Join us for an Essential Backcountry Navigation Skills class with licensed wilderness guide, Chris Varian. The class will cover:
Selecting, reading, and navigating with topographic maps
Understanding how map information relates back to physical terrain
Using a compass to plot and follow a route
Basic route planning and backcountry movement
Hands-on practice
You will need a backplate compass for the class (pictured below). If you don't have one, select the Class & Compass option when signing up.
We will meet at the Bradley Road entrance to Trout Brook (drive through the open gate just to the right of the main parking lot and go to the interior Hunter's parking lot).
The event will take place rain or shine. Please, no dogs. Also, there is little or no internet connection in area and no bathroom facilities.
Event is open to the public. Priority to members. Maximum 12 people. RSVP required.
13 yrs and up
Class only $20/Class & Compass $30
Chris is a professional guide and outdoor educator devoted to sharing the skills people need to experience and enjoy the outdoors more safely and responsibly in all four seasons. He leads backpacking and wilderness skills programs, instructs technical climbing skills courses, teaches beginner and intermediate kayak skills, and guides kayak tours on waterways from Hudson River to Long Island Sound.
His certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Adult/Child/Infant CPR, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor (L2 Continued), and NY State Licensed Guide: Tier 1 Rock, Hiking, Camping. Chris is also Leave No Trace certified. He currently lives in Brookfield, CT, and guides programs from New Jersey to New Hampshire.
