and spear tips. Tools and Materials are provided. Participants are welcome to camp right before, during, or after the course but food is not provided so please bring a bag lunch. https://rootsvt.com/
July 16-21, 2023, Vermont Wildlife Course for Educators
The interactive field course that gets educators out into Vermont’s streams, forests and wetlands with some of the state’s leading natural resource experts takes place at the Buck Lake Conservation Camp in Woodbury. Now in its 38th year, “Wildlife Management and Outdoor Education Techniques for Educators,” is a one-week, three-credit graduate course taught by Vermont Fish and Wildlife and other Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) staff through Castleton University. Tuition is $710 for the course. Books, food and overnight facilities are included. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. A course description, schedule of activities and registration information are available by email from Alison.Thomas@vermont.gov. Buck Lake Conservation Camp is located east of Route 14, north of Woodbury Village.
June 24 - 25, 2023, Women's Two-Day Navigation Course
This is a specialty course based on feedback from y’all! It’s designed for beginner to intermediate folks that want a refresher and/or to deepen their skills. If you’re brand new to navigation, this will be a great way to immerse yourself in the concepts and give you a solid starting point for exploring safely! We’ll spend two days delving into all things navigational: scouting technique, styles of compasses and how to use them, map concepts and how to read them including reading topographical maps (ones with contour lines), how to read/find coordinates, magnetic variation, getting a personalized pace count, route finding principles, making and using a 6 point checklist, night navigation, natural navigation, and tidbits on using various improvised tools to help you move safely through different environments. We will spend one night (Saturday) practicing a little night navigation, answer any questions you may have around the fire, and have a meal together! Dinner will be provided on Saturday night. You may camp out with us on Saturday night or find other accommodations if you prefer. https://www.owlsskills.com/ Sign up at: https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=m0vmvdwm5x3nkrds
July 22-23, 2023, Women’s Whitewater Weekend
Come join us for a weekend of women on whitewater. It is a great opportunity to gather, learn, celebrate, and connect. If you’re new to kayaking and curious to see what it is all about, you can chose the Zoar Outdoor Beginner or Intermediate clinic options. We also have a two day Women’s Swiftwater Rescue Clinic run by women instructors this weekend. Our amazing women instructors will not only teach the skills of whitewater, but they will create a positive atmosphere to foster learning and connections! After paddling on Saturday, meet up at Zoar Outdoor for an evening get together for women paddlers. https://www.kayaklesson.com/paddler-resources/events/womens-weekend/
September 2 - 4, 2023, Roots Rendezvous
This event is an annual gathering of people with a huge variety of workshops and skills to choose from. Bring family and friends to come have a great time with others who share a passion for the natural world. Leave knowing more about yourself and the beautiful world which we inhabit. We love the magic of this event. If you have been, you know, and if you haven't it is a great time to come and learn and enjoy yourself in beautiful Vermont. The schedule from last year is up so that you can get a sense of the event. We often put out the schedule mid summer, so you can expect some old and new workshops. https://rootsvt.com/events/roots-rendezvous/
October 21 - 22, 2023, Black Ash Pack Baskets
Weave an approximately 18” tall traditional Adirondack pack basket with cedar runners and base and adjustable harness. This basket is made to last and be used. The workshop is two full days and will include a discussion on how the material is harvested and processed. This is a great class for teens and adults. Saturday starts at 9am and goes until at least 5pm or a bit later, with Sunday ending by 4pm ideally. Good knife skills and hand strength will be helpful. There is an additional materials fee for this class of $100 in cash or check to be made out to Penny Hewitt and paid to her on the first day of the class. https://rootsvt.com/