Outdoor Adventure Classes

Archery: Draw, aim, fire! Though they may not turn into Robin Hood, participants will discover the joy behind this long established sport. Understanding the history, following the safety rules, and learning the skill is just the beginning. Through hands-on target practice and friendly competition, participants will learn about self-discipline and improve shooting skills. Both indoor and outdoor ranges are featured. Offered all year. Click here to view the class outline...

Beginning Orienteering: Feeling lost?  Combining earth science with practical outdoor skills, participants will navigate Eagle Bluff’s remote orienteering course.  Emphasis will be placed on recognizing how the compass has impacted human history, understanding the earth’s magnetic field, and learning the parts and proper use of a compass.  Working cooperatively and applying this knowledge will be required as students navigate a 14 point orienteering course.  Offered all year. Click here to view the class outline...

Competitive Orienteering: Prior compass use required.  Could you find your way through the woods using only a map and a compass?  Reading a topographic map, understanding contour lines, and utilizing compass skills will be essential in this fast paced sport.  Participants will be challenged to work as a team navigating through the woods locating 10 control points as quickly as possible.  Previous knowledge of compass skills required.  Offered all year. Click here to view the class outline...

Cross Country Skiing:  Traversing on two skis is not only great exercise, but also an excellent way to observe the beauty of the winter landscape! Participants will learn the origin of cross-country skiing, the correct fitting and usage of the equipment, and a few skill techniques before gliding across the glistening snow. Skis, poles, and boots provided. Offered Jan through mid-March (weather permitting). Click here to view the class outline...

GPS Pathfinders: On your mark, get set, DASH! Students will get a glimpse into navigational technology advancements during this fast paced class. Learning the basic concepts behind GPS technology and how a receiver works is just the beginning...each pair of students is given a GPS receiver in which to practice finding waypoints. Once the basics are mastered and practice points are found, students will tackle Eagle Bluff's "Dash for the Cache" where students will navigate through the woods in search of hidden caches. Offered all year. Click here to view the class outline...

Backcountry Camping (formerly Minimum Impact Camping): (Recommended for 5th grade and up) Leave only footprints and take only photographs. Camping, one of America's most popular past-times, allows one to experience nature in a unique and personal way. Yet if done improperly, it can affect the serenity and beauty of the site. Participants will learn the philosophy behind Backcountry Camping and put their new knowledge into practice as they pack a backpack, navigate the trail, set up a tent, and heat water on a gas stove.  Offered mid-March through October. Click here to view the class outline...

River Canoeing: (Only 6th grade and up)
Paddle 3.5 miles of scenic waters down the mighty Root River! Trained instructors will prepare novice paddlers for an unforgettable adventure.  Understanding the equipment, reading the river and its hazards, executing river paddling strokes and following safety precautions will be essential as participants work together paddling through both slow and fast moving waters.  All groups will be asked to select an alternate class in case of high water or dangerous weather conditions. Requires 1 adult with previous river canoeing experience. Offered during appropriate weather and water conditions. Click here to view the class outline...

Root River Hike: Experience the outdoors in a unique and personal way!  Participants will become “naturally” immersed while traversing across the Root River landscape.  By utilizing the senses and sharpening interpretive skills, students will unveil what lies beyond the hiking trail.  Interactive games and a variety of drawing and writing exercises are incorporated within the class to promote creative and imaginative expression using nature as the inspiration. Offered mid-March through December. Click here to view the class outline...

Snowshoeing: Step into the shoes of one of human’s oldest inventions!  Participants will understand the important role snowshoes had for those living in 4000 B.C. to the use of snowshoes today. Understanding how to fit snowshoes correctly, dressing properly, and learning a few basic skills is just the beginning as students enjoy a frosty hike along the bluffs of the Root River. Each hike includes a naturalist choice theme and is determined by snow conditions, grade level, and knowledge base. Offered January through mid-March (conditions permitting). Click here to view the class outline...

Winter Survival: Participants are placed in an imaginary survival situation to develop wilderness skills and understand the need for teamwork and a positive mental attitude for survival. Students will test their survival competence by prioritizing a list of supplies, constructing a shelter, building a fire, conserving limited resources, and guarding against the elements. Are you a survivor?   Offered November through March. Click here to view the class outline...