Winter 20201 VOW Camp has been cancelled, but we'll meet again!
Here's a look back to what we did in 2020
Hulbert Outdoor Center, Fairlee, Vermont
Course Descriptions | Schedule | Registration | Instructor Bios | Sponsors
The following are examples from Winter Camp 2020.
Most classes will be held rain, hail, or shine, so make sure you have warm layers and rain clothes. You’ll receive more class specific information with your confirmation. Classes may change due to circumstances beyond our control.
* = Confirmed
Physical Levels: E= Easy M= Moderate D= Difficult
Most classes will be held rain, hail, or shine, so make sure you have warm layers and rain clothes. You’ll receive more class specific information with your confirmation. Classes may change due to circumstances beyond our control.
* = Confirmed
Physical Levels: E= Easy M= Moderate D= Difficult
ARCHERY
* Archery - Compound Bow for Beginners (E/M)
The archery class teaches positioning your body, proper alignment of arms with the bow, and address focusing your eyes in conjunction with proper targeting position. It also teaches proper draw alignment and the length of the bow. (Experienced archers will also benefit.) It involves listening and following instructions at the beginning, but once you get comfortable, you'll be able to practice on our targets. The instructions usually take approx. 30 minutes and the rest is practice shooting. If you already shoot archery, but want to hone your skills, try something different or tune your equipment. This class is a favorite for many avid archers and is a great family activity. Bring your own equipment to get the most out of this course, but we can supply some bows. Max 10, Instructors: Tom Houde and Linwood Smith, Archery & Pro Shop from St Johnsbury, VT.
Please Note: This class is held in an indoor unheated facility.
The archery class teaches positioning your body, proper alignment of arms with the bow, and address focusing your eyes in conjunction with proper targeting position. It also teaches proper draw alignment and the length of the bow. (Experienced archers will also benefit.) It involves listening and following instructions at the beginning, but once you get comfortable, you'll be able to practice on our targets. The instructions usually take approx. 30 minutes and the rest is practice shooting. If you already shoot archery, but want to hone your skills, try something different or tune your equipment. This class is a favorite for many avid archers and is a great family activity. Bring your own equipment to get the most out of this course, but we can supply some bows. Max 10, Instructors: Tom Houde and Linwood Smith, Archery & Pro Shop from St Johnsbury, VT.
Please Note: This class is held in an indoor unheated facility.
FIREARMS SAFETY
* Handgun Marksmanship & Safety (E)
Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with pistols, loading, unloading and safe handling in a real setting. We will learn shooting techniques, have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, and discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition. Max 8, Instructor: Larry Hamel
* Rifle Skills & Safety Intro (E)
Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with rifles, loading, unloading, and safe handling in a real setting. We will learn shooting techniques and positions, will have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition. Max 8, Instructor: Larry Hamel
Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with pistols, loading, unloading and safe handling in a real setting. We will learn shooting techniques, have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, and discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition. Max 8, Instructor: Larry Hamel
* Rifle Skills & Safety Intro (E)
Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with rifles, loading, unloading, and safe handling in a real setting. We will learn shooting techniques and positions, will have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition. Max 8, Instructor: Larry Hamel
FISHING and HUNTING
* Ice Fishing (E/M)
Learn how to drill holes in the correct spots, set tackle, types of bait and general techniques for staying warm and enjoying our frozen lakes so that you can catch fish in the Winter! Max 6, Instructor: Cheryl Frank Sullivan, aka "Wild Fisher Woman"
Turkey Hunting and Intro to Trapping - Detailed description coming soon!
Instructors: Linwood Smith and Tom Loude
Learn how to drill holes in the correct spots, set tackle, types of bait and general techniques for staying warm and enjoying our frozen lakes so that you can catch fish in the Winter! Max 6, Instructor: Cheryl Frank Sullivan, aka "Wild Fisher Woman"
Turkey Hunting and Intro to Trapping - Detailed description coming soon!
Instructors: Linwood Smith and Tom Loude
CONNECTING WITH NATURE & OUTDOOR SKILLBUILDING
* Winter Birding Expedition
Explore local birding hot spots with Bird Diva, Bridget Butler. We'll carpool together in search of winter finches, sparrows and waterfowl along the Connecticut River. Participants will learn how to find winter birds using the BirdEye app and report birds using eBird. Please dress in layers and for low activity. Bring binoculars if you have them and there will be loaner pairs for those who don't have bins. Max. 12, Instructor: Bridget Butler the Bird Diva!
* Early Morning Bird Walk on Sunday
Join Bird Diva Bridget Butler for a dawn patrol for birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, I'll have some for those who don't! Instructor: Bridget Butler the Bird Diva!
* Special Presentation on Saturday Evening! Owls of Vermont
With ten different species of owls found in the state, there’s plenty to hoot about! Join Bird Diva Bridget Butler for a lively presentation on these charismatic birds. You’ll learn where and when to look for owls as well as how to recognize the calls of our most common owls. Bridget will have you hooting by the end of the show. Find out why these birds are so amazing and what you can do to keep owls a part of the Vermont landscape!
* Plant Spirit Communication
A relaxing workshop centered around opening the gates of communication and connection with the plant world.In this workshop we will explore and discuss the science and history behind plant and human communication. We will learn how to respectfully enter into relationship with medicine plants and why one might want to do so in the first place. We will collectively open our hearts to these green allies while sipping tea, and will spend some time in guided meditation listening for the subtle, yet profound messages and medicine that the plant brings to each of us, personally. Some time at the end of the meditation will be spent journaling and anchoring in anything that came through during our time with the plant, followed by the optional opportunity to share anything you wish with the group. Time following journaling and shares will be spent learning brief history, lore and traditional medicinal applications, as well as spiritual and energetic uses of the herb of focus. Instructor: Naomi Gariepy
* Know Your North Woods - Tree ID (E/M)
Learn to confidently identify Vermont's common trees when there are no leaves around. We'll start indoors examining twigs, buds and bark. Then, we’ll take a winter walk in the woods. Be prepared for the weather and a short hike. The terrain goes uphill, but we’ll be stopping frequently. Instructors Barbara and Johanna have many years of outdoor experience between them and are eager to share their knowledge about everything that pops up. Max 12, Instructors: Johanna Laggis & Barbara Schultz
* Creating an Herbal First Aid Kit - Detailed description coming soon!
Instructor: Lucia Hawkins
* Winter Fire Building - Bring your fire skills to a new level! We will cover basics of building and maintaining a good hot fire in the snowy winter conditions and learn which trees to select for our fuel. We will then carve our own bow drill kits and put them to use to create fire from friction! Instructor: Sarah Corrigan of ROOTS School
* Introduction to Lightweight Winter Camping (E)
Have you ever dreamed of winter camping with your family or friends, exploring the beautiful winter wilds on skis or snowshoes, then watching the sunset from your tent...but thought it would be too cold, and the gear too heavy? The staff of EasternSlopes will show you the lightweight gear, clothing, and accessories (even packable woodstoves that run on branches you break off trees!) for safe, easy, and comfortable winter camping. Together, we'll set up at least two complete winter campsites, one with a heated tipi and one with a conventional tent. We'll show you how to safely and comfortably ease into winter camping as you grow your confidence and skills. We'll teach you step-by-step how to stay warm, dry, and comfortable, even in unexpected weather. Bring along any gear you own, and we'll help you decide whether it's appropriate for winter use. Come dressed for several hours outdoors! Class participants who contact us in advance will have the option of spending the night in one of the camps we set up; contact us in advance about space available and what personal gear to bring. Max 10, Instructors: Tim Jones and David Shedd, Eastern Slopes
Explore local birding hot spots with Bird Diva, Bridget Butler. We'll carpool together in search of winter finches, sparrows and waterfowl along the Connecticut River. Participants will learn how to find winter birds using the BirdEye app and report birds using eBird. Please dress in layers and for low activity. Bring binoculars if you have them and there will be loaner pairs for those who don't have bins. Max. 12, Instructor: Bridget Butler the Bird Diva!
* Early Morning Bird Walk on Sunday
Join Bird Diva Bridget Butler for a dawn patrol for birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, I'll have some for those who don't! Instructor: Bridget Butler the Bird Diva!
* Special Presentation on Saturday Evening! Owls of Vermont
With ten different species of owls found in the state, there’s plenty to hoot about! Join Bird Diva Bridget Butler for a lively presentation on these charismatic birds. You’ll learn where and when to look for owls as well as how to recognize the calls of our most common owls. Bridget will have you hooting by the end of the show. Find out why these birds are so amazing and what you can do to keep owls a part of the Vermont landscape!
* Plant Spirit Communication
A relaxing workshop centered around opening the gates of communication and connection with the plant world.In this workshop we will explore and discuss the science and history behind plant and human communication. We will learn how to respectfully enter into relationship with medicine plants and why one might want to do so in the first place. We will collectively open our hearts to these green allies while sipping tea, and will spend some time in guided meditation listening for the subtle, yet profound messages and medicine that the plant brings to each of us, personally. Some time at the end of the meditation will be spent journaling and anchoring in anything that came through during our time with the plant, followed by the optional opportunity to share anything you wish with the group. Time following journaling and shares will be spent learning brief history, lore and traditional medicinal applications, as well as spiritual and energetic uses of the herb of focus. Instructor: Naomi Gariepy
* Know Your North Woods - Tree ID (E/M)
Learn to confidently identify Vermont's common trees when there are no leaves around. We'll start indoors examining twigs, buds and bark. Then, we’ll take a winter walk in the woods. Be prepared for the weather and a short hike. The terrain goes uphill, but we’ll be stopping frequently. Instructors Barbara and Johanna have many years of outdoor experience between them and are eager to share their knowledge about everything that pops up. Max 12, Instructors: Johanna Laggis & Barbara Schultz
* Creating an Herbal First Aid Kit - Detailed description coming soon!
Instructor: Lucia Hawkins
* Winter Fire Building - Bring your fire skills to a new level! We will cover basics of building and maintaining a good hot fire in the snowy winter conditions and learn which trees to select for our fuel. We will then carve our own bow drill kits and put them to use to create fire from friction! Instructor: Sarah Corrigan of ROOTS School
* Introduction to Lightweight Winter Camping (E)
Have you ever dreamed of winter camping with your family or friends, exploring the beautiful winter wilds on skis or snowshoes, then watching the sunset from your tent...but thought it would be too cold, and the gear too heavy? The staff of EasternSlopes will show you the lightweight gear, clothing, and accessories (even packable woodstoves that run on branches you break off trees!) for safe, easy, and comfortable winter camping. Together, we'll set up at least two complete winter campsites, one with a heated tipi and one with a conventional tent. We'll show you how to safely and comfortably ease into winter camping as you grow your confidence and skills. We'll teach you step-by-step how to stay warm, dry, and comfortable, even in unexpected weather. Bring along any gear you own, and we'll help you decide whether it's appropriate for winter use. Come dressed for several hours outdoors! Class participants who contact us in advance will have the option of spending the night in one of the camps we set up; contact us in advance about space available and what personal gear to bring. Max 10, Instructors: Tim Jones and David Shedd, Eastern Slopes
WINTER SPORTS AND RECREATION
* Dog Sledding (M)
Dog sledding is an ancient sport that is growing in popularity throughout the northern states. Join a seasoned musher for a session on topics such as choosing dogs, handling dogs, sled basics, types of sleds and how to manage a team. Participants will get hands-on experience with these social and lovable northern breed working dogs. Come prepared to fall in love with the dogs. Max 16, Instructor: Kathy Bennett, Braeburn Siberians
* Nordic Skating
Experience the centuries-old art of Scandinavian-style cross country ice skating across a frozen lake. Learn how to select the right equipment for you, and how to skate safely and efficiently (without getting tired) across all types of ice surfaces - hard and soft, smooth and rough, snow-covered and snow-free. Learn the basics of ice safety, including how to use a Nordic skating pole to test the strength of the ice. By the end of the workshop you will have the necessary skills to skate on groomed ice and participate in "wild skating" tours. Instructors: Jamie and Lisa Hess
* Advanced Snowshoe Techniques (M/D)
Snowshoeing on gentle terrain is almost as easy as walking. But what happens when the terrain tilts and snow conditions are more challenging? We'll show you the latest in snowshoe designs and discuss which boots will keep your feet warm and still give you the ankle support and edge control you need. Then, we'll put on snowshoes, grab trekking poles and go looking for deep snow, breakable crust, steeps, sidehills, brooks and logs to cross, and other fun challenges. If there's time and the snow conditions are right, we'll also play with some sliding snowshoes. Come dressed for several hours outdoors in prevailing conditions. Bring your own snowshoes if you have them (we'll have extras) and, if you have your own large backpack, load it and plan to wear it while you snowshoe. Max 10, Instructors: Tim Jones and David Shedd, Eastern Slopes
* X-Country Skiing, Beginner Class (M)
Propel yourself along snow covered terrain using skis and poles. Enjoy Lake Morey or other parts of our 1000 acre wilderness on skis! This course is for beginners to intermediate who are excited to learn technique. Max 10, Instructor: Bonna Wieler, Bold Paths
* X-Country Skiing, Intermediate Class (M/D)
For experienced skiers, with weather, dirt road and snow conditions guiding our adventure, we plan to drive/carpool to a groomed ski area with classic tracks and wide/skate-able trails. You should be able to go up and down hills under control. Max 10. Instructor: Bonna Wieler, Bold Paths
* Traditional Ice Skating at Lake Morey Resort- The Lake Morey Resort maintains the longest skating trail in the United States, a 4.5-mile loop around the lake. It’s an amazing experience that’s not to be missed! We'll carpool down to the resort for some good old fashion skating fun, complete with hot chocolate to warm you in between laps! Bring your own ice skates or your can rent a pair at the resort for $15.
* Vinyasa Yoga - Early Bird and Late Afternoon Sessions
Vinyasa Yoga cultivates a deep mind and body awareness through the combination of movement in the body connected with conscious breathing. This practice provides strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and the ability to focus. Vinyasa Yoga is a mindful practice that opens one up to a meditative state of being and a beautiful connection with the body, mind and spirit. We will combine conscious breathing with methodical movements, focused on alignment. Moving the body with the breath facilitates a meditative state in which the mind, the body and the spirit are interconnected and communicating with each other freely. It is in this deep meditative state where we are able to hear what our body is telling us, recognize problems within our own mind/thinking, problem solve efficiently and effortlessly, and gain incredible insight and wisdom from our own selves, from our own truth - our spirit. All this while opening and strengthening the physical body and bringing focus and clarity to our often over stimulated minds. Instructor: Naomi Gariepy
Dog sledding is an ancient sport that is growing in popularity throughout the northern states. Join a seasoned musher for a session on topics such as choosing dogs, handling dogs, sled basics, types of sleds and how to manage a team. Participants will get hands-on experience with these social and lovable northern breed working dogs. Come prepared to fall in love with the dogs. Max 16, Instructor: Kathy Bennett, Braeburn Siberians
* Nordic Skating
Experience the centuries-old art of Scandinavian-style cross country ice skating across a frozen lake. Learn how to select the right equipment for you, and how to skate safely and efficiently (without getting tired) across all types of ice surfaces - hard and soft, smooth and rough, snow-covered and snow-free. Learn the basics of ice safety, including how to use a Nordic skating pole to test the strength of the ice. By the end of the workshop you will have the necessary skills to skate on groomed ice and participate in "wild skating" tours. Instructors: Jamie and Lisa Hess
* Advanced Snowshoe Techniques (M/D)
Snowshoeing on gentle terrain is almost as easy as walking. But what happens when the terrain tilts and snow conditions are more challenging? We'll show you the latest in snowshoe designs and discuss which boots will keep your feet warm and still give you the ankle support and edge control you need. Then, we'll put on snowshoes, grab trekking poles and go looking for deep snow, breakable crust, steeps, sidehills, brooks and logs to cross, and other fun challenges. If there's time and the snow conditions are right, we'll also play with some sliding snowshoes. Come dressed for several hours outdoors in prevailing conditions. Bring your own snowshoes if you have them (we'll have extras) and, if you have your own large backpack, load it and plan to wear it while you snowshoe. Max 10, Instructors: Tim Jones and David Shedd, Eastern Slopes
* X-Country Skiing, Beginner Class (M)
Propel yourself along snow covered terrain using skis and poles. Enjoy Lake Morey or other parts of our 1000 acre wilderness on skis! This course is for beginners to intermediate who are excited to learn technique. Max 10, Instructor: Bonna Wieler, Bold Paths
* X-Country Skiing, Intermediate Class (M/D)
For experienced skiers, with weather, dirt road and snow conditions guiding our adventure, we plan to drive/carpool to a groomed ski area with classic tracks and wide/skate-able trails. You should be able to go up and down hills under control. Max 10. Instructor: Bonna Wieler, Bold Paths
* Traditional Ice Skating at Lake Morey Resort- The Lake Morey Resort maintains the longest skating trail in the United States, a 4.5-mile loop around the lake. It’s an amazing experience that’s not to be missed! We'll carpool down to the resort for some good old fashion skating fun, complete with hot chocolate to warm you in between laps! Bring your own ice skates or your can rent a pair at the resort for $15.
* Vinyasa Yoga - Early Bird and Late Afternoon Sessions
Vinyasa Yoga cultivates a deep mind and body awareness through the combination of movement in the body connected with conscious breathing. This practice provides strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and the ability to focus. Vinyasa Yoga is a mindful practice that opens one up to a meditative state of being and a beautiful connection with the body, mind and spirit. We will combine conscious breathing with methodical movements, focused on alignment. Moving the body with the breath facilitates a meditative state in which the mind, the body and the spirit are interconnected and communicating with each other freely. It is in this deep meditative state where we are able to hear what our body is telling us, recognize problems within our own mind/thinking, problem solve efficiently and effortlessly, and gain incredible insight and wisdom from our own selves, from our own truth - our spirit. All this while opening and strengthening the physical body and bringing focus and clarity to our often over stimulated minds. Instructor: Naomi Gariepy
THE ARTS and HOMESTEADING SKILLS
* Basket Weaving (Introduction to Basket Weaving) (E)
Learn to weave a simple basket. Basket weaving is fun, practical and a great way to exercise your creative side. Caution: basket weaving is addicting and you may never clean your house or cook another meal again! Max 8, Instructor: Johanna Laggis
* Introduction to Crochet (E)
A great introduction into this relaxing and practical craft. All materials will be supplied. Crochet a hat in a weekend. This class will include basic stitches and materials for making and completing your own hat. No previous experience necessary. Not interested in making a hat? Try your hand at a flat project. Some ideas include: dish cloth, potholder, trivet. Max 10, Instructor: Meridy Capella - Evergreen Alterations
* Introduction to Needle Felting (E)
Needle felting is a process which uses barbed needles to interlock wool fibers to form a more condensed material. This can be anything from a 3 dimensional animal or a flat picture. For the “not-so-artsy” cookie cutters can be used to get a general shape…or you can implement watercolor techniques. Any age can do this craft, it’s absolutely addicting. Come and give it try! No two projects will be the same! Obviously, anyone with a wool allergy need not join in…sorry. All materials will be supplied.Max 10, Instructor: Meridy Capella - Evergreen Alterations. >> Examples of needle felting
* Making Beeswax Wraps and Lotions Bars
Beeswax is a natural substance generated and secreted by honey bees. It also have many applications, all of them healing, useful and magical! In this course we'll learn two uses for beeswax - creating food wraps and lotions bars. Looking for a way to stop using plastic wraps and bags for storing food? Using cotton cloth, beeswax, pine resin and jojoba oil we'll create re-usable wraps that are not only great for the environment and keeping plastic off our planet, they are also antimicrobial and super cute! For our winter lotion bars we'll use beeswax, coca butter and coconut oil to create a lotion bar that will save your winter skin! Instructor: April Judd
Tree Spirit Multi-Media Painting
Take home your own unique Tree Spirit/Green Man/ Mother Earth! Hand painted using sculpting materials, acrylic paint and material from nature gathered in class Each participant will be supplied with a precut pine base with all the materials. Max 5 - Instructor: Janice Decooman
Learn to weave a simple basket. Basket weaving is fun, practical and a great way to exercise your creative side. Caution: basket weaving is addicting and you may never clean your house or cook another meal again! Max 8, Instructor: Johanna Laggis
* Introduction to Crochet (E)
A great introduction into this relaxing and practical craft. All materials will be supplied. Crochet a hat in a weekend. This class will include basic stitches and materials for making and completing your own hat. No previous experience necessary. Not interested in making a hat? Try your hand at a flat project. Some ideas include: dish cloth, potholder, trivet. Max 10, Instructor: Meridy Capella - Evergreen Alterations
* Introduction to Needle Felting (E)
Needle felting is a process which uses barbed needles to interlock wool fibers to form a more condensed material. This can be anything from a 3 dimensional animal or a flat picture. For the “not-so-artsy” cookie cutters can be used to get a general shape…or you can implement watercolor techniques. Any age can do this craft, it’s absolutely addicting. Come and give it try! No two projects will be the same! Obviously, anyone with a wool allergy need not join in…sorry. All materials will be supplied.Max 10, Instructor: Meridy Capella - Evergreen Alterations. >> Examples of needle felting
* Making Beeswax Wraps and Lotions Bars
Beeswax is a natural substance generated and secreted by honey bees. It also have many applications, all of them healing, useful and magical! In this course we'll learn two uses for beeswax - creating food wraps and lotions bars. Looking for a way to stop using plastic wraps and bags for storing food? Using cotton cloth, beeswax, pine resin and jojoba oil we'll create re-usable wraps that are not only great for the environment and keeping plastic off our planet, they are also antimicrobial and super cute! For our winter lotion bars we'll use beeswax, coca butter and coconut oil to create a lotion bar that will save your winter skin! Instructor: April Judd
Tree Spirit Multi-Media Painting
Take home your own unique Tree Spirit/Green Man/ Mother Earth! Hand painted using sculpting materials, acrylic paint and material from nature gathered in class Each participant will be supplied with a precut pine base with all the materials. Max 5 - Instructor: Janice Decooman