Course Descriptions
Descriptions will be updated as more details become available
New descriptions for 2010 courses will be coming soon.
 

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Doe Camp at Jay Peak Resort 2010 Course Descriptions

Note: Most classes will be held rain, hail or shine!  Make sure you have warm layers and rain clothes.  You’ll receive more class specific information upon confirmation.  

Physical Levels:

G= gentle     M= moderate     H= heavy

ARCHERY

Archery Basics:(G) Using lightweight re-curve and compound bows, learn correct form, technique, and safety.  Find out the importance of having the proper equipment and how to select the proper equipment.  And there will be plenty of hands-on fun!  Instructors:  Paul Tice & Christina Bean  

Advanced Archery / 3D Archery:  (M) This is a course for Doe Campers who already shoot archery but want to hone their skills, try something different, or learn to tune their equipment.  3D archery is a favorite for many avid archers and is a great family activity. Or how about moving past that 20 yard mark and experiencing field archery.  Participants should bring their own equipment to get the most out of this course.  Instructors: Paul Tice & Christina Bean 

CHALLENGES

Orienteering/Scavenger Hunt- (H) This is a combination of a basic orienteering/brush-up course, and a whole lot of fun!  Follow the clues and headings around a 12 point course.  Test your skills by flying solo, or team up with a friend or two in this adrenaline filled race!  The first half of the class will focus on learning the basics of map and compass work (or refreshing if you’re already familiar), the last half will be spent on the course finding your way from point to point in a race to the finish! Prizes of course will be given to all!  This will be a very active course and may go through some dense woods, so please dress appropriately for the weather and terrain!  Instructor: Heidi Weston 

Geocaching: (M) Join the society of Geocachers all over the world.  In teams or solo, use your GPS skills to find hidden treasures in the woods!  Bring your own GPS with knowledge of how to enter data and to “go to” or borrow GPS from instructor.  Knowledge of GPS skills is helpful.  Learn what caches look like, what is in them,  likely hiding places and surf the geocaching internet site. Instructor: Robin Wright 

 

FISHING SKILLS

**If you are participating in any of the fishing classes, be SURE to purchase a fishing license PRIOR to arrival at Doe Camp. 

** Fly Fishing: (G)  Beginners will learn to fly fish with our unique training techniques. This program will teach you some basic elements of fly fishing which includes three different casting strokes, knot tying, fly selection and identification. Instructors: Karen Guile,  Mark Wilde  

**Advanced Fly Fishing:  (G) If you have your knots down and feel comfortable fishing on your own, then this is the class for you.  Hone your skills and learn new secrets from our experienced guides.  Equipment will be provided; however, you are welcome to bring your own. Instructors:  Mark Wilde

Let's Go Fishing! (G) Want to learn the basics about fishing?  This class is for those who never picked up a fishing pole and are to shy to ask for help!  The class will go over how to understand the rule book so you will know where you can fish, when and for what.  We will go over fish identification, fishing tackle, casting and good old fashion fishin'.  Try your new skills in the stocked trout pond.  You will not need a fishing license for this class.  Instructors: Dayle and Walt Goad

 

FOREST & LAND MANAGEMENT

Tree I.D/ Forest Management and Mismanagement: (G) Participants will review Vermont forest history to understand what we have and where we might be headed. We will take a forest tour to explore Wildlife habitat (including neo-tropical bird habitat, non game species, and deer management), water quality, wilderness, and forest health issues, along with woodlot management, and Natural Communities.  You will Learn about the Birder’s Dozen & Audubon’s  9 Bird-Friendly Management Recommendations. You will also learn to tell the difference between a pine tree and a hemlock, a red maple and a sugar maple.  Learn to count the age of a tree, and how a forest evolves from one type to another over time.  Participants should wear appropriate clothing, boots (and insect repellent?) for a forest tour.  Instructor:  Nancy Patch

Game of Logging & Chainsaw Safety: (M) $ Start with the basics of chainsaw handling, safety, and maintenance.  Each participant will run the saw, making several cuts. Bring suitable boots, eye protection, work gloves, long pants, and chaps if you have them. Some safety equipment will be provided.  Northeast Woodland Training works with anyone who uses forestry equipment.  The three objectives of our training: Safety - don't get hurt or hurt a co-worker, Efficiency - Get the job done in a timely manner, Quality - When working in the forest, keep any negative impact to a minimum. LIMIT: 10 students per session. Instructor: John Adler  $10 additional fee 

GAME COOKING

Game BBQ and Camp Cooking: Help us with our Saturday night BBQ meal! And learn easy techniques you can use in your back yard this summer, or up on a remote mountain somewhere in the wilderness! Instructor: Bradley Carleton

Easy Gourmet Game Cooking: Have a freezer full of wild game, but don't know how to cook it?  This class will guide us through classy, tasty, and easy (!) ways to prepare and serve it.  Explore a range of game, preparation, methods of cooking and tasting along the way.  Instructor: Bradley Carleton
 

NATURE

Animal Tracking: (M) Learn how to track and read the signs of wild animals. Tracking can be studied and improved upon over a lifetime, and still there is more to learn.  Start early and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the animal you are tracking. (NOTE: Early Bird Animal Tracking will start at 5:00 am and be back in time for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings – anyone can go regardless of what other courses they are taking). Instructor: tba

Nature Photography: (G) The program will start with a slide show covering the fundamentals: light, composition, perspective, depth of field, exposure, and other basic artistic and technical aspects. Basic image editing tips in Adobe Photoshop will also be covered.  The remaining time will be spent in the field, with discussion on seeing and setting up photos.  Participants in the nature photography course should have a camera and ample media (film or digital media) to take photos.  Everyone should be familiar with using their camera before the session, also consider bringing your camera manual with you.   For cameras with automatic functions, participants should know how to set and use landscape and macro settings.  For anyone with cameras that allow manual settings, people should know how to set ISO, shutter speed, f/stop, and exposure compensation.  All participants with digital cameras should know how to display a histogram – the histogram will be critical for determining proper exposure.  For anyone with SLRs or DSLRs (single lens reflex cameras), macro and landscape (wide angle) lenses would be good, as well as a short zoom (up to 70mm-200mm or so). Instructor: tba

Bird is a Verb:  (G)  An estimated 46 million people in the United States bird watch! Become one of the “flock” during this workshop discovering the pleasure of one of the most popular pastimes in the country. Learn tips & tricks for bird identification, find out about equipment & resources, discover birding by ear and explore various natural communities for different suites of birds. Workshop will take place both inside & out. Limit to 12. Instructor: tba

Early Morning Bird Walk: (G) Arise and celebrate the morning chorus! We can expect to find a delightful suite of warblers, thrushes, flycatchers & sparrows. Binoculars & field guides provided.. Instructor:  tba

Wild  Edibles: (M) : Venture in the woods with two professional wild mushroom gatherers. You’ll hear fascinating stories from this unique couple while getting intimate with Vermont’s edible bounty.  Be sure to bring a notebook and/or camera!  Instructors: Nova Kim, Les Hook  

Wild Plant Walk:  Marty Simon, of the Wilderness Learning Center will take you on a most interesting walk. You will get to see, touch, smell and even taste some really interesting wild plants. Not only will you learn the names of these plants, you will learn how to prepare them for food, medicine or other practical uses. You will learn plants that can be used to dye fabrics, plants to treat fevers, pain, sore eyes, stomach upsets and so much more we don’t have the time or space to print it all.  Instructor: Marty Simon 

SHOOTING CLASSES 

*Equipment will be provided. However, if you choose to bring your own firearm, be sure it is properly transported and stored with security lock and/or a lockable storage case. Bring a cleaning kit, two boxes of new factory loaded ammo, shooting glasses and hearing protection rated at 21 decibels or above. 

Advanced Level class descriptions coming soon

* Handgun Skills & Marksmanship:
Intro: (G) Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with pistols, loading, unloading and safe handling in a real setting. We will learn shooting techniques, have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, and discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition. Instructor: Larry Hamel ,Dick Bayer, John Kapusta

* Muzzleloader Skills & Marksmanship, All Levels: (G)
 Take a step back in time to learn about the pioneers' most important tool - the muzzleloading rifle. Gain experience; learn safety and proficiency with the modern caplock, traditional flintlock and matchlock muskets.  Instructor: Larry Hamel, Dick Bayer

*Rifle Skills & Marksmanship
Intro: (G) Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with rifles, loading, unloading, and safe handling in a real setting.  We will learn shooting techniques and positions, will have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition.  Instructor:  Larry Hamel

* Shotgun Skills & Marksmanship: (G)
Intro: Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with shotguns, loading, unloading and safe handling in a real setting. Learn about the different shot-gunning clay fields of trap, skeet, and sporting clays. We will learn shooting techniques, have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, and discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition. Instructor: John Kapusta, Wendy Butler

 

SPORTS & RECREATION SKILLS

ATV Rider Course: (G)  is an introduction to the safe operation of an ATV.  Course is approx. 4 hours long and consists of starting, stopping , turning, riding on hills, basic safety gear and environmental concerns.  Students are required to were long sleeve shirts, long pants, over the ankle boots, gloves, DOT or Snell approved helmet, and eye protection.   ATV's,  helmets, and eye protection will be provide if the student does not have their own equipment. Limit: 8 per class. Instructor: tba

ATV Trail Ride:  (H) Note: This class is only available to those who have taken a Rider Course or have substantial experience on a ATV. .  Its time to take your skills on the trail!  Travel on a local VASA  trail system and be prepared to get dirty!  Students are required to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, over the ankle boots, gloves, DOT or Snell approved helmet, and eye protection.   Instructor. Danny Hale, Executive Director VASA

Hike up Jay: (M- H) - Take a Hike, up Jay Peak.  The 3.5 mile hike 1680 ft. vertical climb to spectacular views.  You will have packed lunches so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop and admire your surroundings. Class will be held rain or shine.  Instructor: Wendy Brothers

River Canoeing: (M) - Flat water paddling instruction catered to all levels on the Missisquoi River. You will learn paddle strokes, safety, proper gear, river ethics, reading the water & water hazards and river trip planning.  All of this is taught in a relaxed style on a beautiful stretch of the Missisquoi River.  Instructor: tba

River Kayaking, Intermediate: (M)Paddle the gently moving stretch of the Missisquoi River.  This class is for experienced paddlers.  You may find some waves to surf or have time to practice rescues and rolls.  Instructor:  Stuart Farina

Sea Kayaking, Beginner:   (M) Learn the basics of kayaking on Lake Memphremagog.   Even if you’ve never been in a kayak before, you’ll be paddling happily on your own by the end of this course.   Whatever we do, we’ll be sure to have a blast.  Instructor:  Bonna Wieler, Stuart Farina

SURVIVAL SKILLS

Wilderness Survival and Safety: (Part 1) (G)  In this session you will learn how to survive in the wilderness should you ever become lost or separated from your group.  We will cover survival psychology, fire, basic shelters, signaling, how not to get lost, clothing, water (finding & Purifying), survival kits, equipment and much more. You will come away from this session with a better understanding of the wilderness than you ever imagined you would have. You will learn how to become one with the wilderness and not fear the great outdoors. Instructor: Marty Simon 

Wilderness Survival and Safety: (Part 2) (M) In this session we will go into the forest, build a survival shelter using both natural and man made materials, Purify water, learn to build a campfire for both cooking and heat, how to properly use a knife and axe, and learn to use the resources that are available to keep us alive and healthy. This is a hands on session. Dress accordingly for a 3 hour period in the woods. Instructors Marty Simon & Bobby Plude

Needle Felting Nature: (G) $10 fee  Learn the technique of needle felting and capture the freeform of nature. No experience necessary. All materials are included.  Instructor:  Kathy Giroux -
Mountain Fiber Folk Cooperative

Getting Unstuck, Auto Mechanics 101: (G) Anyone who ventures into the outdoors usually drives to a location to start his or her adventure. What if your vehicle goes off the road, gets a flat tire or the battery goes dead miles from civilization, would you know how to help yourself out of a bad situation? This program will teach you how to take charge of just such emergencies. It will not train you to become a mechanic but will give you the knowledge to do the following: Jump start a dead battery, fix a flat tire without removing the tire from the vehicle, change a flat tire, pull your vehicle out of a ditch or mud, signal for help, what to carry in the vehicle for emergencies (Vehicle survival Kit) and much, much more. This is a very important program that could save your life. Although the class is hands-on, you may want to bring a chair!  Instructor: Marty Simon 

Basic Self-Defense Skills - Intro to RAD (Rape Abduction Defense)  (M): Learn the basic concepts of self-defense. This class will focus on awareness and avoidance skills, the first and most important stops in self-defense, and some introductory self-defense tactics. Wear clothes and shoes appropriate for a low-impact work out. This class is appropriate for any one, age 18 to 110, with a desire to learn and understand self-defense. Instructor: Paula Lee

 Advanced Self Defense (M): This class is based on the RAD Principles of Self Defense and basic martial art techniques.  It is not a martial arts program.  This class focuses on situational awareness, conflict avoidance and simple, street applicable self defense techniques for when awareness or avoidance break down.  No special level of strength, flexibility, balance or physical fitness is required although suggestions will be given on improving all four areas.  There will be NO violent contact in this class but be prepared for both individual and controlled partner drills.  Class will consist of warm-up, lecture (brief), demonstration and practice. Basic Self Defense  is a prerequisite for this class.  Instructor: Paula Lee