Fall Doe Camp

Advanced Natural Foods & Herbal Medicine - Intermediate Only

Instructor: Kat Pelletier

This is an advanced class, so please come with previous experience and knowledge of the subject. There will be a quick review of beginner class information, discuss harvest, storage, begin decoction, infusion and usage.  Decoction and oils, poultice and more plant identification.  Soil composition, reactions to herbs, gathering plants for class, treatment and many food plants.   

Intro to Natural Foods & Herbal  Medicine for Beginners

Instructor: Kat Pelletier

I will be showing different species of flora during a nature walk.  Methods of harvesting, usage, drying, teas, poultices, oil-based salves, basic smudge sticks. We will be gathering edible wild greens for a salad. Ample Q & A time. 

Intro to Chainsaw

Instructor: Kat Scoville

Intro to Chainsaw Safety is an abbreviated workshop based on the empowering class “Women with Chainsaws!”, which Kat Scoville developed in 2018. In this introductory session you will learn the major components of a chainsaw, essential safety equipment, how to start and safely handle a saw, and basic cutting techniques. You will have an opportunity during the workshop to practice some of what you’ve learned!  We will also touch on tree physiology and saw maintenance. 

Stop the Bleed: & Intro to Wilderness First Aid

Instructor: Tara Grenier

Would you know what to do if someone was seriously injured and help was not immediately available? This practical, hands-on class teaches valuable emergency response skills that can be used in everyday accidents and outdoor situations alike—from car, ATV, and bike accidents to falls, kitchen injuries, and mass injury events. Participants will learn how to identify a life-threatening bleed, apply pressure, pack a wound, use a tourniquet, practice splinting techniques, and prepare an injured person for transport. This is the kind of knowledge that builds confidence, increases preparedness, and empowers you to step in when it matters most. 

Fire Starting & the Science of Fire

Instructor: Cindy Perry

Learn how to collect the best kinds of tinder, kindling, and dry wood, including in wet weather; how to use matches, magnesium rods and strikers, and flint, char cloth, and steel to start a fire; how to feed a fire using the principals of providing oxygen, heat and fuel; and how to build fires for warmth or for cooking. We will also cover gathering and drying materials in advance, and what to carry in an emergency kit for survival when hiking, including a few light weight secrets you can pack to use in a pinch. 

Basic & Advanced Compass Skills

Instructor:  Deb Weisenstein & Bonna Wieler

Bring your interest and whatever experience you have or have not. We will start with the basics:  reading a compass, estimating distance with pacing, setting compass bearings and following a compass course.  Moving beyond basics, we will work on the more advanced skills of map reading with detailed instruction in declination adjustments and translating compass readings to and from a map.  Students will have a chance to use a sighting compass to follow bearings and map a course.  We will also practice triangulating to locate your position on a map.  The course will be conducted outdoors, around natural obstacles,  and will include orienteering examples.  

Beach Yoga

Instructor: Amy Greene

A welcoming, all-levels yoga class on the sandy beach of a beautiful lake, where you can move and breathe to the gentle sound of the water. Soak in the views, feel the fresh air, and enjoy a relaxed flow that leaves you refreshed and grounded. Mel of Grounded In Sound LLC will close this session with an immersive gong sound bath, using three gongs she trained with in China to create a deeply restorative vibrational experience. 

Meadow Yoga

Instructor: Amy Greene

A welcoming, all-levels yoga class on the plush grass of the meadow, where you can move and breathe to the gentle sound of nature. Soak in the views, feel the fresh air, and enjoy a relaxed flow that leaves you refreshed and grounded. Class will begin with a journaling exercise as we wait for the dew to evaporate.  

Tarps, Ropes & Knots

Techniques for Setting Up Outdoor Shelters

Instructor:  Deb Weisenstein & Bonna Wieler

Setting up tarps or other outdoor shelters requires the use of ropes and knots.  We will demonstrate and practice these useful skills, concentrating on knots used to attach a line to a tarp, adjustable knots to attach lines to stakes, and how to set up a taut ridgeline.  We’ll cover several different tarp pitches useful as picnic table rain covers or emergency shelters.  We will use trees, commercial tarp poles, or improvised poles in our pitch configurations, always paying attention to water drainage off the tarp.  We will also show two types of hammocks and tarps setups for hammock camping. 

Intro to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)

Instructor: Jessica Novoson

This relaxed, beginner-friendly class is the perfect place to learn the basics in a supportive and fun environment. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re looking to build confidence on the water, this session is designed to help you feel comfortable and capable.

Participants will learn:

- The basics of paddleboard equipment and how to properly set up your gear

- How to safely get on and off the board

- Foundational paddling techniques

- How to maneuver and turn the board 

- What to do (and how to recover!) when you fall in

This is a low-pressure, encouraging class focused on learning, laughing, and enjoying time on the water. You should absolutely expect to get wet — falling in is part of the fun and part of the learning process!

Log Rolling

Instructor: Danielle Rougeau

Ready to test your balance and laugh a lot? In Log Rolling, you’ll learn the basics of standing and moving on a floating log while it spins beneath your feet. We’ll cover safety, entry/exit, stance, footwork, and simple techniques for staying centered and recovering when the log starts to roll. Then we’ll play beginner-friendly challenges and games so you can practice skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

This class is designed for first-timers and adventurous beginners. Expect to get wet!

15 participants

Intro to Gold Panning

Instructor: Monda Kelley

In this class, you will learn about the art of gold panning in Vermont. You will receive a map with known go to places in Vermont. You will learn about the state regulations for gold panning in Vermont and New Hampshire. You will learn about the best places to gather your pay dirt and where to pan in the stream or river, and the techniques around panning for gold. We will visit a small stream in an area known for gold panning and have the opportunity to learn and practice the art of panning for gold. Hopefully, you will find some gold to take home. Nothing like spending a relaxing time by the water! Be prepared to walk a short distance from the road to the stream. We will have to car pool to the location. 

7 participants

Beginner Pistol & Rifle Shooting

Instructor: Jeni Slattery, Craig Botessi

This class is intended for folks who have never shot a firearm before or have not shot in a while and would like a refresher.  We will begin with the basics, including an intro to the parts of a gun, different types of firearms and what they are used for, and requirements to safely handle any firearm.  We will then take you to the firing line and you will work one on one with an instructor to first fire a .22 caliber single-action rifle at paper targets and then, once comfortable, move on to a .22 caliber pistol with a clip.  Later in the class we will move on to some reactive targets (which are fun to shoot) and maybe some other surprises.  Our goal is to make you comfortable with handling these firearms in a safe and inclusive environment.   

Advanced Rifle & Pistol- Basic Shooting

Instructor: Jeni Slattery, Craig Botessi

This class is intended for folks who are comfortable shooting firearms but want to improve their skills or maybe just have some fun shooting different rifles and pistols in a safe and inclusive environment.  We will begin with a brief review of basic gun knowledge and safe firearm handling skills.  We will then take you to the firing line and you will work one on-one with an instructor to first fire a .22 caliber single-action rifle at paper targets and then move on to a .22 caliber pistol with a clip. Next we will move on to some reactive targets (which are fun to shoot) and maybe some other surprises.  We will be providing some different caliber firearms for you to try also, including a 9mm Pistol and a 243 Rifle. If you like, we can possibly arrange some friendly competition with your classmates!  Participants are free to bring your own firearms (and ammo if other than .22 LR) and we will work with you to sight in your gun and give you time to practice.

 8 participants

Beginner - Clay Target Shooting

Instructor: Tom Blair and Brent Allaire

This class will cover different types of shotguns, gauges, targets, ammunition, rules for safe handling of shotguns, and a brief description of different shotgun games. Gun safety will be detailed to ensure students fully understand its importance. You will learn about gun fit, proper stance, mounting a gun, and sighting down the barrel. You will preview target presentations and then get an opportunity to shoot airborne targets.

Everything needed will be provided. Bring your own shotgun if you have on. Make sure it is unloaded, cased, and the safety is one. Experienced qualified instructors will lead and gently guide you even if you're nervous. You will have a "blast" breaking clay targets. Warning - this can be addictive!

Advanced Shotgun - Clay Target Shooting

Instructor: Tom Blair and Brent Allaire

Some prior shotgun shooting experience is required. There will be a safety review, discussion on shotgun types, ammunition, etc. We will discuss different shotgun games: Trap, Skeet, 5-Stand, and Sporting Clays. The intent is for students to have the opportunity to shoot as many targets as they wish. Technical skills will be taught such as: reading the target line, look point, hold point, break point, and leading will be covered.  Targets will be varied in presentations to keep the challenge exciting. Bring your own shotgun if you own one. Please make sure it is unloaded, cased, and has the safety on.

This 3-hour class will "FLY" by.

Whittling for Practical Purposes

Instructor: Cindy Perry

We will learn about many different kinds and sizes of knives and how to use them safely. Then, we will learn how to whittle a couple types of cooking sticks, a walking stick, and also make a Talking Stick if you have time for all three.  (Note: If I can find and cut enough of the correct type of sticks, we might make a staff slingshot instead of a walking stick, but that will depend on sourcing enough of the correct sticks. This will also involve knot tying and practicing the use of the slingshot by throwing stones into the lake. 

Intro to Self-Defense

Instructor: Kathy Coulombe

In this class we will learn some basic self-defense moves. We will talk about being aware of your surroundings and making good decisions about your safety. We will learn: kicking, blocking, strikes, breakaways and escaping a hold.  All skill levels are encouraged to join. 

Advanced Self-Defense

Instructor: Kathy Coulombe

In this class we will take it to the ground! You will learn all about take downs and ground techniques including: kicking, striking, rolls, and falls. You will also be introduced and taught how to use Escrima Sticks and knives. 

Fishing for Fun (Level 1)

Instructor:  Cheryl Sullivan

This hands-on class will help you become more proficient with spin casting and more familiar with basic lures to target your preferred fish species. The first 45 min. or so will cover tackle use and selection. The rest of the time we will fish from row boats. No fishing experience is necessary, but the ability to sit in and row a boat is necessary. All equipment will be provided. However, your own life jacket would be preferred. Feel free to bring your own rod and tackle box! A VT fishing license is required to fish Wallace Pond. You can buy a 1-day licenses from VT Fish & Wildlife Website. This class is weather-dependent. 

VT fishing license 

Intro to Deer & Turkey Hunting (Level 1)

Instructor:  Cheryl Sullivan

Come talk the talk so you can walk the walk! This hands-on class is geared towards those who are just starting their hunting journey. We will help you plan your next hunting adventure. It will cover tree-stand and ground blind setup and placement, decoys, calls, scouting, scenarios, blood-tracking and more. No experience necessary. This is an outside-based course that requires walking and light physical activity.