AMC NH Chapter Spring School

Updated:
March 2, 2024

 

May 3-5 2024

Cardigan Lodge, Alexandria, NH

Our renowned weekend workshops, covering most every aspect of safe three-season backcountry travel, are designed for hikers of all levels!  You will work with our very experienced volunteer instructors in small experiential learning groups. All instructors are active trip leaders with NH Chapter AMC.  Groups are 6 – 8 participants to 2 instructors so learning is experiential, fun, and focused for you.

The weekend is loaded with learning, fun and great food from early Friday evening through 4:30PM Sunday afternoon and are conducted at Cardigan Lodge, 774 Shem Valley Road, Alexandria, NH.

Due to Covid -19 special protocols will be in place. You must be able to attest to have been vaccinated for Covid -19 or show a negative Covid PCR test for the 72 hours before the workshop.


Workshop Options

Choose from one of eight available workshop sessions, each filled with field exercises, instruction, lectures, and discussions.  Your time will be divided between your individual group and activities for the entire workshop and fabulous meals prepared  by  AMCNH chapter trip leaders.

If you’re not sure which class is right for you, ask our workshop directors (see contact info below).

Introduction to Outdoor Safety: Section 1

For those just getting started with mountain hiking will hike approximately 3.5 miles per day and spend about 5 hours outside each day.

Mountain Outdoor Safety: Section 2

For those with some experience in the mountains. Expect to learn while on the trail for about 6 miles per day and up to 6 hours a day outside.

Map and Compass

Covering everything you wanted or needed to know about map and compass use, this workshop will be a small group of 8 participants and 2 instructors who will spend the weekend together reviewing and learning the details of map and compass skills, culminating in field exercises that will include off-trail (bushwhack) navigating.

Leadership and Mountain Skills

For those who have good three-season hiking skills and wish to enhance them and/or wish to run trips of their own. Exercises will include planning, organizing, and conducting trips with an emphasis on leadership techniques group decision making, handling difficult behaviors and group dynamics. Learn by doing through outside experiential methods. Also covered will be accident scene management, medical considerations, and off-trail navigation. Plan to spend about 5 hours on Saturday and 4 on Sunday outside on snow shoes bushwhacking and practicing leadership and compass skills. This course is also designed for those who may desire to become an AMC NH Chapter Volunteer Trip Leader.

Trail Work Instruction

Spend a fun weekend learning basic trail maintenance and working on an advanced project. The basics: using tools safely, clearing drainage, keeping brush in check, and removing blowdowns. The project: hardening a backcountry trail to help with drainage problems. Begin by hiking Cardigan’s Back 80 Trail to evaluate the trail while taking care of brushing and drains. Return to fix the larger problems we found. Get the basics done and learn some advanced skills! Find out about adopting a trail and participating in other AMC volunteer events. All tools provided. Class limited to 6 participants.

Navigating with GAIA GPS on Your Cell Phone

Covering the essentials of what you wanted or needed to know about Cell phone based navigation apps using GAIA GPS. Participants will need to locate GAIA GPS in the app store and download it before the work shop. This workshop will be a small group of 8 participants and 2 instructors who will spend the weekend together reviewing and learning the details of cell phone apps and linking them to map and compass skills, culminating in field exercises to include off-trail (bushwhack) navigating using this cellphone app.

Backpacking 1

Spend up to two nights sleeping in tents, travelling not more than 3 miles and cooking breakfast outside on Sunday morning.

Backpacking 2

For those with some backpacking experience who want to take it the next level of longer hikes with more meals at your tent site. We will spend two nights sleeping in tents, setting up one site Friday night, and a second campsite Saturday night about 3 miles from the lodge. You will be outside most of the weekend cooking dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday in the back country.

 


Application

ALL WORKSHOPS are for any adult who wants to learn and have a great time!
Our weekend begins Friday evening at 5:00 pm and ends Sunday afternoon at 4:30 pm.

Cost

$290/members
$310/nonmembers

Includes lodging, excellent meals, materials, and instruction.

 

https://amcnhexcursions.regfox.com/amcnh-excursions-spring-school-2024-may-3-5

Workshop Director

If unsure of attending and in need of more info, please contact:

  • Director Rick Silverberg – 603-455-9119, evenings between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm or
  • Bob Humphrey – 603-456-3708 Evening after 6:30 or