This course was designed with camp personnel and trip leaders in mind. A combination of the American Red Cross Small Craft Safety in Canoeing and Backcountry Institute's Basic Canoe Instructor Training will provide the participant with the information and skills necessary to prevent, recognize & respond to small craft emergencies as well as teaching methods for instructing introductory canoeing skills on flat water. Bring weather appropriate clothing, paddle, PFD and canoe if you have one. Equipment will be provided if necessary. SOME EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Prerequisites: Proficient canoe handling skills and technical knowledge of the sport. Students can take the Backcountry Institute’s Basic Canoe Fundamentals course to satisfy experience requirements.

BKI Basic Kayak Instructor Training

If you are an experienced flat water kayaker and want to earn an instructor certification this is the course for you! If you have previous experience or training you can earn Backcountry Institute Basic Kayak Instructor Training. Course covers appropriate teaching methods and basic safety concerns for instructing introductory Kayaking skills on flat water. Learn how to apply this knowledge. Bring weather appropriate clothing, boat, paddle, PFD, & helmet if you have one. Equipment will be provided if necessary. EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Students can take the Backcountry Institutes Basic Kayak Fundamentals course to satisfy experience requirements.

WRT Whitewater Rescue Technician for River Professionals

This course is for professional whitewater guides, fish and game personnel, park service employees, and private boaters who find themselves on or around the river. Students will benefit from this intensive, hands-on course using techniques and simple equipment to assess and perform river rescues. The emphasis is on speedy, low-tech and improvised rescue techniques. Must show proof of adequate health insurance, be in good physical shape and have a basic swimming ability. Bring a USCG approved Type III or V PFD, a lightweight rafting or kayak helmet, a wet-suit/dry suit, and thick-soled booties or tennis shoes. Gloves are recommended.

Basic Rifle Instructor Certification

Experience the personal satisfaction of teaching others the basics, knowledge, skills and attitudes that will lead to a lifetime of safe, enjoyable and successful involvement in firearm and shooting activities. Participants will learn how to give competent instruction to run and manage a safe well-equipped range. This 20-hour course teaches safety marksmanship, proper shooting techniques (whether prone, kneeling or standing), and instructor methods for group control and formatting. Prerequisites: To become a certified instructor, you must be 21 years of age. To become an assistant instructor, students must have a solid background in firearms and demonstrate experience in shooting, hunting, or other firearm related activities. Bring eye & ear protection (if you have it). Receive a Rifle Instructor Certificate from the National Rifle Association. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Fly Fishing Instructor Certification

Fly-fishing is a beautiful art, but it's difficult to master and even harder to teach others. This course is invaluable to those intending to become an instructor. Taught on our stocked trout pond, and local streams our experienced instructors will address fly-fishing skills and teaching techniques. There will be simulations on our athletic fields. After lunch, students will head to the pond to get some hands-on practice and catch some real fish. If you catch and clean 'em our chef will prepare 'em for your table. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Caving Trip Leader Training

You need skill and confidence to lead a group into a cave and Backcountry Institute will help you develop these qualities in this 2-day course. We know that leadership skills are essential to execute a safe yet productive caving trip. Our experienced instructors will cover planning and preparation, group leadership techniques, safety precautions, basic rescue, and equipment maintenance. You and your cavers will have a more enjoyable trip as you learn to move your group more efficiently. We'll discuss local caves so you can better plan your next trip. Wear clothes you don't mind getting completely filthy. MUST HAVE SOME CLIMBING OR CAVING EXPERIENCE. Be sure to bring appropriate camping gear.

GIC Golf Instructor Course

All the golf pros agree that a good instructor "enjoys working with children, makes it fun and enjoyable, and is not overly technical." A good teacher helps not only with fundamental swing mechanics but also with proper mental preparation and practice techniques. Backcountry Institute is the only organization in the region that offers this workshop as a teaching seminar for training golf instructors. This all inclusive, hands-on program includes topics such as golf swing
fundamentals, lesson plans, safety, group management, evaluating golf swings & grip, appropriate equipment, exploring
concepts, the rules of the game, and etiquette. All you need is weather appropriate clothing and your clubs. Equipment will be provided if necessary.

Half day course

May 21 9:00am - 1:00pm

CVD Coaching the Van Driver

Many organizations mistakenly assume that van driving is no different than driving a personal car, and they expect their employees (or volunteers) to assume van-driving responsibilities without any training. The fact is that most commercial vans are very different than passenger cars – they are bigger, heavier, have larger blind spots, and require longer following and stopping distances. Training drivers to compensate for these differences can help keep them on the road and on the job. Coaching the Van Driver is a comprehensive training program that meets that need. Must show valid driving license, and be 21 year of age. Course Includes classroom materials and one on one practical van driving experience.

Archery Instructor

Learn essentials in this 8 hour course, like setting up and operating a safe archery range, teaching young archers to shoot successfully, and teaching techniques. This course is ideal for archery instructors at seasonal camps or individuals who work at youth instructional programs. Other topics include group control, games, contests, and formatting for individuals and groups. Receive a 4-year certification from the National Archery Association. No experience required. Fee includes materials and one night of accommodation. Participants must provide a mailing address three weeks prior to course start date so pre-course materials can be sent. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Fencing Instructor Certification

Learn the skills and techniques necessary to execute this complex sport. Explore different teaching methods necessary to enhance and maximize your students' performance. The United States Fencing Association (USFA) is the recognized national governing body for the sport of fencing in the United States. The USFA was founded in 1891 as the Amateur Fencing League of America (AFLA) by a group of New York fencers seeking independence from the Amateur Athletic Union. The AFLA changed its name to the United States Fencing Association in 1981. The USFA was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Pennsylvania in 1964 and in Colorado in 1993 in compliance with the Amateur Sports Act and opened its national office at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. in August of 1982. The mission of the USFA is to develop fencing to achieve international success and to administer and promote the sport in the USA. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

BCI Basic Canoe Instructor Training