Skip to main content

Summer workshop description of classes

SUMMER WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS OF CLASSES

Classes are rated by physical exertion levels (E, M, or S). Classes marked E require little physical exertion, M is moderate, and S is strenuous exertion. Please know your own physical abilities. If the class is held inside for the entire time – that is noted as “inside”.

Introduction to Firearms & Firearm Safety – FRIDAY EVENING

(PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN FIREARMS. THEY WILL BE PROVIDED.) NOTE: This session is required for all participants who do not possess a hunter safety certificate or a valid hunting license and plan to take a Firearms or Archery course. Participants in this firearm safety session will receive instruction in safe handling of firearms, at home and in the field. Opportunities to handle rifles, shotguns and handguns in a supervised setting will be presented. Classroom demonstrations and visual aids will be used to assist the participant in the learning process. This does not count towards your four class choices. You can also earn a Hunter Safety certificate if you do the bookwork ahead of time, take this class and pass the test, this part is not mandatory, but a great to have for future hunting opportunities. Instructor – Jane Gordon

Archery – M –The instructor will go over bow safety and introduction of the different types of bows available (compound, longbow, recurve). The equipment to use with bows and arrow choice (hunting vs. target), basic bow maintenance and shooting stations for both types of bows. If you have your own bow, please feel free to bring it. Instructor – Kelly Deering & Kelly Multerer

Mock Archery Hunt – M-S – This class is an advanced archery class. Hunting will be discussed and the different types of stands available. There will be a stand for students to shoot from. Please feel free to bring your own bow if you have one – we will have some on hand. If you have a safety harness and/or tree stand that you would like to bring so you can become more familiar with its use, feel free. We will go over the techniques to setting up a blind, focusing on deer trails, shot position, tracking, safety measures and following a mock blood trail. This class will require more physical ability then the regular archery class as we will be walking through the woods and climbing tree stands. Instructor – Kelly Deering

Backpacking and Hiking Basics – M - Learn about the basics of backpacking gear, such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and a variety of other backpacking necessities. We’ll talk about how to pack your backpack, trip planning, and any upcoming backpacking opportunities with BOW. A short hike will be included in this session, if time allows. Please wear proper foot gear. This class is designed for somebody with very little to no backpacking experience. Instructors – Nick Steffey & Jen Davis

Advanced Hike – S – This is an advanced hike up Hogback Mountain near Marquette (off campus). The 3 to 4-mile hike will include a marked trail with elevation changes and slippery rocks. This is a strenuous hike. For those that want to up their hiking ability; know your limitations as this is about a 120-minute hike. Bring your water and a snack. Instructors – T-Hamrie, Kelly Deering

Basic Land Navigation – M – Leave your smartphone navigation app at home and learn to use a map and compass! This class will teach you basic navigation skills that will help you build confidence to venture into the great outdoors on your own. You will have the opportunity to use your new skills when we get outside and navigate your way through a short orienteering course right on campus! Please come to class prepared to spend some time outside, rain or shine! Some of the print on the maps is small, so don’t forget your reading glasses if you need them. Comfortable shoes/boots are also recommended. Instructors – Celeste Chingwa, Jennifer Burnham & Tori Irving

Basic Land Navigation - Beyond the Basics - S - This advanced course provides an opportunity to sharpen your map and compass skills and put them to use in the field! Come to class prepared for a hike in the woods (comfortable clothes/shoes/boots, hat, bug spray, rain gear, reading glasses, etc.) because most of the class will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Don’t forget your water bottle. We will be using various tools to plot routes, navigate to points of interest, practice orienteering, and map reading. Come share in the fun and experience what the great outdoors has to offer. Sack lunch and snacks will be provided. This will be an ALL-DAY class, will count as two sessions, and is offered only on Saturday. The ‘Building Confidence with Map and Compass’ and/or Basic Land Navigation course is a prerequisite for this course to ensure that the basics of using a map and compass are understood. If you have taken the ‘Building Confidence with Map and Compass’, in a previous year, you do not need to retake the course. There will be a short review at the beginning to refresh your skills.

Instructors – Celeste Chingwa, Jennifer Burnham & Tori Irving

Boating & Safety – M - Boating is fun and can be the means to get to the best fishing spots! Learn how to trailer a boat, back it down the ramp and launch it, then start the motor and operate the boat expertly and safely. You'll get pointers on driving the boat, rules of the waterways, anchoring, docking, and lots of great safety tips. Then, you'll motor the boat back to the dock and load it on the trailer again! Now, that's what we call independence! A class on Friday evening will go over the safety portion that is a requirement for this class and to receive a boating safety certificate. Class size is limited! Instructors – Brett DeLonge & Anna Viau

Gun Cleaning – E (inside) – On Sunday we will hold a gun cleaning class. All of the guns need to be cleaned from the Firearms classes over the weekend. If you are going to shoot, you need to learn to clean. You can take this class even if you didn’t take a firearm class. Instructor - Jane Gordon

Handgun – M - Participants will learn the basics of safe and responsible handgun handling and shooting. An opportunity to shoot the basic types of handguns will be offered. Instructors - Jane Gordon & Jennifer Hanson

Rifle – M - Learn different types of rifle safety and marksmanship techniques, practice proper stance, handling and shooting. You will have a chance to shoot a couple different types of high-powered rifles. Hands-on shooting at targets will be offered. Instructors – Jennifer Hanson & Josh Boudreaux

Shotgun – M - Learn and practice different shotgun shooting techniques. Emphasis will be on safety, determining your master eye, proper stance, proper fit, safety equipment, how a shotgun works, and hands-on time to shoot and break clay pigeons. It is a good starting point for trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Instructors – – Jennifer Hanson & Josh Boudreaux

Fish Identification - E (inside) – You need to know what type of fish you are fishing for, right? Learn the common popular fish species in the area, how to tie a hook on your fishing rod, examine the anatomy of a brook trout and the different types of lures you might use. You’ll be shown how to filet a fish and how to use catch and release techniques in this class. Instructor – Sharon Babbitt

Growing Fruit Trees – M - A hands-on workshop on the art and science of fruit trees, whether it is a dwarf tree in a pot or a family orchard. Participants learn by pruning and “working” trees in the Bay Cliff orchard. We’ll consider site selection, soil, fruit varieties, rootstocks, planting, pruning, watering, fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, organic sprays, pollination, thinning, pests, harvesting, storing, etc. – everything you need to know. We might practice grafting and offer scions to take home. Things to bring: Handheld pruners and Garden gloves, we will have a limited quantity of pruners available. Sharpen your skills and your loppers and let’s get growing! Instructor – Steve Waller

Read a Good Forest, lately? – E - Like a good mystery novel, every forest offers obscure clues to the deepest secrets. The clues are hidden to casual observers & say more than you’d expect. Hike through the forest, develop simplistic observational skills, expose the clues & read the hidden pages in the forest story. Instructor – Steve Waller

Lake Fishing – M - This session will include, basic rod and reel selection, tackle and lures, basic knots, as well as, how to clean and filet fish. This will be an all-day class and count as two sessions offered Saturday only. You will be transported to the Hoist Basin (near Negaunee) and spend the day fishing. A Sack lunch will be provided. You will be back in time for evening dinner at Bay Cliff. Participants may bring their own fishing equipment but, equipment is provided. This class size is limited; if you have taken this in the past you cannot take it again due to the class limit size. Fishing license required. An annual license is $26, or you may purchase a 24-hour license if you would like for $10. (Please purchase ahead of time Crams in Big Bay sells licenses) Instructors –Paul Hannuksela, George Lindquist

Intro to bird hunting with dogs – M – Learn the different breeds used to hunt upland and waterfowl species, the difference between pointing and flushing breeds, training methods, puppy training, obedience and so much more. This is a basics class with the opportunity to ask advanced questions. The instructor has their personal dogs for demonstration, this is not a bring your own dog class Instructor: Heather Shaw

Invasive Species Walkabout – M - You will learn basic field identification of invasive species (and some beneficial natives) that you may encounter during water and land-based activities; how they are invading our recreation areas; and what you can do to help get rid of them, or better yet, prevent their spread. Good walking shoes are a must for this class. Instructor – Elise Desjarlais

Kayaking – S – This class covers basic kayak touring safety, types of kayaks, and the essential paddle strokes needed to enjoy kayaking. ; The course will help you develop skills in solo kayaking. Paddlers will learn what techniques overcome physical strength in kayaking. Skills will be practiced on the lake. (Dress appropriately - Nylon jogging pants with a thin layer of fleece or wool under is good for cooler days. Similar layers plus a lightweight windbreaker is good for upper body. Sandals or water shoes) Instructors – Linda Welch, Monica McKenny, Monica Weis

Mountain Bike – M - S - Learn the basic rules of the trail and riding techniques, such as shifting, braking, hill climbing and descent, body positioning and navigating obstacles. Learn basic bike repair and inspection and review the best bike for your budget and style of riding. You will ride several miles over various types of terrain. Participants must bring their own Ready-to-ride Mountain Bike and safety helmets (both required). There are multiple businesses in Marquette that provide rental, if necessary. Instructor – Amy Maus & Barb Verhamme.

Turkey 101- M – Introduction to Turkey Hunting. Explore habitat information, turkey calls, clothing, decoys, methods of hunting and more. Let’s talk turkey! Gobble, gobble. Instructor – Jen Davis

Paddle Boarding – S – This is a beginning paddle board class, covering equipment, techniques, and introductory skills. This has a limited class size. Wetsuits are required for this class – you will get wet and the water is cold in June! Wetsuit rental thru Downwind Sports is available for $20. You will need to pick up/try on at the store. Class size is limited. Instructors –Teresa Hamari, Frida Waara, Ron Thorley

Preserving & Cooking with Wild Game E -Learn pressure canning for meat or broth preservation. Wild game cooking/processing, make sausage, jerky, cover some butchering and cooking methods. Instructor - Jen Davis

Self Confidence – (M-S) (inside) Do you enjoy hiking, hunting, or recreating in remote or out of the way destinations, but have felt apprehensive to do so by yourself? This class is designed to give you the knowledge and skills that will boost your self-confidence when recreating outdoors by yourself by learning some defense techniques. Please arrive at the class dressed in comfortable clothing and gym shoes and be prepared for a very physical and informative session! Instructor Jason Niemi

Wilderness Survival – M - Don’t go into the Woods....unprepared! Do you have the skills to survive a backwoods emergency? Do you know items you should never be without when you go into the woods? Let us show you some basic wilderness survival skills that will help you build the confidence you need to enjoy a hike, a float or any other outdoor experience. We will discuss survival skills such as fire building and basic shelter building and try your hand at building both. Don’t let poor planning ruin a trip. The best time to practice these skills is before you need to use them. Instructors – Nick Steffey

Walking Stick – E (inside) – Take a hike, sister! You will design, carve, paint/stain and embellish an “heirloom & folk art” walking stick! We’ll explore line, texture, color, and composition with your walking stick designs. Add an art aesthetic to your physical fitness routine; promote a healthy lifestyle by walking! Experience the success of using simple carving tools. Things to Bring: items for your stick – pins, silk flowers, doll heads, animal heads (toy), shells, beads, old jewelry, ribbon, etc. Instructor – Margaret Gerhard