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. 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/
Sept 14 & 21, 2024, Boating Safety Course
From (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) - Who is required to take a boating safety course? Individuals born after January 1, 1974, must complete a boating safety course to operate a motor boat on Vermont's waters. Although online courses are an option, many prefer the benefits of in-person classes. Our course comprises two four-hour sessions with a lunch break; lunch is not provided. The lead instructor brings over 31 years of boating experience, including service with the US Coast Guard in the Northwest Atlantic and 26 years as a VT State Game Warden on local waters. https://rentals.woodardmarine.com/category/13
September 18, 2024, Become a Let's Go Fishing Volunteer Instructor
Lyndon Outing Club - Become a Let's Go Fishing volunteer instructor! Volunteers with the Let's Go Fishing Program encourage and teach young people and their families how to fish, emphasizing that fishing is more than just catching fish. We have two new instructor trainings coming up in September. The first one is September 18th at the Lyndon Outing Club and the second is September 28th at Kehoe Conservation Camp. There are still plenty of seats available and there is no cost to become a certified instructor. Visit our website for more information and to sign up for one of these trainings today! https://vtfishandwildlife.com/lets-go-fishing
September 28, 2024, Become a Let's Go Fishing Volunteer Instructor
Kehoe Conservation Camp - Become a Let's Go Fishing volunteer instructor! Volunteers with the Let's Go Fishing Program encourage and teach young people and their families how to fish, emphasizing that fishing is more than just catching fish. We have two new instructor trainings coming up in September. The first one is September 18th at the Lyndon Outing Club and the second is September 28th at Kehoe Conservation Camp. There are still plenty of seats available and there is no cost to become a certified instructor. Visit our website for more information and to sign up for one of these trainings today! https://vtfishandwildlife.com/lets-go-fishing
Oct 5, 2024, Boating Safety Courses
From (9:00 am -5:00 pm) - Who is required to take a boating safety course? In Vermont, anyone born on or after January 1, 1974, is required to complete a boating safety course to legally operate a motor boat. Starting January 1, 2025, all boat operators regardless of age in New York will also need to have completed a boating safety course. While online courses are available, many individuals find that in-person classes offer additional advantages. Our course comprises one eight-hour sessions with a short lunch break; lunch is not provided. The lead instructor brings over 31 years of boating experience, including service with the US Coast Guard in the Northwest Atlantic and 26 years as a VT State Game Warden on local waters. Class size is limited to 15 students, This is a fast-paced class tailored for adults. https://rentals.woodardmarine.com/category/13
October 5, 2024, Women’s & Femme’s Outdoor Rock Climbing Course
Bolton, VT - Our for-women-by-women climbing course is a great opportunity to learn and play in a comfortable and supportive environment. Spend a day rock climbing in Bolton with one of Petra Cliff's very own femme guides. Open to all abilities; from your first day out on rock to diving into more advanced technique, this course is tailored to meet the goals of everyone involved. Activies may also include rappelling, intro to anchors, and self-rescue, depending on group size and interest. Event by Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School https://www.facebook.com/events/1032555748247178/
October 6, Lens on the Wild: Photography Workshop
Quechee, VT - 1 PM – 3 PM, Join VINS and local photojournalist Rob Strong for an exclusive photo shoot with several of our resident raptors that will leave you with stunning pictures and great memories. This workshop will focus on capturing portraits of VINS’ feathered team members. $52 General public, $45 VINS Member. https://vinsweb.org/event/lens-on-the-wild-photography-workshop-1024/
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
October 26-27, 2024, Wilderness First Aid
MRVBC, in collaboration with Mad River Glen, is pleased to make this WFA course offering available in the Valley with instruction provided by NOLS. Prepare for the unexpected with this fun, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you. You'll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, how to manage environmental emergencies, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You will spend half your time practicing skills and participating in realistic scenarios. NOLS Wilderness Medicine's WFA course is approved by such organizations as the American Camp Association, the United States Coast Guard, as well as other state and federal agencies. https://www.mrvbc.org/tours-events/wfa
October 27, 2024, Tree ID for Birders
10:00am – 12:00pm - Have you ever noticed a bird, then wondered what kind of tree it was in, or why it was there? Us too! Let's take a walk and explore tree identification with Forester Kathleen Stutzman. Open to folks with any and all levels of familiarity with trees and/or birds. Max: 12 people, Suggested donation $10 – $30, Register at https://sevendaystickets.com/events/tree-identification-for-birders-and-friends-10-27-2024
November 10, 2024, Backcountry Ski Season Primer
The Mad River Backcountry Coalition has partnered again with Kel Rossiter of Adventure Spirit to offer a 1-day workshop on backcountry fundamentals. The BC Primer will be an all-day workshop held at the Mad River Glen and on the mountain on Sunday, November 10th. There will be a blend of presentations and hand-on applications of techniques presented. Snow isn’t necessary to practice a wide range of essential backcountry fundamentals. The course topics will help those who are newer to backcountry skiing/riding feel more comfortable going out into the deep woods of our region in search of untracked snow. More experienced skiers/riders will gain useful insights, information, tools, and techniques for exploring mountains further afield. And all will certainly enjoy meeting and connecting with other BC enthusiasts in our community! https://www.mrvbc.org/tours-events/bc-season-primer
November 16, 2024, Chainsaw Safety Workshop
Mendon, VT - Looking to boost your skills in small tasks like cutting up firewood, clearing trails, pruning or removing invasives? Join VWA and WOW on Saturday, November 16th for a women-led, hands-on chainsaw safety workshop. This workshop is perfect for beginners, as well as those looking to improve their technique and skills. Led by the experienced instructors of Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop®, L3C, you'll learn the essentials of chainsaw operation, maintenance, and safety practices. Hosted by Vermont Woodlands Association, in partnership with Women & Our Woods. Registration Fee: $175/person, (reduced $60/person from normal fee thanks to grant funding!) https://www.facebook.com/events/794498019390647/
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/
Sept 14 & 21, 2024, Boating Safety Course
From (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) - Who is required to take a boating safety course? Individuals born after January 1, 1974, must complete a boating safety course to operate a motor boat on Vermont's waters. Although online courses are an option, many prefer the benefits of in-person classes. Our course comprises two four-hour sessions with a lunch break; lunch is not provided. The lead instructor brings over 31 years of boating experience, including service with the US Coast Guard in the Northwest Atlantic and 26 years as a VT State Game Warden on local waters. https://rentals.woodardmarine.com/category/13
September 18, 2024, Become a Let's Go Fishing Volunteer Instructor
Lyndon Outing Club - Become a Let's Go Fishing volunteer instructor! Volunteers with the Let's Go Fishing Program encourage and teach young people and their families how to fish, emphasizing that fishing is more than just catching fish. We have two new instructor trainings coming up in September. The first one is September 18th at the Lyndon Outing Club and the second is September 28th at Kehoe Conservation Camp. There are still plenty of seats available and there is no cost to become a certified instructor. Visit our website for more information and to sign up for one of these trainings today! https://vtfishandwildlife.com/lets-go-fishing
September 28, 2024, Become a Let's Go Fishing Volunteer Instructor
Kehoe Conservation Camp - Become a Let's Go Fishing volunteer instructor! Volunteers with the Let's Go Fishing Program encourage and teach young people and their families how to fish, emphasizing that fishing is more than just catching fish. We have two new instructor trainings coming up in September. The first one is September 18th at the Lyndon Outing Club and the second is September 28th at Kehoe Conservation Camp. There are still plenty of seats available and there is no cost to become a certified instructor. Visit our website for more information and to sign up for one of these trainings today! https://vtfishandwildlife.com/lets-go-fishing
Oct 5, 2024, Boating Safety Courses
From (9:00 am -5:00 pm) - Who is required to take a boating safety course? In Vermont, anyone born on or after January 1, 1974, is required to complete a boating safety course to legally operate a motor boat. Starting January 1, 2025, all boat operators regardless of age in New York will also need to have completed a boating safety course. While online courses are available, many individuals find that in-person classes offer additional advantages. Our course comprises one eight-hour sessions with a short lunch break; lunch is not provided. The lead instructor brings over 31 years of boating experience, including service with the US Coast Guard in the Northwest Atlantic and 26 years as a VT State Game Warden on local waters. Class size is limited to 15 students, This is a fast-paced class tailored for adults. https://rentals.woodardmarine.com/category/13
October 5, 2024, Women’s & Femme’s Outdoor Rock Climbing Course
Bolton, VT - Our for-women-by-women climbing course is a great opportunity to learn and play in a comfortable and supportive environment. Spend a day rock climbing in Bolton with one of Petra Cliff's very own femme guides. Open to all abilities; from your first day out on rock to diving into more advanced technique, this course is tailored to meet the goals of everyone involved. Activies may also include rappelling, intro to anchors, and self-rescue, depending on group size and interest. Event by Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School https://www.facebook.com/events/1032555748247178/
October 6, Lens on the Wild: Photography Workshop
Quechee, VT - 1 PM – 3 PM, Join VINS and local photojournalist Rob Strong for an exclusive photo shoot with several of our resident raptors that will leave you with stunning pictures and great memories. This workshop will focus on capturing portraits of VINS’ feathered team members. $52 General public, $45 VINS Member. https://vinsweb.org/event/lens-on-the-wild-photography-workshop-1024/
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
October 26-27, 2024, Wilderness First Aid
MRVBC, in collaboration with Mad River Glen, is pleased to make this WFA course offering available in the Valley with instruction provided by NOLS. Prepare for the unexpected with this fun, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you. You'll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, how to manage environmental emergencies, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You will spend half your time practicing skills and participating in realistic scenarios. NOLS Wilderness Medicine's WFA course is approved by such organizations as the American Camp Association, the United States Coast Guard, as well as other state and federal agencies. https://www.mrvbc.org/tours-events/wfa
October 27, 2024, Tree ID for Birders
10:00am – 12:00pm - Have you ever noticed a bird, then wondered what kind of tree it was in, or why it was there? Us too! Let's take a walk and explore tree identification with Forester Kathleen Stutzman. Open to folks with any and all levels of familiarity with trees and/or birds. Max: 12 people, Suggested donation $10 – $30, Register at https://sevendaystickets.com/events/tree-identification-for-birders-and-friends-10-27-2024
November 10, 2024, Backcountry Ski Season Primer
The Mad River Backcountry Coalition has partnered again with Kel Rossiter of Adventure Spirit to offer a 1-day workshop on backcountry fundamentals. The BC Primer will be an all-day workshop held at the Mad River Glen and on the mountain on Sunday, November 10th. There will be a blend of presentations and hand-on applications of techniques presented. Snow isn’t necessary to practice a wide range of essential backcountry fundamentals. The course topics will help those who are newer to backcountry skiing/riding feel more comfortable going out into the deep woods of our region in search of untracked snow. More experienced skiers/riders will gain useful insights, information, tools, and techniques for exploring mountains further afield. And all will certainly enjoy meeting and connecting with other BC enthusiasts in our community! https://www.mrvbc.org/tours-events/bc-season-primer
November 16, 2024, Chainsaw Safety Workshop
Mendon, VT - Looking to boost your skills in small tasks like cutting up firewood, clearing trails, pruning or removing invasives? Join VWA and WOW on Saturday, November 16th for a women-led, hands-on chainsaw safety workshop. This workshop is perfect for beginners, as well as those looking to improve their technique and skills. Led by the experienced instructors of Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop®, L3C, you'll learn the essentials of chainsaw operation, maintenance, and safety practices. Hosted by Vermont Woodlands Association, in partnership with Women & Our Woods. Registration Fee: $175/person, (reduced $60/person from normal fee thanks to grant funding!) https://www.facebook.com/events/794498019390647/