Wilderness Skills - Canoeing and Camping
University of New Orleans - Metro College
April 8 - May 17, 2009

The course offered by the University of New Orleans Metro College consists of eight sessions.  Six evening classes from 7 to 9 pm - four at the lakefront campus and two on Bayou St. John near Orleans Avenue.  There is also one day of paddling instruction on moving water and then a weekend canoeing and wildness camping trip on a local river. Canoes, paddles, life vests, dry bags, as well as camping gear - tents, sleeping bags, pads, liners etc - are  all furnished by the instructor, Byron Almquist.

Tuition is $95, which covers instruction and use of canoes and camping equipment.  Gas and food expenses will be shared by the students.  TO REGISTER, CALL UNO AT 504 280-7100 or go on line to www.metro.uno.edu, click on “Course Guide” and scroll through the courses.

Wednesday, April 8th - Overview of the Course - Introduction of instructors and students Discussion of the resources available to a paddler in the New Orleans area —where to go, with whom and how to find out scheduled outings.  Finally a canoe will be displayed and discussed as to design,  material and terminology.

Wednesday, April 15th - Paddling on Bayou St. John - intro - Students will learn basic strokes for both the bow and  stern positions and learn teamwork as to who is responsible to do what and when while paddling.

Wednesday, April 22nd - Paddling on Bayou St. John - class 2 - Students will improve basic skills,  maneuver canoes around obstacles and then go paddling on the bayou.

Saturday, April 26th - A One Day Canoe Trip - Students will learn how to “read” currents and how to paddle as a team while maneuvering around tupelo trees in moving water.

Wednesday, April 29th - Equipment for Canoe Camping - Students will set up tents after which the instructors will discuss suitability, design,  and features.  Sleeping system components will be displayed and discussed.

Wednesday, May 6th - Cooking Outdoors - Students in cooking groups of four will prepare a meal using two burner stoves.  After the meal, there will be a discussion of what to think about when planning outdoor meals.

Wednesday, May 13th - Preparation for a Weekend Canoe/Camp Trip - Students will go through an equipment checklist, plan menus, check out tents and in general prepare for the coming weekend adventure.

Friday night, May 15th - Sunday afternoon, May 17th - Weekend Canoeing and Wilderness Camping Outing - Students will have an opportunity to practice their paddling and camping skills for two days and two nights on a local river.  Plus there will be sessions on selection of campsites, tentsites, minimum impact,  fires, emergency shelters and much more.