Our Workshops are held outdoors.
Classes are small (7 or less students per instructor) and fill quickly.

Backpacking isn't just a way to get from here to there, it's a process of moving, exploring, taking in the surrounding and working as a team. The end of the trail isn't the "thing" -- the trail is the "thing". Travel too fast and you miss all that you travel for.

Starting with the basics, this workshop provides an opportunity for those novice's who are interested in learning and expanding their backpacking and camping skills. With one night of camping out and three days of instruction we will have plenty of time to cover a fair distance on the trail while also taking time to cover topics such as navigation, backcountry first-aid, backpacking equipment, Leave-No-Trace principles, trip planning and much more. We will balance our travel distance and pace as well as the amount of time spent teaching to fit the desires of the group. The area we will be backpacking through does include some steep and rough terrain, so you should expect a fairly strenuous experience.

	Day 1 (held on a Saturday) will be held at our outdoor classroom the weekend before our two-day backpacking trip. The course will introduce you to understanding concepts of: • Purchasing the "right" equipment and where to buy it • Proper pack and boot fitting • What to pack and how to get organized • Clothing for fit and comfort • How to use backpacking stoves and water filters • Map reading in the outdoors Day 2 & 3 (held on the following weekend) will focus on traveling in the backcountry. Camping, cooking, water treatment and Leave-No-Trace principles. For in-depth information about this workshop, including itinerary and equipment list, please contact us for a Backpacking 101 packet. All trips are tailored to the instructor's discretion with your safety our number one priority! ....Cost: $245 per person (three-day course – two seperate weekends) ....Discounts: REI* Members - $20 Off ....See schedule below for dates. ...recommended reading for this workshop: • NOLS Wilderness Guide (The classic handbook) by Mark Harvey • How To Shit In The Woods by Kathleen Meyer These books contain information on how to camp without leaving a trace; how to stay warm and dry in the wilderness; how to cope with a backcountry emergency; and how to effectively lead others through such experiences.

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This one day course is an easy-to-understand introduction to using GPS and digital maps. The day is a mixture of classroom activity and practical exercises using GPS with waypoints and routes downloaded from a digital map system. Basic GPS safety techniques will also be considered and you'll learn about Geocaching and GeoTrailing.

Is this course right for you?
You do not have to own a GPS or have any experience of using one. All the jargon and technical features will be explained as we go along and you'll get handouts to refer to when you get home.

Our courses will cover both Magellan® and Garmin® GPS systems. If you do not already own a GPS, we will have a choice of GPS for you to use on the day. Although most of the learning points of the course are simply transferable to other products and brands, please note that there is usually not enough time to address specific product-related questions that are outside the scope of the course

This is not a basic navigation training course. If you join this course it is assumed that you can use a map and compass for basic navigation. We do run a series of Traditional Navigation Days sponsored by Silva™ that will provide you with a excellent set of basic map and compass skills.

	What's the course designed to achieve? The aim of the day is that you will leave the course with the skills to use a GPS confidently and safely at a basic level and understand the advantages in linking it to a digital mapping system. What will I learn? By the end of the day you should be able to: • recognize what a GPS and a digital map can and cannot do to help you stay safe out on the hills • set up the GPS so it will function properly. • understand the meaning of basic GPS & digital map terms. Eg. waypoint, track, route, goto, TracBack etc. • mark current position and enter a waypoint and a goto into the GPS • appreciate the advantages of using digital maps with your GPS • confidently use a GPS by navigating a simple route to locate real waypoints on the ground. • take appropriate safeguards to ensure your own safety on the fells when using a GPS • understand the use of a GPS in the new leisure sports of Geocaching and Geotrailing. What's in the course? • What is a GPS?: how does it work?; how accurate is it? WAAS and EGNOS enabling • Ordnance Survey National Grid and grid references; GPS 10 digit references • GPS - buttons & main pages; battery; power; display; etc. • Setting up the GPS - position format; map datum; north reference; etc. • Finding your position: GPS vs map & compass • Waypoints: mark; manually enter; download • Finding your destination: Navigating using a GPS ; Goto - get 'lost' and find destination exercise • Routes: manually create and delete, navigating a route exercise; creating a tracklog • Digital maps: what's available; what they will do; different map views • Choosing a GPS to fit user needs • Introduction to safety issues when using a GPS ....Cost: $55 per person (one day course) ....Discounts: REI* Members - $20 Off ....See schedule below for dates. ...recommended reading for this workshop: • Outdoor Navigation with GPS (Paperback) - by Stephen W. Hinch • GPS Mapping - by Rich Owings • GPS For Dummies - by Joel McNamar

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Attend this newly expanded hands-on workshop to learn the basic components of map and compass skills, or come to brush up on knowledge you may already have. Let us show you how to read guidebooks, orient topographic maps and take compass bearings so you can feel confident when hiking on or off trails.

With a simple compass, an accurate map, and the skills to use them, the deserts and woods are open for you to wander. Even if you feel you lack an internal 'sense of direction,' learning some map and compass skills can make you a confident navigator. This workshop is intended for adults and will be hands-on and include games. We will start with the basics of compass use, then learn to find a bearing and walk on a heading.

For in-depth information about this workshop, including itinerary and equipment list, please contact us for a Map & Compass packet. All trips are tailored to the instructor's discretion with your safety our number one priority!

....Cost: $75 per person (one-day course)
....Discounts: REI* Members - $10 Off
....See schedule below for dates.

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In team based Adventure Races you will be mixing the strengths and weaknesses of several people into one unit. The ability of your team to work together will determine how you place or even if you make it to the finish line at all. Recognize your teams strengths and weaknesses and map out a strategy to use them effectively in a race environment.
 
Teamwork can bring non-elite teams to the finish line and a lack of it can bring elite teams to their knees. It is the great equalizer, get it on your side.

The disciplines of adventure racing are as varied as the races themselves. We spend long days and nights helping you improve and teaching the things you need. These are not 9 to 5 classes.

Navigation/Orienteering
Navigation may be the most important skill in a race when it is all said and done. More races have been won because of superior navigation than by any other component of racing. We include both day and night time navigation training. We start with our classroom basics teaching the skills needed to read and plan using your maps. We move to an outside course to begin practical training and development. Finally, we navigate a different night time course to implement everything you've learned that day. We follow-up with a solid debrief to review and go over any aspect of your navigation training.

Ropes Course
You will receive training and instruction from our AMGA certified top rope manager. You will not only learn the correct way to rappel, ascend and traverse, but you will be given training that you will be able to take with you to continue and practice after you leave the Challenge School. This isn't just one day of training, it's the ground work for solid basics in rope work skills.

This will be an action packed workshop that will have you sweating, cheering, moaning and grinning as you work your way through a series of simulated race situations.
In the process you will be introduced to and practice techniques that will help you reduce down time and move your team to the finish line faster.

This is a very hands on workshop, you will get dirty and wet.


....Cost: $375 per person (two-day course)
....Discounts: REI* Members - $20 Off
....Call us for dates.