Vermont Outdoor Guide Association

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Tracking Club - Dates: Sundays, 11 AM - 1 PM
Tracking takes constant practice. It takes time with your knees in the dirt or snow, measuring, drawing, and observing to build the relationships that will allow you to read the stories of the forest. The club is normally an informal wander utilizing whatever lessons we come across. Notebooks, pencils, and measuring tapes are always welcome. The only thing you must bring is your passion for tracking. Location: Meets at Goddard College lower parking lot in Plainfield, VT. Cost: Free ROOTS School, www.RootsVT.com

NRA Trap Shooting Camp - Every Sunday during May – September
North Country Sportsman’s Club, Gun Club Road, Williston, VT, Off Old Creamery Road.  from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Agenda: Each session will be limited to 10 people: Cost: $20 per individual and pre-registration is recommended since each session will be limited to 10 people. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Cost includes loaner shotgun, ammunition, clay birds, and eye and ear protection. Contact: Tom Blair, (802) 872-8329 (please, no calls after 8:00 p.m.) or via email at tblairvt@comcast.net . A registration form is also available at www.shootncsc.com.

May 17-25, Wilderness First Responder Course
Join staff of SOLO, nationally recognized leaders in the field of wilderness medicine & rescue, for an 80 hour intensive wilderness emergency care course. Learn skills needed to deal with emergencies in remote settings, with a focus on the extended care often required in wilderness medical emergencies. Practical simulations and lectures. Includes CPR. Excellent course for outdoor enthusiasts or outdoor trip leaders. Fee: $785. includes meals, lodging and course; day students - $595. Pre-registration required. Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Road, Fairlee, VT 05045  802-333-3405  www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert

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May 20 -23, Swiftwater Rescue (Level 4) Instructor Certification
The American Canoe Association Safety and Rescue program offers instructor certification at 3 levels - Essentials of River Safety and Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, and Advanced Swiftwater Rescue. Each level requires a progressively greater understanding of swiftwater rescue concepts, as well as an ability to teach and execute those concepts in progressively more difficult rapids. http://www.kayaklesson.com/aca_instructor_certification.htm

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May 23 - June 3, 2010, Become a Whitewater Rafting Guide in Maine - Class 4 Whitewater
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a Whitewater Rafting Guide in Maine? North Country Rivers is offering our Whitewater Rafting Guide training course this Spring. This course trains you to become a "Registered Maine Whitewater Guide" and work for North Country Rivers as a Whitewater Guide.
2010 Maine Whitewater Guide Training Course
*Please note that the training dates have been moved forward one week to accommodate finals week at several universities in New England.
* Advanced First Aid and CPR - April 10, 2010
* ATV Safety Course & Trainer Certification - June 8, 2010
* Advanced Level II Guide Training - June 21,22,23, 2010
* Maine Recreational Guide Course - To be Announced
*The above courses are for individuals registered in North Country Rivers Level 1 Training and current North Country Rivers staff only.
Space is limited. Call toll free today 1-800-348-8871 to register for our upcoming 2010 Level 1 Whitewater Guide Training! http://www.ncrivers.com/maine-rafting-guide-training.htm

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May 29 - 30, - Lifeguard Training for Wilderness Trip Leaders
This 2 day course Wilderness Water Safety is designed for Wilderness Trip Leaders. Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate. Approved by American Camping Association. Instructor: Dave Golden. Developed in 1989, WWS is a response to a request from camp directors for an alternative to traditional Lifeguarding. Wilderness settings provide a diverse set of conditions and circumstances very different than traditional recreational facilities. WWS applies many of the traditional lifeguarding techniques to these settings in addition to the application of risk management skills for a wilderness environment. The course is designed for individuals leading trips into remote locations and traveling by canoe or backpacking. Some of the content is appropriate for traditional camp waterfront directors or staff members; it should not take the place of training specific to working at a camp waterfront. Over 200 students per year completing the course from camps in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario. Pre registration required. Prerequisite: Provider level CPR and minimum 8 hours of first aid training; swim ability at level consistent with the competency to complete the minimum skill levels of the course. Cost: $215 which includes meals, lodging and course. Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405, Fax: (802)333-3404. http://www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert-outdoor-center/skills-training-certification/wilderness-water-safety

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 May 29-31 - ACA Canoe Instructor Certifications or Essentials of River Canoeing Certification
Intro. to Flatwater, Essentials of River Canoeing, Class 1 Whitewater Certification - American Canoe Association Certificate program to become an ACA Tandem Canoe Instructor, taught by ACA Instructor Trainer, Mark Moore. Canoeing. Canoes, PFDs, paddles and safety equipment provided. Paddlers must demonstrate basic boat control skills, teaching ability, safety awareness, and technical knowledge to obtain certifications. Fee: $255-. includes meals & lodging; day student rates available. Pre-registration required. Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405, Fax: (802)333-3404.   http://www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert-outdoor-center/

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May 29-30, 2010, - Wilderness First Aid by SOLO.
Join staff of SOLO for a two-day introductory course in wilderness medical emergencies. This course includes lectures and practical simulations. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and trip leaders. AHA CPR available for $35. Recognized by American Camping Association and various Guide Licensing Boards. Fee $205.00 includes meals, lodging and course. Day Student rates available. Pre-registration required. Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405, Fax: (802)333-3404.  http://www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert-outdoor-center/

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June 1 - 7 , Wilderness First Responder
As an outdoor person you may find yourself in a situation where help is more than a phone call away. Typical first aid courses train students to provide care before an ambulance arrives. This course is designed for people who often travel where dialing 911 is not an option. It is experiential and tough, with emphasis on practical sessions and video taped simulations using mock victims. http://www.kayaklesson.com/wilderness_first_responder.htm

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June 4-6, Stowe, VT - Level 2 Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor Certification (IDW/ICE) - $299
Instructor: David Su, Contact: John Lynds 802-253-2317 paddle@umiak.com The course will cover ACA Level-1: Introduction to Kayaking and Level-2: Essentials of River Kayaking. The level of certification gained will depend on the experience and skill level of the candidate. Only participants who meet the skills and instructing requirements will receive certification. This is an excellent course for waterfront personnel who teach canoeing and/or kayaking on rivers and small bodies of water. This training combines both the instructor development workshop (IDW) and instructor certification exam (ICE). The time allotted for practicing skills is limited during this course so it is necessary that participants have paddling skills and experience beyond the level of certification. Previous experience teaching or leading is also recommended.

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June 5-7, 2010  - ACA Canoe Instructor Certifications or Essentials of River Canoeing Certification
Intro. to Flatwater, Essentials of River Canoeing, Class 1 Whitewater Certification - American Canoe Association Certificate program to become an ACA Tandem Canoe Instructor, taught by ACA Instructor Trainer, Mark Moore. Canoeing. Canoes, PFDs, paddles and safety equipment provided. Paddlers must demonstrate basic boat control skills, teaching ability, safety awareness, and technical knowledge to obtain certifications. Fee: $255-. includes meals & lodging; day student rates available. Pre-registration required. Hulbert Outdoor Center, 2968 Lake Morey Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045 (802) 333-3405, Fax: (802)333-3404.   http://www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert-outdoor-center/

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June 5, 2010, NorthWoods Stewardship Center, East Charleston -- Spring Wild Edibles
Veteran wild edible hunter, naturalist Pete Rodin leads this walk in search of Spring's edible wild plants, from cattail roots to marsh marigolds to fireweed's spring shoots, new tastes for the palate and a deeper understanding of what makes up the Spring woods and wetlands. Program is at the NorthWoods Stewardship Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost is $15. Contact NorthWoods at (802) 723-6551 x115 to pre-register. www.northwoodscenter.org

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June 11-14, Burlington, VT - Level 2 Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification (IDW/ICE) - $399
Friday - Monday, Instructor: Mark Moore, Contact: Mike Strojny 802-651-8760 info@canoeimports.com
The course will cover ACA Level-1: Introduction to Kayaking and Level-2: Essentials of Kayak Touring. The level of certification gained will depend on the experience and skill level of the candidate. Only participants who meet the skills and instructing requirements will receive certification. This is an excellent course for waterfront personnel who teach canoeing and/or kayaking on large bodies of water. This training combines both the instructor development workshop (IDW) and instructor certification exam (ICE). The time allotted for practicing skills is limited during this course so it is necessary that participants have paddling skills and experience beyond the level of certification. Previous experience teaching or leading in coastal environments is also recommended.

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June 13, ideRide Mountain Bike Skills Clinics - Kitchel Clinic
In 2009 Kingdom Trails approached ideRide about rebuilding one of their signature trails, Kitchel. The new version was to feature technical trail features like berms, rollers and jumps. In mid June trail designer/builder Knight, armed with the ideRide excavator met the Kingdom Trails Crew on site. Over the course of three weeks a radical new trail was born. Knight designed the jumps to be low angle and user friendly and the berms with wide radii.
In the Kitchel clinic we will ride laps on this gem of a trail. We will ascend on East Darling Hill Rd, a nice easy climb on pavement, just enough to get your heart-rate optimized but not enough to wear you out. On the descent your coach will demonstrate the proper technique for riding the berms, rollers and jumps and then capture you on video so you can analyze your form on the replay. Once at the bottom, burn back up for another run. The positive results of this clinic are twofold. The cardio workout from the climb and skill progression on the descent. 1:6 coach/rider ratio, Hardtail Jump bikes are available for rent. 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm  Cost: $65.00 per person   www.ideride.com

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July 13-23, 2010 - Forestry and Sustainable Cree Culture Canoe Trip to Quebec
Hulbert Outdoor Center’s 2010 Northern Issues Trip to the James Bay Region of Northern Quebec will look at current questions of sustainable Cree Culture and forestry practices in the North. This trip, scheduled for July 13-23, is designed to examine first hand, some of the pressing cultural, political and environmental issues surrounding Northern Quebec’s forestry practices. An important component of the trip will be dialogues with people on all sides of this important question. The trip will include meetings with forestry representatives, a tour of a large forestry operation and mill, and a final 6 day canoe trip with the Bosum Family in their traditional hunting-grounds. Time will be spent in two Cree villages, Waswanapi, former site of a Cree Model Forest and Ouje Bougoumou, a new village which strives to use the best of both their traditional culture and the modern world for sustainability. Ouje Bougoumou has been recognized as a model aboriginal community by the United Nations.
The trip will begin and end at the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vermont. All group camping equipment, transportation as well as food will be provided during the program. Leaders for this trip will include Hans Carlson, who works with Hulbert’s Northern Issues Program, and has traveled for years in the James bay Region. For more information contact Deb Williams, at 802-333-3405 or visit our website at www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert

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June 14-21, St. Johnsbury, VT - Kayak Building Course
If you would enjoy building and paddling your own ultra-light, Eskimo style Kayak, costing half as much as a heavy plastic boat, this is the right course for you. Ladies, in particular, will love these lightweight, native style kayaks. Building your own is both fun and saves money. In just one week you will have a kayak that weighs less than 30 pounds, is easy to carry, while fast and responsive to paddle. Total Cost $900 (Most workshops run 1300-1600) Email for more information. reliot@charter.net or phone Rick at 802-626-5226.

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June 18-20, Stowe, VT - Level 1 Essentials of River Canoeing Instructor Certification (IDW/ICE) - $299
Instructor: Steve Brownlee, Contact: John Lynds 802-253-2317 paddle@umiak.com
The course will cover Level-1: Introduction to Canoe. The level of certification gained will depend on the experience and skill level of the candidate. Only participants who meet the skills and instructing requirements will receive certification. This is an excellent course for waterfront personnel who teach canoeing and/or kayaking on rivers and small bodies of water. This training combines both the instructor development workshop (IDW) and instructor certification exam (ICE). The time allotted for practicing skills is limited during this course so it is necessary that participants have paddling skills and experience beyond the level of certification. Previous experience teaching or leading is also recommended.

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June 19 & 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. -  SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Sign up early – this course fills fast! This sixteen-hour, hands-on course will prepare you to deal with medical emergencies in the field. The focus is on the prevention, recognition, and treatment of backcountry injuries and illnesses. Wilderness First Aid certification or Wilderness First Responder recertification provided upon completion. Please contact GMC if you need WFR recertification or CPR (additional fees may apply). Instructors: SOLO staff. Limit: 30. Fee: $180. Contact GMC for a list of overnight accommodations. Register at least three weeks in advance. https://www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=285

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June 26th, 2010 - Ladies ONLY Shotgun Shooting Clinic
North Country Sportsman’s Club, Gun Club Road, Williston, VT, Off of Old Creamery Road
When: Saturday, June 26, 2009; sign in begins at 8:00 a.m. (1st Group) or 12:30 pm (2 nd Group) (Group (limited to 20 participants) Cost: $30 for either group (pre-registration is recommended, walk-ins accepted at the director’s discretion). Cost includes targets, loaner shotgun, ammunition, eye and ear protection and lunch. Clinic is rain or shine. Contact: Laura Blair (802) 872-8329 (please, no calls after 8:00 p.m.) or via email at
lechat85@comcast.net.  A registration form is also available at www.shootncsc.com.

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June 26 - 27, Instinctual Awareness and Self Defense I
In both the modern world and the wilderness, awareness and movement skills can save your life. In this course Roots staff and Ben Goodrich of New England Ninjutsu are teaming up to bring you the first in a series of self defense and awareness courses. Over the course of the weekend we will look at sensory awareness skills for both urban and natural environments, profiling and sensing intention. We will also train in basic break falling techniques, learn escapes from common attacks, basic defensive movement, and basic weapon use. A no nonsense approach to keeping yourself and those around you safe and protected. Cost: $200  Deposit: $50  ROOTS School, www.RootsVT.com

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June 29, - July 2, 2010 - NEK Freeride Camp
iR has customized a one of a kind professional camp program. iR incorporates a balance of enthusiastic, highly skilled coaches, counselors, professional riders, bike mechanics and a personal chef. These are the features that help participants to take their riding, health and exposure to the next level and beyond. Push your riding to new heights at our KT freeride camp! We invite you to ride with some of the world's best coaches and pro riders and get a taste of what the "best trail system in the nation" has to offer from those who know it inside out. A more affordable alternative to our Ultimate Freeride, this three day camp takes advantage of the ideRide training facilities and Kingdom Trails epic terrain. Build your core riding skills in cornering, jumping and braking. Work on riding steeper, technical terrain including rock slabs, roots, ladder bridges and loose rock descents. www.ideride.com

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July 11 - 16, 2010, Ultimate Freeride Camp
iR has customized a one of a kind professional camp program. iR incorporates a balance of enthusiastic, highly skilled coaches, counselors, professional riders, photographers, videographers, bike mechanics and a personal chef. These are the features that help participants to take their riding, health and exposure to the next level and beyond. Push your riding to new heights at our new Ultimate Freeride Camp! The most comprehensive camp of our Freeride Series, the Ultimate. features interaction with some of the world's best coaches and top pro riders. This five day camp takes advantage of the ideRide training facilities, Kingdom Trails epic terrain and Highland Mountain Bike Park’s world class downhilling. knight@ideride.com   www.ideride.com

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July 13, 2010 @ 1 PM,  Fletcher Free Library, Burlington -  Invasive Insect Workshop and Training Session
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture and Fletcher Free Library invites you to attend a free educational workshop designed to teach volunteer citizens and professional arborists/tree care specialists how to identify the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This will help to ensure early detection and better chances of quick eradication of these destructive non-native forest pests.
The preferred host for the ALB is maple trees, although it will attack many different hardwoods, making it a real and serious threat to the Vermont landscape and economy. EAB attacks all species of ash trees, with the ability to kill a stand within a year or two after infestation. EAB has been detected 30 miles north of Vermont’s border and a large scale infestation of ALB was discovered in Worchester, Massachusetts in 2008. We are essentially being flanked from north and south by some potentially very destructive pests.
The workshops will include a presentation followed by time in the field to teach volunteer citizens how to identify ALB/EAB. The slide show will include information on the threat to Vermont’s forests, the biology of ALB/EAB, including how to recognize the larval and adult stages, how to recognize external symptoms of ALB/EAB infestation on host trees, and who to contact should they see this pest. Bring binoculars (if you have them), comfy shoes, rain gear, and a notebook. All ages are encouraged to take part in the workshop. FREE
Further questions about the workshop contact Rhonda Mace; EAB/ALB Outreach Coordinator: ph:802-505-0200 or rhonda.mace@state.vt.us

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July 18-24 - Core Skills One
A full week long adult class in which students will gain first hand experience with building and sleeping in debris shelters, lighting friction fire with bow drill and hand drill, water gathering and purification, stone tools, making cordage from natural fibers, primitive hunting and trapping, wild edible and medicinal plants, and of course, tracking and awareness. This week is faced paced and the days are full. www.rootsvt.com/roots-core-skills-1 

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July 25 - 31, Teen Wilderness Survival
For a million years every human being on earth lived in and with the wild land. In Roots Teen Survival Course students will learn the skills and knowledge that allowed us to thrive around the world long before the first metal tools were made. All lessons will be experiential as students put their hard work, resourcefulness, and adaptability to the test as they: build survival shelters, make friction fire, gather and purify water, make rock tools, learn primitive hunting and trapping, harvest wild plants, and practice a wide variety of other primitive skills. Along with this training, students will begin to connect with the land around them through wildlife tracking and nature awareness. This course is open to all skill levels. Cost: $600  Deposit: $200  ROOTS School, www.RootsVT.com

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August 6-8th, Stowe, Vermont - Mountain Bike Clinic Weekend
Package Includes: * Meet & Greet with Outdoor Center Staff * Wine/Beer Reception * Lodging of Your Choice *Meals * Clinics  * More www.trappfamily.com/accommodations/specials-packages

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August 7, 2010, NorthWoods Stewardship Center -- Living on the Land: Seed Saving
Until recently most gardeners saved their own seeds. Join local gardener Penelope Newcomb and learn to harvest, wet and dry process, clean and store the seeds of many garden vegetables and herbs. Become self-reliant, help the plants that help you, and be a part of the ancient practice of seed saving. Program is from 10 a.m.- 1p.m. and cost is $15. Contact maria@northwoodscenter.org to register and for directions. www.northwoodscenter.org

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August 8, ideRide Mountain Bike Skills Clinics - Kitchel Clinic
In 2009 Kingdom Trails approached ideRide about rebuilding one of their signature trails, Kitchel. The new version was to feature technical trail features like berms, rollers and jumps. In mid June trail designer/builder Knight, armed with the ideRide excavator met the Kingdom Trails Crew on site. Over the course of three weeks a radical new trail was born. Knight designed the jumps to be low angle and user friendly and the berms with wide radii.
In the Kitchel clinic we will ride laps on this gem of a trail. We will ascend on East Darling Hill Rd, a nice easy climb on pavement, just enough to get your heart-rate optimized but not enough to wear you out. On the descent your coach will demonstrate the proper technique for riding the berms, rollers and jumps and then capture you on video so you can analyze your form on the replay. Once at the bottom, burn back up for another run. The positive results of this clinic are twofold. The cardio workout from the climb and skill progression on the descent. 1:6 coach/rider ratio, Hardtail Jump bikes are available for rent. 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm  Cost: $65.00 per person   www.ideride.com

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August 8 - 14, Ancient Scout
Last year we limited ourselves to three days and our students left asking for more. This year we have a week and if you are in, you had better be ready. For many tribes of native people, survival depended on the awareness, skill, and cunning of their scouts. The scouts held the role of protectors by being the eyes and ears of the tribe. The skills of high speed invisible survival, stealth, natural camouflage, martial arts, traps, tracking, team movement, and advanced awareness were all brought to their highest levels by the ancient scouts who protected our ancestors. This course will be an introduction to this vast world. Days will be long and filled with a variety of the previously mentioned skills, and nights will be late with nighttime exercises challenging students to apply what they have learned. www.rootsvt.com/ancient-scout

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August 13, 2010, Brandon, VT. - HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE
Classes - Friday, August 13, 2010 from 6 - 9 PM, Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 9 AM - 4 PM, Sunday, August 29, 2010 from 9 AM - 4 PM Student MUST attend all sessions. Student MUST be on time to all classes. Lunch will be provided on Saturday, Bring your own snack on Sunday. There is no enrollment fee. Classes are sponsored by and will be held at: Neshobe Sportsman Club, 97 Frog Hollow Road (off Route 73 east), Brandon, VT For more information, call Tom Cram at 247-6960 after 3 PM

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August 14 through August 21, 2010, Wilderness First Responder
Course Information: * Course: Wilderness First Responder * Sponsor: Head North LLC * Location: Plymouth, VT, * CPR Included, * Minimum age: 16
* Deposit required: $200, * Price: $650 -$990 (depending on meals & lodging options) About WFR, A nationally recognized 80-hour program that trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. Prerequisites, Students must be at least 16 years old by the last day of the course. http://www.wildsafe.org/courses/wilderness/wfr/81410a.htm  This course will be hosted at Head North, Vermont and instructed by the Center for Wilderness Safety  www.headnorthllc.com

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August 17 - 22, Teen Scout
Many native tribes world wide relied on their scouts to be the eyes and ears of the tribe. They depended on the scouts for safety and sustenance, both in times of war and in peace. A scout’s training began young, as they learned the lessons of high speed invisible survival, deep levels of tracking and counter tracking, stealth and camouflage, self defense, and of course, awesome levels of awareness. The ultimate goal of the scout was to make those around them safer because of their high levels of training. This course will begin a student’s journey into learning these potent skills. Action packed and high speed, this course will provide intense lessons into the way of the scout. www.rootsvt.com/teen-scout

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August 18, 2010  - Invasive Insect Workshop and Visual Survey
Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 – 6 pm - Free
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture and VINS invites you to attend a free educational workshop designed to teach volunteer citizens how to identify the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This will help to ensure early detection and better chances of quick eradication of these destructive non-native forest pests. The workshop will include a presentation followed by time in the field to teach volunteer citizens how to identify ALB/EAB. The slide show will include information on the threat to Vermont’s forests, the biology of ALB/EAB, including how to recognize the larval and adult stages, how to recognize external symptoms of ALB/EAB infestation on host trees, and who to contact should they see this pest. Informational slide show and time in the field - Bring binoculars (if you have them), comfy shoes, rain gear, and a notebook. http://www.vinsweb.org/

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August 22, 2010, NorthWoods Stewardship Center, East Charleston -- Medicinal Herbs
Local herbalist Sarah Damsell leads this hands-on introduction to the world of medicinal herbs with tips on harvesting and storing and making a take-home tincture. Find the roots of health care and discover uses and applications of local herbs and the origins of our modern pharmacopoeia. Program is at NorthWoods Stewardship Center from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $15. Contact NorthWoods at (802) 723-6551 x115 to pre-register. www.northwoodscenter.org

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August 28th. Williston, VT - North Country Sportsman's Club to host Women on Target Clinic
Learn to Shoot Trap. Program of instruction includes gun safety, gun basics, and an introduction to the game of Trap Shooting. Classroom instruction and range instruction with clay targets. Ammunition and equipment provided. http://www.shootncsc.com/pdf/WOT2_2010_flyer.pdf

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AUGUST 28, 2010 (8:00am – 4:00pm) - JUNIOR WATERFOWL HUNTER TRAINING PROGRAM
The 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 15 years of age who have an adult waterfowl hunter to serve as a mentor. The program instructs beginning hunters in the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible, respected individuals who strive to learn all they can about the species being hunted 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 Monday, August 23. Participation in the program will be limited to 50 enrollees. To register for this year's program, call refuge headquarters at 802-868-4781. Please include the mentor’s and youth's name, address and telephone number. If you have any questions about the program, please contact David Frisque, Park Ranger, at 802-868-4781.

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Sept 4 - 5, Ninjutsu and Self Defense Weekend Seminar
Roots is excited to announce and amazing learning opportunity this Labor Day weekend:
Greg Kowalski, founder of New England Ninjutsu will be coming to Roots to teach a full weekend seminar in Ninjutsu and Self defense. Involved in the Martial Arts for over 30 years, NEN founder Greg Kowalski, is one of the first to have trained at length with Dr Hatsumi in Japan. Moving to Tokyo for that purpose in 1985, studying in Japan for over 4½ years and returning as often as possible, he was one of the first non-Japanese to earn his Black Belt in the art directly from the Grandmaster.  This weekend will serve as an introduction to applying Ninpo Taijutsu skills 'In the Wild'. Ie, situations as they might occur while hiking, camping or in wilderness survival settings.  ROOTS School, www.RootsVT.com

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September 8th, 2010 - Point of Harvest Third-Party Certification Program Workshop
An informational workshop to explore the Master Logger Certification and SmartLogging Programs, Where? Kirk Alumni Center, Middlebury College Campus, Middlebury, Vermont When? Wednesday, September 8th from 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Why? As wood energy projects continue to be proposed, planned, and constructed, more questions are being asked by regulators, legislators, and the general public about where the wood fuel will come from and what credible measures are in place to verify the quality of forest management and harvesting. Many existing and proposed facilities using wood for fuel are currently without clear systems for tracking where wood comes from and several are considering their options for adopting voluntary standards. This informational workshop will explore whether the MasterLogger certification and SmartLogging programs can help fill this niche. For further information go to: www.masterloggercertification.com http://www.masterloggercertification.com  and www.rainforestalliance.org/smartlogging  http://www.rainforestalliance.org/smartlogging  Space will be limited to 100 attendees so please RSVP as soon as possible. To RSVP please reply to this email or contact Adam Sherman at asherman@biomasscenter.org  or call (802) 223-7770.

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September 10 - 13, 2010 - Wilderness Survival Immersion Project
A nine month journey into the world of wilderness survival skills. The program consists of intensive immersion weekends focused around the arts of procuring and producing shelter, water, fire, and food. Tracking and awareness will be a running theme to be built upon during each weekend. The course will intensify and focus throughout the year pushing students from beginners to competent and proficient survival practitioners and end with a four day survival trip in which we will test our learning. http://www.rootsvt.com/wsip

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Sept. 11 Lead Seminar for Firearm Range Operators
Sponsored by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, this seminar features Dr. Richard Peddicord, a fellow shooter and a leading authority on managing lead at outdoor shooting ranges. The agenda focuses on practical information about lead and lead management at shooting ranges and includes a field investigation and hands-on demonstration of lead management techniques. Dr. Peddicord regularly conducts lead seminars for the National Rifle Association. The seminar will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A continental breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Ann Shangraw at Vermont Fish and Wildlife (802) 241-3720 or email at ann.shangraw@state.vt.us.

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September 18 - 19, 2010, Women's Wrench and Ride
Join the women of Sugarbush for two days of great coaching and riding and plenty of good company. Includes breakfast and lunch daily, trail and mechanical instruction, video analysis, lift tickets, zip line ride, and yoga classes. For the beginner to intermediate mt. biker who is looking to learn and improve basic trail and mechanical skills. Learn and ride at your own speed. Great coaching, good company! Lincoln Peak http://www.sugarbush.com/content/cm.asp?pid=329  Admission: $350 For More Info: Call Adventure Learning Center at 802-583-6819 or email gbrowe@sugarbush.com

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September 25, ideRide Mountain Bike Skills Clinics - Kitchel Clinic
In 2009 Kingdom Trails approached ideRide about rebuilding one of their signature trails, Kitchel. The new version was to feature technical trail features like berms, rollers and jumps. In mid June trail designer/builder Knight, armed with the ideRide excavator met the Kingdom Trails Crew on site. Over the course of three weeks a radical new trail was born. Knight designed the jumps to be low angle and user friendly and the berms with wide radii.
In the Kitchel clinic we will ride laps on this gem of a trail. We will ascend on East Darling Hill Rd, a nice easy climb on pavement, just enough to get your heart-rate optimized but not enough to wear you out. On the descent your coach will demonstrate the proper technique for riding the berms, rollers and jumps and then capture you on video so you can analyze your form on the replay. Once at the bottom, burn back up for another run. The positive results of this clinic are twofold. The cardio workout from the climb and skill progression on the descent. 1:6 coach/rider ratio, Hardtail Jump bikes are available for rent. 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm  Cost: $65.00 per person   www.ideride.com

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October 10, ideRide Mountain Bike Skills Clinics - Kitchel Clinic
In 2009 Kingdom Trails approached ideRide about rebuilding one of their signature trails, Kitchel. The new version was to feature technical trail features like berms, rollers and jumps. In mid June trail designer/builder Knight, armed with the ideRide excavator met the Kingdom Trails Crew on site. Over the course of three weeks a radical new trail was born. Knight designed the jumps to be low angle and user friendly and the berms with wide radii.
In the Kitchel clinic we will ride laps on this gem of a trail. We will ascend on East Darling Hill Rd, a nice easy climb on pavement, just enough to get your heart-rate optimized but not enough to wear you out. On the descent your coach will demonstrate the proper technique for riding the berms, rollers and jumps and then capture you on video so you can analyze your form on the replay. Once at the bottom, burn back up for another run. The positive results of this clinic are twofold. The cardio workout from the climb and skill progression on the descent. 1:6 coach/rider ratio, Hardtail Jump bikes are available for rent. 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm  Cost: $65.00 per person   www.ideride.com

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October 22-24th, Stowe, Vermont - Mountain Bike Clinic Weekend
Package Includes: * Meet & Greet with Outdoor Center Staff * Wine/Beer Reception * Lodging of Your Choice *Meals * Clinics  * More www.trappfamily.com/accommodations/specials-packages