Kayaking
Introduction to Sea Kayaking (Available for PE credit!)
Lake Champlain is one of the most magnificent features of the Vermont Landscape, and there is no better way to explore it than in a sea kayak. Join MOP for a 2-day introduction to sea kayaking on the “other Great Lake”!. Topics addressed will include equipment selection and care, basic paddle strokes and braces, self rescue, and on-water judgment and decision making. All equipment, including the boats, is provided. Expect two full days on (and sometimes in!) the water. Course dates: 9/ 20 & 9/21. Cost: $110. Maximum of 8 students.
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Introduction to White Water Kayaking (Available for PE credit!)
Never paddled white water but always wanted to try? Have some white water experience, but looking for professional instruction to hone your skills? This is the course for you. Day 1 will be spent primarily on flat water developing solid boat handling skills and strokes. On day 2, we’ll venture on to moderate white water to apply your new skills. All equipment is provided. Expect two full days on, (and in!) the water. Course dates: 9/20 & 9/21. Cost: $150. Maximum of 6 students.
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Wilderness Medicine
SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA) (Available for PE credit!)
This hands-on, 16-hour certification course covers topics ranging from backcountry preparation and prevention to patient assessment and treatment. Classroom discussions are supplemented by practical scenarios. Topics covered include the Patient Assessment System, shock, long-term patient care, soft tissue injuries, environmental emergencies, fractures/dislocations, and splint improvisation. Course dates: 11/15 & 11/16, all day. Course fee: $165. Maximum of 20 participants.
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General Wilderness Skills
Introduction to Backcountry Navigation (Available for PE credit!)
Backcountry navigation is an essential skill if you plan to travel off trail, or in winter, when trails are often difficult to find and follow. Learn the fundamentals of topographical map and compass work in this course. Sessions 1 & 2 will be class-room based and provide an introduction to topographical maps and compass use. Session 3 will take the form of a day hike during which we’ll integrate and apply the material from Sessions 1 and 2. Cost: $25. Dates: Session 1 & 2: 9/16 and 9/23, 4:00-6:00pm. Session 3: Saturday, 9/27, all day. Maximum of 6 participants.
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Rock Climbing
Top Rope Anchor Construction (Available for PE credit!)
This course is ideal for anyone interested in making the transition from indoor climbing gyms to top roped climbing outdoors. We’ll address equipment selection and care, fundamental principles of top rope anchor construction, and sound judgment and decision making in outdoor rock climbing. Participants should have solid belay skills, and a basic command of the figure-8 knot. All equipment provided. Maximum of 6 students. Cost: $45. Date: 11/9, all day. Rain Date 11/4.
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Advance Rock Skills: Fundamentals of Self-Rescue
Rock climbing is an unavoidably dangerous activity. Accidents can happen to even the most cautious climbers. Will you know what to do when something goes wrong on the rock? In this course, we’ll introduce the basics of self-rescue by developing a “toolbox” of techniques, including friction hitches, load transfers, belay escapes, knot passes and mechanical advantage systems. Students should have their own harness, belay device, and 3-5 locking carabiners, and come with a solid foundation of belay and knot skills. If unsure of your qualifications, contact Derek Doucet at x3103. Dates: 10/21 and 10/28, 4:00-6:00pm 11/1, all day (field day). Maximum of 4 students. Cost: $35.
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Advance Rock Skills: Multi-pitch climbing
The object of this course is to impart the skills necessary to be a competent follower on traditional multi pitch ascents. It provides an ideal transition for climbers looking for the next step beyond outdoor climbing in top rope or single pitch settings. Skills addressed will include safety and risk management in the multipitch environment, belay station and rope management, protection removal, basic anchoring techniques, multiple rappel descents, and self rescue essentials. Prerequisites: Solid belay skills, and the ability to climb 5.7-5.8 on top rope. Rappelling experience is helpful, but not required. This course is best taught in 2 days, and is only available by special arrangement with Outdoor Programs Director Derek Doucet (x3103, ddoucet@middlebury.edu). Cost: $50.
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Expeditions
Acadia National Park Fall Break Rock Climbing Trip
Acadia National Park offers an incredible array of rock climbing opportunities in a magnificent island setting off the Maine coast. In addition to some of the only climbable sea cliffs in the United States, there is a wealth of inland climbing on immaculate granite. Join MOP for a Fall Break trip to this unique climbing destination. The trip will depart after classes end on Friday, 10/10. Weather permitting, our climbing days will be 10/11 (1/2 day), 10/12 & 13, and 10/14 (optional ½ day). We’ll return to campus the evening of 10/14. The trip fee of $90 includes all transportation, camping, food, instruction, and equipment. To enroll, contact MOP@middlebury.edu, placing “Acadia” in the subject heading. Space is limited, so sign up soon!
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