Wilderness Skills - Canoeing and Camping
University of New Orleans - Metro College
March 26 - May 4, 2008

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, live 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, March 26th - 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 2nd - 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 9th - 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 13th - 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 16th - 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, April 23rd - 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, April 30th - 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 2nd - Sunday afternoon, May 4th - 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.