Sept 13-15, 2024 

Fall Doe Camp 2024

Jackson's Lodge Canaan, VT 

Fall Doe Camp 2024 Course Descriptions

Final class options will be announced as we get closer to event, 

below are currently planned classes

Beginner Archery

Instructor: Linwood Smith

Proper techniques will be covered for drawing, hand position, target location. Crossbow will be available for students to try, as well.

Equipment will be included but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Dress for the weather.

 Max of 12 participants

Tree Id & more...

Instructor: Barbara Schultz

Learn to identify Vermont’s north woods trees. You’ll learn to confidently identify the common species and how they fit into the forest ecosystem. As we walk along, we'll discover other plants, fungi, and the leaves about to change into their autumn splendor. It’s an easy walk, but dress for the woods and the weather.  
Max of 10 participants

Chainsaw Skills

Instructor: John Adler 2 classes available

This course will focus on safe handling of a chainsaw. Both gas and electric saws will be used. We will cover Personal Protective Equipment PPE and the safe handling of a saw for bucking wood into pieces. Including a short tutorial on sharpening the chain. Note: we will not be teaching how to fell a standing tree.Chaps and eye/ear protection will be provided. Feel free to bring your own PPE. Please dress for the weather, wear leather shoes or hikers, no sneakers. Bring gloves.
Max of 10 participants each class

Canoeing

Instructor: Deb Weisenstein and Bonna Wieler

This class will teach the basics of canoeing, including water safety and proper stroke technique from both bow and stern. Learn to paddle a straight course without switching paddle sides and to turn the boat from both bow and stern. We will teach and practice forward and reverse strokes, draws from bow and stern, quarter sweeps from bow and stern, cross-draws (for flexible bow paddlers), pries (for stern paddlers). Tandem pairs will learn to coordinate their strokes as we paddle figure-8 courses around buoys and then enjoy a paddle tour of the Wallace Pond. Students should wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Wetsuit socks or boots are very nice to have. Full wetsuits could be nice if weather/water is chilly. Max of 8 participants

Kayaking

Instructor: Bonna Wieler & Deb Weisentstein 2 classes available

This kayaking class is suitable for beginning paddlers or those with previous experience but little formal instruction. The day will include instruction and practice in the basic paddle strokes (forward and reverse strokes, turns using sweep strokes or rudders, draw strokes for lateral travel) using proper body mechanics. Safe boating practices will be emphasized throughout and rescue basics discussed and demonstrated. We will end the class with a paddle trip around Lake Wallace. Students should wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Wetsuit socks or boots are very nice to have. Full wetsuits could be nice if weather/water is chilly. Max of 8 participants

Pistol - Basic Marksmanship & Safety

Instructor: Larry Hamel

This class is for beginner to intermediate shooters.  Even if you have never touched a gun or have fear of guns.  This class will be taught in a nonjudgmental and relaxed atmosphere. All materials will be provided. Targets, ammunition, guns, eye and ear protection, but feel free to use your own.If you bring your own gun, make sure it is unloaded and inspected by me prior to class and bring your own ammunition. Dress for the weather.Max of 8 participants

Rifle- Basic Marksmanship & Safety

Instructor: Larry Hamel

This class is for beginner to intermediate shooters.  Even if you have never touched a gun or have fear of guns.  This class will be taught in a nonjudgmental and relaxed atmosphere. All materials will be provided. Targets, ammunition, guns, eye and ear protection, but feel free to use your own.If you bring your own gun, make sure it is unloaded and inspected by me prior to class and bring your own ammunition. Dress for the weather.Max of 8 participants

Muzzleloader- Basic Marksmanship & Safety

Instructor: Larry Hamel

This class is for beginner to intermediate shooters.  Even if you have never touched a gun or have fear of guns.  This class will be taught in a nonjudgmental and relaxed atmosphere. All materials will be provided. Targets, ammunition, guns, eye and ear protection, but feel free to use your own.If you bring your own gun, make sure it is unloaded and inspected by me prior to class and bring your own ammunition. Dress for the weather.Max of 8 participants

Sporting Clays - Shotgun Course

Instructor: Tom Blair

Focusing on the safe handling and operation of shotguns. Instruction for shooting clay targets. All materials will be provided: Targets, ammunition, guns, eye and ear protection.  Feel free to use your own.If you bring your own gun, make sure it is unloaded and inspected by me prior to class and bring your own ammunition. Dress for the weather.Max of 10 participants

Surviving Menopause

Instructor: Wendy Conway, OB/GYN

Can you balance your hormones?  What hormones are you balancing?  What is the role of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in menopause?  Do hormones cause breast cancer? How does menopause impact my body composition and weight gain? 

Bring your questions and let’s talk about menopause and women’s health.

Unlimited participants

Dream Catchers

Instructor: Nicole Holmes

A mix of found object and provided material course in the history of beliefs and meanings behind dream catchers as well as the process of making and an opportunity to make a dream catcher for those attending with found and provided materials. All materials are available however a time frame to select and collect materials will be offered.

Dress for the weather, hiking shoes suggested.Unlimited participants

Shelter Building

Instructor: Jamie Maloof

Beginner class in shelter building for survival purposes. Equipment and materials will be provided.
Unlimited participants

Fire Starting Techniques

Instructor: Cindy Perry

Beginner introduction into fire starting techniques.We will learn the best way to set up a fire to light, and try various tools to start a fire including magnesium rods and strikers and flint and steel, and how to make and use char cloth.Bring a hair tie for long hair, and no loose fitting sleeves. Dress for the weather.
10-14 participants

Open Fire Cooking

Instructor: Cindy Perry

Beginner introduction into outdoor cooking.We will discuss fire temperatures and how to regulate the fire for different types of cooking. We will cook three different parts of a meal: meat, salt potatoes, and fireside doughnuts for dessert.Bring a hair tie for long hair, and no loose fitting sleeves. Dress for the weather.
8-10 participants

Whittling

Instructor: Cindy Perry

Beginner introduction into whittling. Knife safety and care, saw hand saw safety, wood choices. We will cut saplings, whittle the bark off the stick, sand it, and decorate as desired.Bring your own knife, or use one of mine.Dress for the weather.
10-14 participants

Self Defense 1

Instructor: Kathy Coulombe

We will start by talking about being aware of your surroundings and making good decisions about your safety. Then we will move into doing warm ups. Stretching and moves that will help in self defense situations. After we are warmed up we will pull out the focus targets and practice blocking striking and kicking. This will build confidence for when you need to fight back.

Dress for the weather in comfortable clothing.


10 participants

Self Defense 2

Instructor: Cathy Coulombe

Bring your walking stick, if you have one. We will start by talking about being aware of your surroundings and making good decisions about your safety. Next, we'll warm up with our walking stick. Stretches and some balance. Then we move on to blocks and strikes. There will have a fun drill we can do with a partner. 

Dress for the weather in comfortable clothing.

10 participants

Medicine in Nature

Instructor: Kat Pelletier

Natural medicines, foods, tools, and seasoning, and more.  We will talk about insect bite treatments, simple remedies, natural seasonings and teas, wild edibles, tree and plant first aid, etc. 

Dress for the weather long pants for field and woods walks, bug spray, walking stick if desired, sunscreen/hats. 

Unlimited participants

Nature Based Therapeutic Yoga & Meditation

Instructor: Amy Greene

We will blend the peacefulness of nature with the rejuvenating practices of yoga and meditation. In this class, you'll unwind and reconnect with yourself amidst the soothing backdrop of natural surroundings.

Get ready to stretch, breathe, and let go of stress as we guide you through gentle yoga poses designed to enhance flexibility and strength, all while encouraging relaxation. Our sessions also include mindfulness meditation techniques that help calm the mind and promote inner peace. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, our welcoming environment ensures everyone can benefit. Join us as we harness the healing power of nature to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. 

Dress for the weather and comfort.


Unlimited participants

Intro to Animal Tracking

Instructor: Lisa Frost

Learn about animal prints, scat, homes, and more in this introduction to animal tracking. We will spend time looking at some materials and guides, as well as seeing what we can find in the woods and around the property.


What to bring: a small backpack, water bottle, hat, wear long pants, long sleeves and hiking boots. Optional: compass, goggles/safety glasses, GPS

12 participants

Intro to Bushwacking

Instructor: Lisa Frost

Curious about walking off-trail through the woods? Whether you'd like to pursue the New England 100 Highest, or would just like to wander around without worrying about getting lost, we will learn about finding our way using a compass, maps, the sun (if we're lucky), and more, all while attempting to locate a small nearby summit. We will also talk about useful gear as well as what to do if you think you're lost.  


What to bring: a small backpack, water bottle, hat, wear long pants, long sleeves and hiking boots. Optional: compass, goggles/safety glasses, GPS

12 participants

Therapeutic Yoga and Meditation

Instructor: Amy Greene

A nature based therapeutic yoga and meditation class, where we blend the peacefullness of nature with rejuvenating pracices of yoga and meditation.  In this class, you'll unwind and reconnect with yourself amidst the soothing backdrop of natural surroundings.  Get ready to stretch, breathe, and let go of stress as we guide you through gentle yoga poses designed to enhance flexibility and strength, all while encouraging relaxation.  Our sessions also include mindfulness meditation techniques that help calm the mind and promote inner peace.


All skill levels welcome.

Unlimited participants

Intro to Fishing

Instructor:  Cheryl Sullivan

Intro to Fishing: This hands-on class with help you become more proficient with spin casting and familiar with basic lures to target your preferred fish species. No experience necessary. All equipment provided except a VT fishing license is required to fish Wallace Pond for the last hour of the class.

8 participants