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.
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. Chainsaw Training Workshops |
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/ |
Outdoor Education and Training Event Calendar
Multiple Dates - Heartsaver First Aid and CPR for Community Members
The AHA’s Heartsaver (First Aid and/or CPR AED) Course is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for their job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements, or anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. First Aid Module and CPR AED Module. https://vemsa.enrollware.com/schedule
April, May, June and September, American Canoe Association Instructor Certifications
Charlemont, MA. - 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. https://www.kayaklesson.com/rescue-courses/aca-instructor-certification/
July 14-19, 2024, 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 39th year, “Wildlife Management and Outdoor Education Techniques for Educators,” is a one-week course taught by Vermont Fish and Wildlife and other Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) staff through Vermont State University. A course description, schedule of activities and registration information are available by email from [email protected]. Buck Lake Conservation Camp is located east of Route 14, north of Woodbury Village. https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/conservation-education/wildlife-management-and-outdoor-education-techniques-for-educators
July 20, 2024, Game of Logging Basic Use & Safety
Cost: $220 In this full, one-day course, expert instructors from Northeast Woodland Training will teach about the safe handling of a chainsaw and practice boosting confidence for those with little saw experience. For more information and to register contact [email protected]. Pre-registration required; space is limited, so sign up early! https://www.northwoodscenter.org/wordpress/event/game-of-logging-basic-use-safety-2/
August 1 2024, Training Course Offered for New Hunter Education Instructors
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering a New Instructor Training Course for people interested in volunteering to teach hunter, trapper or bow hunter education courses in Vermont. The training will take place Thursday, August 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife office in Montpelier. All applicants must complete their instructor paperwork and online homework before attending the course. Instructor application paperwork can be found at: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/hunt/hunter-education/becoming-a-hunter-education-instructor or call 802-828-1193 prior to the course date.
August 3 - 4, 2024, SOLO Wilderness First Aid and CPR
Lyndonville, Vermont - Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and trip leaders who want a basic level of backcountry first aid training for shorter adventures with family, friends, and outdoor groups. This includes hikers, climbers, trail crew members, paddlers, bikers, skiers and others who want to feel more independent, empowered and capable outside. This course meets ACA guidelines. (Those who regularly engage in more challenging or remote outings, particularly if they are responsible for others in those settings, are encouraged to take the SOLO Wilderness First Responder course.) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solo-wilderness-first-aid-and-cpr-tickets-925345201407
August 17, 2024, Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge - Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program is being offered to young hunters who want to learn more about the sport of waterfowl hunting and experience a high quality waterfowl hunt. The program is offered to youngsters 12 to 17 years of age who have an adult waterfowl hunter to serve as a mentor. The Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program is a joint educational effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the Sportsman’s Club of Franklin County and volunteers to teach young hunters about waterfowl hunting. The program focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible, respected individuals who strive to learn all they can about waterfowl and to become knowledgeable in firearms safety, hunter ethics and wildlife conservation. Mentors and youths who would like to participate in this year's program must pre-register with the Refuge by Friday, August 2. Participation in the program will be limited to 30 enrollees. To register for this year's program, call refuge headquarters at 802-868-4781. Please include the mentor’s name and youth's name and age, address and telephone number.
August 17 - 18, 2024, Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2
Level 1 - Saturday, August 17, Level 2 - Sunday, August 18 Cost: $220 per level Expert instructors from Northeast Woodland Training will teach the fundamentals of safe chainsaw use, precision tree felling, and equipment care. Take the guesswork out of sawing- your safety matters! https://www.northwoodscenter.org/wordpress/event/game-of-logging-levels-1-2-2/
August 23-25, 2024, Training & Credentialing in Therapeutic Fly-fishing
Seyon Lodge, Groton, Vermont - Vermont's premier fly-fishing retreat center.. Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR): An Introduction and Practicum. Limited to 8-participants. Participants must hold EMDRIA Training in EMDR, at minimum. Included: A custom fly-fishing rod, and accompanying gear, to take home. Two nights' lodging. Six organic, seasonal meals prepared for you. 10 hours of EMDR practice on still water and local mountain streams. Private access to Vermont's premier, protected fly-fishing only lake. https://seiyuinstitute.com/training/
October 12, 2024: One Day Women's Survival Course
Monkton, VT - 9 - 5 pm - 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! Class cost: $150.00. https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?category=3txj8yh2r2omnxpw
October 13, 2024: Women's Class for Shelter Craft for Emergencies
Monkton, VT - 9 - 5 pm - 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, and basic knot craft is a natural pairing with shelters. Building and living/staying in shelters can also be a lot of fun! Concepts that we can look into based on folk's interests are: snow shelters such as a fighter trench, quinzee, igloo, or snow cave; jungle shelters like platforms and methods to stay dry and insect free; mountain shelters for various seasons such as various types of A-frames, lean-tos, immediate action versus long term shelters; improvised abodes for coastal and tundra environments; concepts for hot/desert conditions; safe site selection; living considerations; insulation beds to be more comfortable and off the ground; how to use hot rocks and coal beds in chilly conditions; natural versus man-made shelters; debris huts; and knots, hitches, and lashings specifically useful in shelter building. This class can be modified for children 10 years old to the elderly, and those with handicaps of many types. Class cost: $150.00. https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?category=3txj8yh2r2omnxpw
October 19-20, 2024: Women's Practical Fire Craft
Monkton, VT - 9-7 Saturday, 9-5 Sunday - Fire is the “sexy” and “cool” survival skill that draws our attention. “One channel, everyone watches!” An extremely useful tool, fire is a skill that can be very difficult, especially if a survivor is hurt, inexperienced, or dealing with wet conditions. In this two-day course we explore approaches for: finding and gathering various types of fuel; preparing fuels by breaking them down (or up!) into stages; the fire triangle and how to modify fire lays (how to put fuel/wood on a fire) to fit form to function; ignition styles and concepts; finding and preparing tinder in various environments and conditions; a multitude of different uses; and how to bank a fire (keeping a fire going overnight so you don't have to start from scratch in the morning). Students will practice creating embers or flames using a variety of tools like: matches, lighters, flint and steel, ferro rods, and a magnifying lens among others. Class runs from 9 am-7 pm on Saturday and 9 am-5 pm on Sunday. Students may camp on property Saturday night. These classes are great for children 14 years old up to the elderly, and those with a variety of handicaps. Just contact us if you have any questions or concerns! Class cost: $350, https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=fjg5a4ej1jf87fx9
October 25-27, 2024: Women's Weekend Core Survival Principles
Monkton, VT - Friday 4 pm to Sunday 4 pm - What do you do when things go wrong? There is a lot of false information out there around wilderness survival skills, so come learn the real deal. Included is information on: the five basic needs of a survivor, knife selection and sharpening, finding and disinfecting water, signaling for rescue, basic knots and shelter building, fire concepts, scouting technique and basic compass use, survival kit building and design for all contingencies, and food principles. Clients practice and get feedback on many of the techniques demonstrated and discussed. We spend the entire weekend outdoors regardless of the weather. Dinners are provided and cooked over an open fire. This is an intense class where students often don’t hit the bag until 10 or 11 pm on Friday and Saturday night due to evening instruction after dinner. We usually wake at 8 am and begin class at 9. If you’d like to go a little more in-depth and get more practice with the skills, this is the class for you! This is a stand alone class in basic survival principles for women and non-binary folks that are comfortable in women-only spaces. It is suitable for folks 12 and up (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian), and elderly or physically impaired folks that can walk on their own for at least a few hundred feet. This class is not a test of physical fitness, we are in a base camp learning and practicing skills, not hiking. We hope you can join us! Class cost: $520 https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?category=n15slu2zhgecfhvv
The AHA’s Heartsaver (First Aid and/or CPR AED) Course is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for their job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements, or anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. First Aid Module and CPR AED Module. https://vemsa.enrollware.com/schedule
April, May, June and September, American Canoe Association Instructor Certifications
Charlemont, MA. - 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. https://www.kayaklesson.com/rescue-courses/aca-instructor-certification/
July 14-19, 2024, 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 39th year, “Wildlife Management and Outdoor Education Techniques for Educators,” is a one-week course taught by Vermont Fish and Wildlife and other Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) staff through Vermont State University. A course description, schedule of activities and registration information are available by email from [email protected]. Buck Lake Conservation Camp is located east of Route 14, north of Woodbury Village. https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/conservation-education/wildlife-management-and-outdoor-education-techniques-for-educators
July 20, 2024, Game of Logging Basic Use & Safety
Cost: $220 In this full, one-day course, expert instructors from Northeast Woodland Training will teach about the safe handling of a chainsaw and practice boosting confidence for those with little saw experience. For more information and to register contact [email protected]. Pre-registration required; space is limited, so sign up early! https://www.northwoodscenter.org/wordpress/event/game-of-logging-basic-use-safety-2/
August 1 2024, Training Course Offered for New Hunter Education Instructors
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering a New Instructor Training Course for people interested in volunteering to teach hunter, trapper or bow hunter education courses in Vermont. The training will take place Thursday, August 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife office in Montpelier. All applicants must complete their instructor paperwork and online homework before attending the course. Instructor application paperwork can be found at: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/hunt/hunter-education/becoming-a-hunter-education-instructor or call 802-828-1193 prior to the course date.
August 3 - 4, 2024, SOLO Wilderness First Aid and CPR
Lyndonville, Vermont - Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and trip leaders who want a basic level of backcountry first aid training for shorter adventures with family, friends, and outdoor groups. This includes hikers, climbers, trail crew members, paddlers, bikers, skiers and others who want to feel more independent, empowered and capable outside. This course meets ACA guidelines. (Those who regularly engage in more challenging or remote outings, particularly if they are responsible for others in those settings, are encouraged to take the SOLO Wilderness First Responder course.) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solo-wilderness-first-aid-and-cpr-tickets-925345201407
August 17, 2024, Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge - Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program is being offered to young hunters who want to learn more about the sport of waterfowl hunting and experience a high quality waterfowl hunt. The program is offered to youngsters 12 to 17 years of age who have an adult waterfowl hunter to serve as a mentor. The Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program is a joint educational effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the Sportsman’s Club of Franklin County and volunteers to teach young hunters about waterfowl hunting. The program focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible, respected individuals who strive to learn all they can about waterfowl and to become knowledgeable in firearms safety, hunter ethics and wildlife conservation. Mentors and youths who would like to participate in this year's program must pre-register with the Refuge by Friday, August 2. Participation in the program will be limited to 30 enrollees. To register for this year's program, call refuge headquarters at 802-868-4781. Please include the mentor’s name and youth's name and age, address and telephone number.
August 17 - 18, 2024, Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2
Level 1 - Saturday, August 17, Level 2 - Sunday, August 18 Cost: $220 per level Expert instructors from Northeast Woodland Training will teach the fundamentals of safe chainsaw use, precision tree felling, and equipment care. Take the guesswork out of sawing- your safety matters! https://www.northwoodscenter.org/wordpress/event/game-of-logging-levels-1-2-2/
August 23-25, 2024, Training & Credentialing in Therapeutic Fly-fishing
Seyon Lodge, Groton, Vermont - Vermont's premier fly-fishing retreat center.. Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR): An Introduction and Practicum. Limited to 8-participants. Participants must hold EMDRIA Training in EMDR, at minimum. Included: A custom fly-fishing rod, and accompanying gear, to take home. Two nights' lodging. Six organic, seasonal meals prepared for you. 10 hours of EMDR practice on still water and local mountain streams. Private access to Vermont's premier, protected fly-fishing only lake. https://seiyuinstitute.com/training/
October 12, 2024: One Day Women's Survival Course
Monkton, VT - 9 - 5 pm - 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! Class cost: $150.00. https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?category=3txj8yh2r2omnxpw
October 13, 2024: Women's Class for Shelter Craft for Emergencies
Monkton, VT - 9 - 5 pm - 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, and basic knot craft is a natural pairing with shelters. Building and living/staying in shelters can also be a lot of fun! Concepts that we can look into based on folk's interests are: snow shelters such as a fighter trench, quinzee, igloo, or snow cave; jungle shelters like platforms and methods to stay dry and insect free; mountain shelters for various seasons such as various types of A-frames, lean-tos, immediate action versus long term shelters; improvised abodes for coastal and tundra environments; concepts for hot/desert conditions; safe site selection; living considerations; insulation beds to be more comfortable and off the ground; how to use hot rocks and coal beds in chilly conditions; natural versus man-made shelters; debris huts; and knots, hitches, and lashings specifically useful in shelter building. This class can be modified for children 10 years old to the elderly, and those with handicaps of many types. Class cost: $150.00. https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?category=3txj8yh2r2omnxpw
October 19-20, 2024: Women's Practical Fire Craft
Monkton, VT - 9-7 Saturday, 9-5 Sunday - Fire is the “sexy” and “cool” survival skill that draws our attention. “One channel, everyone watches!” An extremely useful tool, fire is a skill that can be very difficult, especially if a survivor is hurt, inexperienced, or dealing with wet conditions. In this two-day course we explore approaches for: finding and gathering various types of fuel; preparing fuels by breaking them down (or up!) into stages; the fire triangle and how to modify fire lays (how to put fuel/wood on a fire) to fit form to function; ignition styles and concepts; finding and preparing tinder in various environments and conditions; a multitude of different uses; and how to bank a fire (keeping a fire going overnight so you don't have to start from scratch in the morning). Students will practice creating embers or flames using a variety of tools like: matches, lighters, flint and steel, ferro rods, and a magnifying lens among others. Class runs from 9 am-7 pm on Saturday and 9 am-5 pm on Sunday. Students may camp on property Saturday night. These classes are great for children 14 years old up to the elderly, and those with a variety of handicaps. Just contact us if you have any questions or concerns! Class cost: $350, https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?event=fjg5a4ej1jf87fx9
October 25-27, 2024: Women's Weekend Core Survival Principles
Monkton, VT - Friday 4 pm to Sunday 4 pm - What do you do when things go wrong? There is a lot of false information out there around wilderness survival skills, so come learn the real deal. Included is information on: the five basic needs of a survivor, knife selection and sharpening, finding and disinfecting water, signaling for rescue, basic knots and shelter building, fire concepts, scouting technique and basic compass use, survival kit building and design for all contingencies, and food principles. Clients practice and get feedback on many of the techniques demonstrated and discussed. We spend the entire weekend outdoors regardless of the weather. Dinners are provided and cooked over an open fire. This is an intense class where students often don’t hit the bag until 10 or 11 pm on Friday and Saturday night due to evening instruction after dinner. We usually wake at 8 am and begin class at 9. If you’d like to go a little more in-depth and get more practice with the skills, this is the class for you! This is a stand alone class in basic survival principles for women and non-binary folks that are comfortable in women-only spaces. It is suitable for folks 12 and up (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian), and elderly or physically impaired folks that can walk on their own for at least a few hundred feet. This class is not a test of physical fitness, we are in a base camp learning and practicing skills, not hiking. We hope you can join us! Class cost: $520 https://go.thryv.com/site/6zyw7zstcjg3hf6c/online-scheduling?category=n15slu2zhgecfhvv