Wilderness Skills Training Program Schedule 2013
If you enjoy being in the outdoors; cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, camping and improving your paddling strokes, then join us at Frontenac Provincial Park. The Wilderness Skills Program teaches outdoors enthusiasts through hands on experience valuable outdoor skills. The program has something for everyone; the beginners, the experts, and families. So plan on visiting us and make the most of your outdoor adventures.
To register for any of the programs described below please call (613) 376-3489.
Participants are requested to meet at the Park Office twenty minutes prior to the scheduled start times of the presentation. The Presentation Fee is payable to the PRESENTER and the Provincial Park Daily Vehicle or Camping Permits can be purchased at the Park Office or the Self-Serve Kiosk.
Note: Other activities such as Lecture, volunteer opportunities, etc... are listed in the Friends' Activities page.
[ January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | All Year ]
Saturday, January 12
Winter Camping Trip Planning
Presented by: The Friends of Frontenac
Accurate pre-trip planning can minimize many of the discomforts associated with extended forms of backcountry travel during the winter. Topics include: route selection and assessment, safe forms of winter travel, shelters, clothing, equipment, menu planning, physical fitness and conditioning, and safety. Share ideas and concerns about low-impact winter camping and trip planning. This is a prerequisite for those who wish to attend the Winter Camping Instructional Weekends. Register early - space is limited for this session. Please call (613) 376-3489.
Cost: Daily vehicle permit. Time: 10h00 to 15h30 Maximum 35 persons.
Date for next year: Saturday January 18, 2014. Plan early!
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Saturday, January 19
Snowshoe Race
Presented by: Derrick Spafford, Spafford Health and Adventure, Yarker, ON
Snowshoe race sponsored by DION Snowshoes. Register online www.HealthandAdventure.com.
Cost: Park cost included in the registration fee. Time: 09h00 to 12h00
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Saturday, January 20
Warm Winter Camping Lecture
Presented by: Zabe MacEachern, Queen's University, Outdoor Ed Program, Kingston
Learn how to stay warm and cozy in the winter while on extended overnight trips. Footwear, clothing, hauling techniques, ice travel, tents and stove selection, staying comfortable, and equipment selection are some of the topics covered.
Cost: Daily vehicle permit. Time: 10h00 to 15h30
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Saturday, January 26 to Sunday, January 27
Winter Camping Instructional Weekend #1
(See details below)
CHANGED DUE TO LACK OF SNOW FROM:
Saturday, February 02 to Sunday, February 03
TO:
Saturday, February 16 to Sunday, February 17
Winter Camping Instructional Weekend #2
presented by: The Friends of Frontenac
NOTE: Attending the Winter Camping Trip Planning session on January 12th is a prerequisite. Weather permitting, these two separate weekends are designed to introduce participants to snow houses, tents and to practice general winter camping skills. Learn how to stay warm and prepare meals. An equipment checklist will be provided. Food is included in the course fee.
Cost: $65.00 per person plus interior camping fee. Time: 10h00 Saturday to 15h30 Sunday. Maximum 12 persons per weekend. Register early!
Dates for next year: Weekend #1 - Saturday, February 1 to Sunday, February 2, 2014
and Weekend #2 - Saturday, February 8 to Sunday, February 9, 2014.
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CANCELED (lack of snow): Sunday, February 03
Snowshoe Workshop and Walk
presented by: Ed Grenda and The Friends of Frontenac
Learn about the different styles of snowshoes, harnesses and snowshoeing techniques. Indoor instruction is followed with a snowshoe hike in the afternoon, led by Edward Grenda. Be prepared for a winter outing. Bring your lunch, a warm drink and snowshoes. A limited number of snowshoes are available for loan, so please specify if you require a pair.
Cost: Park daily vehicle permit. Time: 10h30 to 15h30.
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CANCELED (low registration): Saturday, February 09 to Sunday, February 10
Basic Wilderness First Aid Course
presented by: SOLO Canada / Mark Halladay Emergency Services, Kingston, Ontario.
This course takes you beyond standard first aid. You will be taught how to manage an emergency situation when help is more than a phone call away. Course includes patient assessment, trauma management, moving techniques, dehydration, managing and preventing heat and cold emergencies and coping in the wilderness. Dr. Frank Hubble of the North American Rescue Institute designed this course.
Cost: Course and certification $175.00 per person (H.S.T. included) plus Park daily vehicle fee. Time: 08h30 to 16h30 each day (two day course).
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Saturday, April 20
Historical Walk
presented by: Jérôme McDuff and The Friends of Frontenac
Join our history enthusiast, Jérôme McDuff for a leisurely, interpretive walk along Big Salmon Lake Road to learn about the early homesteaders in the Park. Bring your lunch, water and comfortable walking shoes. Register with the Park Office. Plan to go rain or shine.
Cost: Park Daily vehicle permit. Time: 10h30 to 16h00.
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Saturday, May 11
Introduction to Backcountry Camping
presented by: Don Stables and the Friends of Frontenac
For those who wish to venture to the backcountry to enjoy the outdoors, but who are unsure what to pack or buy, this is a workshop for you. Topics include: how to get started, clothing, footwear, equipment, food, water treatment and safety in the outdoors. This day-long workshop is meant to introduce the new backwoods camper to this form of recreation
Cost: Park Daily vehicle permit. Time: 09h00 to 16h00.
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Sunday, May 12
Single Burner Gourmet Cooking
presented by: Barry Irish, Paddle Away Adventures, Kingston, Ontario.
Food in the wilderness does not have to be boring. Topics to include: food preparation, food storage, food safety, recipes, types of stoves, utensils and more. This clinic explores the ability to prepare good and interesting food. You do not have to use the prepackaged food from the outdoors stores. This is an opportunity to exchange recipes, techniques and ideas. You may bring some food, ideas and techniques of your own to share.
Cost: $25.00 per person plus Park daily vehicle permit. Time: 10h00 to 13h00.
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Sunday, May 12
The Amazing Tarp - Tarping Made Easy
presented by: Barry Irish, Paddle Away Adventures, Kingston, Ontario.
Learn how to put up tarps easily. Topics include: types of tarps, ropes, different methods of putting up tarps, useful knots, and more. This is an opportunity to learn the many uses of tarps and to share your own ideas.
Cost: Park Daily vehicle permit. Time: 13h00 to 15h00.
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Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, May 19
ORCKA Canoe Tripping – Level 1 & 2
presented by: Barry Irish, Paddle Away Adventures, Kingston, Ontario.
This is an Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association certified course. This is an opportunity to learn how to canoe trip for beginners. Participants must be able to trip on their own after this course. The course may be of interest to education teachers or those looking to become professional guides. This course is a prerequisite for ORCKA’s Canoe Tripping 3 Course. Topics to include all aspects of canoe tripping (camping) such as: equipment use and selection, safety, food handling, trip planning, various techniques and much more.
We will meet the evening of May 14.
Cut off date is May 06.
For further information: Barry Irish 613-634-4177; cell 613-539-4864 or email birish@cogeco.ca.
Cost: $625.00, plus Park permits.
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Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, May 19
Canoe Tripping ORCKA Level 3
To run concurrently with the ORCKA Level 1 & 2 course
presented by: Barry Irish, Paddle Away Adventures, Kingston, Ontario.
This is an Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association certified course. The ORCKA Canoe Tripping 3 is the guide standard for Ontario and is recognized in many other provinces. This course will be of interest to teachers or those wishing to become professional guides. Topics to include: risk and crisis management, trip planning, equipment selection, campsites, menu planning, food handling and preparation, leadership and much more. Of interest to Canoe Tripping 3’s is the ability to purchase liability insurance for themselves for the season at a cost of $50.00 plus membership in ORCKA. This is at an unbelievably low cost.
We will meet on the evening of May 14.
For further information: Barry Irish 613-634-4177; cell 613-539-4864 or email birish@cogeco.ca.
Cost: $625.00, plus Park permits.
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Saturday, June 01
Wilderness Navigation Using Map and Compass, Level 1
presented by: The Friends of Frontenac.
Our wilderness navigation workshops provide participants with theoretical and practical skills of reading and interpreting topographic maps in order to safely plot a course through the wilderness. This course includes a basic introduction on how to use your GPS.
Book your spot early!
Cost: $20.00 per person plus park fee. Time: 09h00 to 16h00
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Saturday, June 08 to Sunday, June 09
Red Cross Wilderness First Aid
presented by: Steve Tripp, Wilderness Tripping, Kingston, ON.
This 20 hour course takes place in the park interior and is designed to give participants training needed to care for a casualty for up to 24 hrs in a wilderness or remote context. Focus is on prevention but in this scenario based course you will learn and practice assessment, treatment and stabilization of the patient. CPR-C and AED training is included. No pre-requisites. Camping equipment and food not included. Camping gear available for rent. It is recommended to hike or canoe to the campsite Friday.
$190.00 HST incl. plus Park camping permits. Time: Saturday 09h00 to Sunday 16h00
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Saturday, June 15
Wilderness Navigation Using Map and Compass, Level 2
presented by: The Friends of Frontenac.
This workshop is designed to give participants time to build on the knowledge acquired in the Level 1 course. Use your new skills to navigate off trail the entire day, as a group and under the supervision of the instructor. Everyone will have a chance to get a lot of practice. Be prepared to spend most of the day outdoors, rain or shine, after a short review indoors. You will need a lunch, plenty of water and come dressed for the weather and bush travel, including long pants and sturdy hiking boots/shoes. Participation in Level 1 is recommended but not necessary, if you know how to use a map and compass and just want more practice navigating off trail. Includes basic introduction on how to use your GPS.
Cost: $20.00 per person plus Park fee. Time: 09h00 to 16h00
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Sunday, June 23
Canoe Clinic
presented by: Carolyn Bonta and The Friends of Frontenac
This is an opportunity for canoeists of all abilities to learn or refresh their paddling skills, with an emphasis on steering strokes and safety manoeuvres. Equipment selection and backcountry trip planning will be discussed. The clinic will be held out doors as much as possible. Equipment rentals are available nearby or enquire at the Park Office.
Cost: $20.00 per person plus park fee. Time: 10h00 to 15h30
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Saturday, July 13
Kayak Basics "Getting Started" Kayak Course
presented by: Christine Showler, Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre, Sydenham, ON.
You're invited to discover the wonderful world of kayaking with this ½ day ‘getting started’ course. The focus is on basic paddling techniques, kayak design and safety. A tranquil paddle on South Otter Lake at Frontenac Provincial Park will quickly prove kayaking is a sport anyone can enjoy. All that is required is an attitude for fun. Register by calling 613-376-6220 or online at www.frontenac-outfitters.com. Kayak and quality paddling gear included!.
Cost: $85.00 +tax per person plus Park vehicle fee. Time: 13h00 to 16h00
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Sunday, July 28
Paddle Canada - Flatwater Sea Kayaking Certification Course
presented by: Christine Showler, Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre, Sydenham, ON.
A comprehensive full day on, in and under the water, teaching you the fundamentals of Sea Kayaking theories, strokes, rescues and recovery skills. Past participants often repeat this confidence-building course year after year to further develop and refine their skills. Register by calling 613-376-6220 or online at www.frontenac-outfitters.com. Course to take place at Frontenac Provincial Park on South Otter Lake. Kayak and quality paddling gear included.
Cost: $175.00 +tax per person plus Park vehicle fee. Time: 08h30 to 16h00
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September 1 to October 31
The Frontenac Challenge
presented by: The Friends of Frontenac.
The Frontenac Challenge is the Friends’ most popular event and a great way to get to know the park. Participants must hike all 160 kilometers of the park’s trail system between September 1st and October 31st. The Junior Challengers (12 years and under) must hike any 6 trail loops. If successful, participants will receive a certificate and be acknowledged on a plaque in the Park Office. In order to “take the Challenge”, you must register at the Park Office and then set out to hike Frontenac through the autumn splendour. This year’s Challenge celebration and BBQ will be held on Sunday, November 9th at 10h30.
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All Year
The Frontenac All Season Camping Challenge
presented by: The Friends of Frontenac.
The Challenge: to camp at least one night in each of the months of the year in Frontenac Provincial Park. Register at the Park Office and retain your copy of the camping permits as proof of your stay during each of the 12 months. Once done, submit your record sheet with the copies of your permits and you will be acknowledged at the next Challenge BBQ with a certificate and your name on the Camping Challenge plaque!
Cost: Park camping fee.
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Other activities such as Lecture, volunteer opportunities, etc... are listed in the Friends' Activities page.
Comments to the Friends of Frontenac Park.
Report errors to: Jérôme McDuff
Revised: February 07, 2013