Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

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 available. Offered all year.

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 the highlight as students vavigate a 14 point orienteering course through the woods. Offered all year.

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.

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.

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).

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 Minimum Impact Camping and put their new knowledge into practice as they pack a backpack, navigate the trail, set up a tent, and heat waer on a gas stove. Offered mid-March through October.


Class Outline	Pre-Activity	Post-Activity	Journal Page

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.

Snowshoeing: Step into the shoes of one of human’s oldest inventions! Participants will understand the important role snowshoeshad 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 includesa naturalist choice theme and is determined by snow conditions, grade level, and knowledge base. Offered January through mid-March (conditions permitting).


Class Outline	Pre-Activity	Post-Activity	Journal Page

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 priortizing 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.


Class Outline	Pre-Activity	Post-Activity	Journal Page

Naturalist’s Choice: Give our staff a chance to show off their natural history knowledge or outdoor skills. There is no set lesson for this option; it the responsibility of the Instructor to determine the lesson for you, guided by the theme category in which it was chosen. By choosing a Naturalist’s Choice you will be sure to receive a unique experience. Offered all Year.

Outdoor Adventure Classes