Trailhead Lodge Presents...
Outdoor Workshops
For Various Skill Levels

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Schedule for Summer 2008
Each workshop is described below.

Search and Rescue for Volunteers
Adirondack Ecology
Wilderness Survival
Basic Off Trail Navigation
Advanced Off Trail Navigation

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Search and Rescue For Volunteers
No fee, No Limit

May 3&4, 2008 No fee
Instructor:  Forest Ranger Team 5-1 Staff

This course is certified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and conducted by Forest Rangers, under the sponsorship of Search Team 5-1 . It covers search incident organization and procedures as well as communication and navigation. Upon completion participants receive a certificate, identification card and two shoulder patches identifying them as trained search volunteers. Volunteers have the option to affiliate with Search Team 5-1 if they choose.

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Adirondack Ecology

2008, $65.00, Limit 15  
Instructor:  Dr. Michael Washburn

This program will stress the Adirondack Park as an ecosystem, and will examine the nine life zones of which it consists. We will trace the natural history of the Adirondacks and examine the impact of human activity that has shaped the Park to its present form. A lecture will be augmented by outdoor interpretive walks, which will include wet lands, old fields, mixed hardwoods and conifer forests. Species identification and characteristics will be related to succession as determined by climate, soil, terrain and shade tolerance. Participants should come suitably dressed for field work, especially foot wear. Bag lunches, water bottles and field books are recommended.

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Wilderness Survival

Small Groups By Appointment

24 Hour Program

6-8 People

$65.00  Instructor:  John Washburn

This program is intended for adults possessing the basic camping skills. Participants will learn improvisation to maintain body warmth and to provide nourishment if stranded with little, or no equipment. First aid and direction finding skills will also be presented. Participants will have the opportunity to spend one night in the woods without food and the usual camping equipment. You will be hungry and uncomfortable. Suitable clothing and foot gear is essential. All ends well in the morning when we all take over a restaurant in Northville for a super, country breakfast. (optional)

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Basic Off Trail Navigation

June 21, July 02 2008
$40, Limit 12    Instructor:  John Washburn

This workshop involves class work in land navigation concepts and skills, open space practice with map and compass, followed by field application of the skills learned and practiced. The interpretation of terrain in the field will be stressed. The use of altimeters and hand held GPS units will also be discussed. Participants should come dressed and prepared for strenuous outdoor activity. Bag lunches and water bottles will be needed. Participants are encouraged to bring their own compass if they have the protractor type. Maps, compasses and texts are available for purchase as an option.

Advanced Off Trail Navigation:

August 23, 2008   $35  No limit but prior reservation required
Instructor:  John Washburn & staff

This program is limited to those who have completed the Basic Off Trail Navigation course. This is the application phase of the basic program. Participants will navigate a four mile bushwack in mountainous terrain using map an compass.  Each participant will be accompanied by a mentor. Fee is donated to Search Team 5-1.

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