Outdoor Recreation and Fitness

Traditional Toolmaking and Carving

This two-day workshop will cover the basics of producing traditional bushcraft woodworking tools. You will learn basic blacksmith, hafting, sharpening and leather work.

On day one, you will have the opportunity to make Ojibway-style crooked knives, hook (spoon) knives and other tools as energy and time allows. Day two will be held outdoors where you will learn traditional Scandinavian-style spoon carving as well as how to carve the “Kuksa” or Saami coffee cup.

The emphasis will be on crafting beautiful and useful objects using your newly created tools.

David Cronenwett. 13-15 hours.
Saturday & Sunday, June 1 - 2. Times TBA.
$275 includes materials.

Introduction to Bushcraft

This course will emphasize the longer-term, wilderness living skills of bushcraft. Material covered will include tool use; natural crafting; shelter construction; knots and lashings; and ethnobotany. This course will take place in the Helena National Forest. You may bring a sleeping bag if you prefer, or go with more traditional sleeping options. You will walk away from this course with several useful objects you made yourself.

Your instructor is a professional naturalist, author, and speaker. See his webiste here.

Plan to provide your own food and cooking equipment. A gear list will be sent to you upon registration. Particpants under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by paying adult.

David Cronenwett. 2 day overnight trip.
Saturday & Sunday, June 29 - 30. Departure and return times TBA.
$225 + knife (bring your own or purchase a high-quality Mora knife from the instructor for $20)

Kayaking Classes and River Trips

Kayaking Introduction/Paddle Technique

Become familiar with the basics of the equipment and techniques. You’ll learn the different paddling strokes, along with how to control, stop, and brace your boat. Kayaks may be rented for $10 each, payable at class. Please let us know in advance if you will need one.

Kayaking Safety and Rescue

Learn how to put together your own water safety kit, how to use a safety rope, and how to do a “wet exit” from your boat. Kayaks may be rented for $10 each, which is paid to the instructor at class. Please let us know in advance if you will need one. This class is a prerequisite to any river trip.

Kayaking the Missouri River - Intro to Moving Water

After meeting at the College, you'll carpool to just north of Craig, MT (about 45 miles from Helena) to begin your trip on the Missouri. The trip covers about a 4-5 mile stretch of the river, and takes approximately 6 hours total. Kayaks may be rented for $10 each, which is paid to the instructor at class. Please let us know in advance if you will need one. You will want to have taken our Safety class first, or have instructor's permission. Helmets are encouraged, but not required.

Kayaking the Blackfoot - Intro to Whitewater

You'll meet at the College, then head NNW toward Missoula for about 60 miles, where you'll put in near the Nevada Creek junction. The trip takes approximately 8 hours total, and includes some swifter water. It is highly recommended that you travel the Missouri first, but this may be waived with instructor permission. Helmets are encouraged, but not required.

Advanced Kayaking - Learning to Roll

Learn how to bring your kayak upright after becoming inverted in the water. Class is intentionally small to maximize instructor supervision. You will be upside-down and underwater for practice, so if you are unsure of your physical ability or medical condition, please discus participation with your healthcare provider. You'll need a spray skirt, so if you don't own one, please ask. The instructor may have one that will fit you and your boat. A helmet is required for this class.

Special Note for all kayaking classes