NOC Scout Experiences by Charles Conner

W S

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center, recognized as "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure and "One of the Best Places to Learn" by Outside magazine, now offers over a dozen scouting-specific programs. These comprehensive programs are hosted at NOC's Nantahala River campus, with on-site lodging, dining and activity options including whitewater rafting, zip line tours and wilderness survival instruction. NOC Scout Experience programs help participating students achieve official Boy Scouts of America merit badges, interest projects and leadership certifications. Scout's learn from NOC's professional paddlesports and wilderness survival instructors at the Southeast's most popular outdoor destination. For more information about NOC's Scout Experiences, contact NOC Group Sales at 888.354.6340 or visit www.noc.com/boyscouts.

Full-Day Programs

Page

Kayaking

Learn basic skills, maneuvers, and safety of flatwater kayaking from the best instructors in the outdoor industry. Focused on team-building and having fun, this kayaking course teaches the fundamentals for beginner kayaking.

1-2

Canoeing

Learn the basic skills, equipment, and safety practices of flatwater canoeing, while focusing on team building and fun.

3-4

Orienteering

Master a key skill for navigation and safety in wilderness environments: orienteering. Paired with fun games and puzzles, this educational course will teach scouts how to interpret topography, use a compass and more.

5-6

Friction Fire & Useful Plants

Learn how to build a fire from scratch and take an afternoon tour identifying useful flora, gaining two essential survival skills.

7-8

E S

Multiday Programs

Page

Survival Trek Weekend

This four-day high adventure survival trek teaches vital survival skills including shelter making, trapping, Leave No Trace principles and much more.

9-10

Environmental Studies

Explore the upland forest environment and streamside ecology surrounding the Nantahala River while learning to identify native plants and animals in both aqautic and terrestrial environments.

11-12

Scouting Essentials

Learn the fundamental skills of being a responsible and safe scout in the wilderness. This course focuses on practical skills, teamwork, and fun.

13-14

Wilderness Survival Skills

Focused on all things survival, this course prepares scouts with advanced knife skills, water purification skills, signaling and more.

15-16

Whitewater

From flatwater to whitewater, this course teaches whitewater paddling techniques, river safety, whitewater scouting and more. Learn from the best instructors in the outdoor industry and have a blast.

17-18

Backcountry Skills & Intro to Orienteering

Learn skills necessary for long-term backcountry survival. Topics learned in this course include advanced knot-tying, emergency preparedness, and more.

19-20

Cold Weather Survival

Cold weather brings challenging situations. This courses teaches scouts how to thrive even in severe weather situations.

21-22

Mountain Biking

Hit the trails for a fun program promoting proper mountain biking technique, safety and equipment. Complete the majority of the Cycling Merit Badge during this course.

23-24

Add-On Programs

Page

Orienteering Half Day • Making a Sure-Fire Campfire • Fly Fishing • Native American Traditions Introduction to Wilderness Survival • Primitive Stone Art • Mammals of North Carolina

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Kayaking Learn to kayak from the pros at NOC's Paddling School. In this one-day program scouts learn the basics of flatwater kayaking and earn the BSA Kayaking merit badge. After completing the program scouts will be able to recognize and manage risks associated with kayaking, name and explain essential kayaking gear and equipment, describe diﬀerent types of kayaks and kayaking and perform essential strokes, maneuvers and rescues. Aside from learning new skills and enjoying the company of the other students, paddlers get to enjoy the health benefits of active outdoor recreation and the experience of paddling one of Western North Carolina's scenic mountain lakes.

Skills and Certifications • Kayaking Badge

• Basic rescues and wet exit

• Kayaking strokes and maneuvers

• Kayak storage and maintenance

• Knowledge of essential gear and equipment

• Hazard recognition and avoidance

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: No open enrollment courses Available Dates: April to October (call to schedule) Price: $90 per person* Prerequisites: BSA Swim Test Group Size: 6+ Ages: 13 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a one-day course. The course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm on the scheduled day. Food and lodging are not included in the cost of the course. NOC provides a range of lodging options including affordable platform tents and complementary use of our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp (contingent on availability). Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Morning Session: • Introductions and outfitting. The group convenes at NOC's Paddling School and gears up for the day. This includes a formal introduction to kayaking gear and equipment and issuance of all necessary equipment to participants. Discuss proper storage and care of kayaks. • Transport to the Lake. Participants learn to load and secure boats and equipment. Discuss diﬀerent types of kayaking and review common hazards encountered by kayakers. • At Lake: Review BSA Safety Afloat policy. Recap kayaking equipment and parts of a kayak and introduce special safety gear: signals, sponges and throw bags. Discuss and practice kayaking-related knots. • Eat Lunch: Lunch can be provided by NOC for a small per person fee, or the troop may choose to bring its own lunch. Afternoon Session: • Practice basic rescues. Scouts learn to execute basic rescues of swamped and capsized boats and to perform wet exits and kayak-over-kayak rescues. • Scouts spend the majority of the afternoon learning kayaking strokes and maneuvers. After learning, participants practice the skills in increasingly complex challenges. Strokes include forward strokes, back strokes, sweeps and draws. Maneuvers include spinning/turning, straight line paddling, moving sideways, stopping the kayak and paddling a buoyed course. • Undergo formal evaluation of skills and demonstrate mastery of required badge skills.

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Canoeing Learn to canoe at Nantahala Outdoor Center, ranked "One of the Best Places to Learn" by Outside magazine. In this one-day program scouts learn the basics of flatwater canoeing, including first-aid, safety equipment, canoe skills and maneuvers, canoe loading and moving, hazard recognition, and canoe design. The course is designed to be a fun, team-building experience that also delivers the BSA Canoeing merit badge. Professional NOC Paddling School instructors teach perfect fundamentals, and classes take place on a scenic mountain lake here in Western North Carolina.

Skills and Certifications • Canoeing Badge

• Basic rescues and salvaging swamped boats

• Canoeing strokes and maneuvers

• Loading and securing equipment

• Knowledge of essential gear and equipment

• Hazard recognition and avoidence

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a one-day course. The course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm on the scheduled day. Food and lodging are not included in the cost of the course. NOC provides a range of lodging options including affordable platform tents and complementary use of our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp (contingent on availability). Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Morning Session: • Introductions and outfitting. The group convenes at NOC's Paddling School and gears up for the day. This includes a formal introduction to canoeing gear and equipment and issuance of all necessary equipment to participants. • Transport to the Lake. Participants learn to load and secure boats and equipment. Discuss diﬀerent types of canoeing and the impact of weather on the way to the lake. • At Lake: Review BSA Safety Afloat policy. Recap canoeing equipment and parts of the canoe. Discuss and practice canoeing-related knots and use knots to secure loads in the canoes. • Eat Lunch: Lunch can be provided by NOC for a small per person fee, or the troop may choose to bring its own lunch. Afternoon Session: • Practice basic rescues. Scouts learn to execute basic rescues of swamped and capsized boats. • Learn and practice basic canoeing skills. Scouts learn to kneel and sit properly in the canoe and spend the afternoon learning canoeing strokes and maneuvers. After learning, participants practice the skills in increasingly complex challenges. Strokes include forward strokes, back strokes, J-strokes, sweeps, draws and pushaways. Maneuvers include spinning/turning, straight line paddling, moving sideways and stopping the canoe. • Practice tandem paddling, switching paddling positions and sides. • Undergo formal evaluation of skills and demonstrate mastery of required badge skills.

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Orienteering Traveling wilderness areas with a map and compass is one of the hallmark skills of the advanced outdoor adventurer. Mastery of orienteering enables backcountry explorers to experience vast trail-free spaces and to find themselves if they ever get lost. However, orienteering oﬀers more than an important safety skill, it's also a fun, engaging activity for the mind and body. This one-day course teaches scouts the basics of orienteering: interpreting topographical maps, compass use, pace counting, vocabulary and concepts. The course ends with field challenges and puzzles that scouts will love solving.

Skills and Certifications • Orienteering Badge

• Negotiation of orienteering courses

• Use of topographical maps

• Design of orienteering courses

• Use of compass • Pace counting and distance estimation

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: No open enrollment courses Available Dates: (for groups of 10+): April to October Price: $60 per person* Prerequisites: None Group Size: 10 to 20 Ages: 13 to 18

Call us at 888.354.6340

* up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a one-day course. The course runs from 8:00am to 5:00pm on the scheduled day. Food and lodging are not included in the cost of the course. NOC provides a range of lodging options including affordable platform tents and complementary use of our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp (contingent on availability). Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Morning Session: Concepts and Fundamentals (indoor exercises) • Learn to interpret topographical maps, including terrain features, symbols, scale and contour lines. Explain Orienteering vocabulary and important concepts. • Learn compass use, declination and how to align with map. • Leave classroom and perform pace-counting exercise to measure scouts pace length. Discuss uses of pace counting in orienteering exercises. Afternoon Session: Application and Practice • Learn to set up orienteering courses. Scout groups will set up two courses of diﬀering length and complexity. Scouts will then oﬃciate as other groups attempt to navigate each course. • Scout groups complete three orienteering events and then perform a written assessment of their group's route, decisions and successes/mistakes. At the end of the day discuss these reports with instructors and fellow scouts.

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Friction Fire & Useful Plants Ever rub two sticks together to try to make fire and it didn't work? Come and learn from primitive skills experts and create fire from wild-collected materials! Learn all of the details about bow drill and hand drill techniques. Take to the trail with a master naturalist and study the incredible plant diversity of our area, focusing on fire making and other survival needs.

Skills and Certifications • Firem’n Chit Certification • Build a bow drill kit from scratch • Identify and prepare sure-fire tender

• Identify seasonal plants that are good for fire, rope making, food and more • Practice with bow drill and hand drill to create fire

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: June 1, August 24, September 28 Available Dates (for groups of 10+): April to October Price: $60 per person* Prerequisites: Totin’ Chip Group Size: 10 to 20 Ages: 11 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Survival Trek Learn vital wilderness survival skills during a two-day workshop and then use them on a two-day survival expedition. This class is challenging and includes an eight mile flatwater paddle trip in canoes or kayaks. Spend the night under an improvised shelter, find wild foods and learn to catch fish. This offers high adventure, teamwork and character building—the foundations on which Scouting was built.

Skills and Certifications • Wilderness Survival Badge

• Shelter making

• Canoeing or Flatwater Kayaking Badge

• Trapping

• Canoeing/Kayaking strokes and maneuvers

• Water purification

• Knowledge of essential paddling gear and equipment

• Advanced knife skills

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: None Available Dates (for groups of 10+): April to October Price: $450 per person* Prerequisites: Totin’ Chip, Firem’n Chit Group Size: 10 to 20 Ages: 13 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a four-day course that consists of a two-day survival skills workshop and a two-day survival expedition. These four days can take place consecutively or be separated. Exact dates and times are set by individual groups and will show on your confirmation. Speak with your NOC Scout Experience planner about trip logistics. Day 1: Introduction to Survival, including survival psychology, knife skills, shelter building, water and fire Morning Session: • Hike to Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp • Learn about tools: knife craft/safety and knot tying • Learn about shelters and construct one for the night Afternoon Session: • Learn about water collection, purification techniques and equipment • Practice starting a fire with flint and steel and see demonstrations of other methods • Learn about tinder, kindling and fuel selection Take the Firewood Challenge! Evening Session: • Stay overnight in improvised shelters • Campfire time with S’mores

Day 3: Canoe/Kayak Trip Survival Challenge Morning Session: • Discuss principles of canoe/kayak travel • Learn canoe and kayak techniques • Load gear into boats at base of Wesser Falls • Tour lake islands Afternoon Session: • Boats will be capsized and Scouts demonstrate techniques of emptying and righting boats • Group will participate in an overnight stay with reduced gear. • This overnight will be pre-arranged with group leaders in order to discuss what to bring and what not to bring. Evening Session: • Camp overnight on an island • Scouts work as a team to keep fire going all night for warmth and signaling (firewood will be pre-stocked on the island)

Day 2: Leave No Trace Ethics; Plants for food and health; Simple animal traps and tracking Morning Session: • Pack up campsite, learning about and practicing Leave No Trace ethics • Refresher on backpacking skills • Go on edible and medicinal plant identification walk with a master naturalist • Study mammal tracking and trapping • Learn to set up a small deadfall trap Afternoon Session: • Learn techniques of signaling for help if lost or injured, including how to attract attention from rescuers • Learn navigation with map and compass and try out aidless navigation techniques • Stock a survival kit

Day 4: Living off the land, fishing, trapping and group rescue Morning Session: • Search for food with NOC staﬀ instructor • Learn about and try primitive fishing methods Afternoon Session: • Use signaling techniques to get rescued by Smoky Mountain Jet Boats • Closing ceremony and certificates of completion

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Environmental Study Weekend Get back to nature with NOC’s expert instructors and learn about our amazing environment. Scouts are guided through the requirements of the Nature and Environmental Science merit badges. Explore an upland forest environment and streamside ecology along the beautiful Nantahala River. This unique location creates a rich learning environment for the aspiring naturalist/scientist. Prerequisite: Scouts must be BSA Swimmers, having passed the BSA Swim Test within the last 12 months.

Skills and Certifications • Environmental Science Badge

• Collect data for important research

• Some requirements for Nature Badge

• Participate in a river cleanup

• Identify native animal and plant species

• Learn about environmental issues, problems and solutions

• Investigate aquatic and terrestrial environments

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: July 19-21, August 16-18 Available Dates (for groups of 10+): April to October Price: $140 per person* Prerequisites: BSA Swim Test in the Last 12 Months Group Size: 10 to 24 Ages: 11 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a three-day course. The course will run from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Friday and Saturday and from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday. Food and lodging are not included in the cost of this course; however, groups will be allowed to camp at our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp with advanced notice. Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Day 1: Measuring Biodiversity Morning Session: • Divide into small groups and search for, identify, count and record findings within a designated grid. This will include insects, worms, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, fungi, plants and trees. • Compare their data with that of other groups Afternoon Session: • Change into swim wear and go to an aquatic study area • Conduct aquatic studies of benthic insects, fish and other organisms in observation grids. Data is recorded and compared. • Discuss environmental issues such as pollution, water use by humans along with other problems and their potential solutions Evening Session: • Write up the results of today’s studies. Day 2: Further experiments in Environmental Science Morning Session: • Work on further tasks required for badges • Change into swimwear and participate in a river clean-up project on the Nantahala Afternoon Session: • Wrap-up discuss of career opportunities in the field Day 3: Return to study areas to complete observations Morning Session: • Return to forest plots to collect data again and compare to previous data Afternoon Session: • Change into swimwear and return to the river study area to collect data again • Compare today’s collections to that of previous data • Closing ceremony with certificates of completion • Follow up at home by picking a specific Environmental Science career, researching it and giving a report on it at the next scout troop meeting

*In order to complete the requirements for the Nature Badge, scouts must complete a few long term projects at home including keeping/hatching insects and setting out a feeder, house or bath for birds. Observations should be recorded over time.

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Scouting Essentials Every Scout should have the skills to be a competent outdoorsman. This class teaches important foundation skills. While this class is recommended for new Scouts, it can also be useful to veterans. Learn how to dress for any weather, pack and wear a backpack, safely manage a campfire, pitch a tarp or tent and the safe use of knives and woodworking tools. Learn what to do if lost in the woods and how to prevent getting lost in the first place! There is an emphasis on practical skills, teamwork, fun and the fundamentals of being a good Scout.

Skills and Certifications • Totin’ Chip Certification

• Firemaking

• Firem’n Chit Certification

• Leave No Trace ethics

• Camping and shelter

• Safety and basic first aid

• Preparing for the outdoors

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: April 20-21, May 25-26, October 19-20 Available Dates (for groups of 10+): April to October Price: $95 per person* Prerequisites: None Group Size: 10 to 24 Ages: 11 to 14 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This course begins at 9:00am on Saturday and runs until 11:00am Sunday. Food and lodging are not included in the cost of this course; however, groups will be allowed to camp at our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp with advanced notice. Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Day 1: Introduction to the outdoors; Keeping warm and dry (or cool and wet); Survival kits; Organizing camp site and camp skills Morning Session: • “Dress for success” in hot and cold environments; Discuss a variety of clothing materials and how they work • Participate in fun games that will teach the concepts of insulation, conduction and radiation • Learn how to pack a backpack and keep contents dry • Learn to build a basic survival kit that will help make a signal fire Afternoon Session • Hike to Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp – packing in all food and water needed for overnight stay • Learn the importance of Leave No Trace ethics • Study the possible dangers in our area (snakes, dead wood, ticks, insects, bears, etc.) • Learn how to select a campsite, put up tents and tarps and the priorities of food and water • Learn the basics of fire-making and safely tending a fire (collect all firewood needed for the evening) • Learn basic knife and hatchet skills (safety and how to carve and split wood) Evening Session: • Learn first aid essentials • Practice camp cooking Day 2: How to pack up and leave a campsite. Morning Only: • Review the essentials of putting a fire out completely, making it safe then clearing a campsite in accordance with Leave No Trace ethics • Closing ceremony and certificate of completion

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Wilderness Survival Skills This class covers the basics of survival in the outdoors. Whether you find yourself lost in the backcountry or just want to be more at home in nature, you will have the opportunity to grow as an outdoorsman. In an emergency, the first 72 hours are crucial for survival. Learn what to do and how to do it with our trained instructors. This class covers all of the basic needs: shelter, fire making, acquiring safe water and wild foods, oﬀ-trail navigation and rescue signaling. Recognize and utilize the resources available to you and improve your situation.

Skills and Certifications • Wilderness Survival Badge

• Flint and steel fire making

• Advanced knife skills

• Signaling

• Water purification

• Trapping

• Shelter making

• Identification of wild edible plants

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: June 1-2, July 13-14, August 24-25 Available Dates (for groups of 10+): April to October Price: $95 per person* Prerequisites: Totin' Chip Group Size: 10 to 20 Ages: 13 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a two-day course that runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday. Food is not included in the cost of this course; groups may camp at our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp. Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Day 1: Survival philosophy and human needs Morning Session: • Review survival philosophy and discuss basic human needs • Hike to Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp • Build a survival shelter good for subfreezing weather using natural materials • Learn about safe drinking water in the wilderness Afternoon Session: • Practice fire making using several methods • Learn about tinder, kindling and fuel • Set up a fire that will start without fail Day 2: Wild foods and plants; Basic orienteering Morning Session: • Take a wild foods/useful plants hike with a master naturalist • Learn hands-on methods of emergency signaling Afternoon Session: • Study basic map and compass orienteering and navigation when there is no equipment • Discussion of available information resources • Closing ceremony with certificates of completion

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Whitewater Enjoy the rush of whitewater! Learn to paddle with the country's largest whitewater paddling school and earn the BSA Whitewater merit badge. This two-day program includes one day of whitewater training and a second day of practical experience—completing a real whitewater paddling trip. Scouts learn hazard identification and avoidance, trip planning, rapid scouting, river signals, whitewater skills and maneuvers, safety equipment and the basic dynamics of whitewater rivers. Note: This course requires participants to have a BSA Canoeing or Kayaking merit badge.

Skills and Certifications • Whitewater Badge

•River signals

• Whitewater paddling techniques and maneuvers

• Hazard recognition and avoidance

• Knowledge of International Scale of River Diﬃculty •Plan and complete a whitewater river trip • Basic whitewater rescues, scouting and portaging

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: April 27-28, May 11-12, September 14-15, October 12-13 Available Dates: April to October (call to schedule) Price: $125 per person* Prerequisites: BSA Canoeing or Kayaking Badge Group Size: 4+ (per class) Ages: 13 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a two-day course that runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm both Saturday and Sunday. Food and lodging are not included in the cost of this course; however, groups will be allowed to camp at our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp with advanced notice. Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Day One: Morning Session: Information and Outfitting • Review informational requirements for badge achievement. This includes discussion of common whitewater paddling injuries and first aid, the BSA Safety Afloat policy and the American Whitewater safety guidelines, the importance of scouting rapids and using good judgement, river signals and communication, whitewater concepts and whitewater-specific vocabulary. • Group outfitting: instructors select appropriate and properly-sized equipment for all participants. Scouts review proper sizing of boats and paddles (covered in Canoeing or Kayaking badge program) and learn about features and functions of whitewater-specific gear. • Drive to an easy, introductory venue for learning and practice of whitewater maneuvers and skills. • Eat Lunch: Lunch can be provided by NOC for a small per person fee, or the troop may choose to bring its own lunch. Afternoon Session: • Review whitewater terms and concepts. • Practice self-rescue in basic moving water including wet exit, throw rope rescues and dealing with capsized boats. Demonstrate portaging and review when to portage. • Learn and practice whitewater paddling skills including: launching and landing, forward and backwards paddling, upstream and downstream ferries, eddy turns and peel outs. • Evening Independent Work: Prepare written plan for a whitewater trip, specifying route, schedule, equipment, safety precautions and emergency procedures. Guidebook resources provided by NOC. Day Two: Morning Session: • Scouts submit written whitewater trip plans for discussion and comparison to instruction plan for the day's whitewater trip. Group discusses and reviews trip execution and trip planning. • Group heads to put-in for whitewater paddling trip. Instructors demonstrate how to set shuttle. • Group embarks on whitewater paddling trip. During the trip instructors perform formal evaluation of scouts' abilities to reform required maneuvers and use good judgement. On trip scouts must demonstrate mastery of required badge skills. • Group returns to NOC and properly cleans and stores whitewater gear and equipment.

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Backcountry Skills & Intro to Orienteering In this action-packed weekend, learn skills our forefathers knew. Our instructors guide you through the skills needed for long-term wilderness living, starting with orienteering and essential route finding skills. Explore in detail how settlers built their homesteads using ropes, pulleys, ingenuity and mechanical advantage. Become proficient in knot tying, splicing, lashing, knife and hatchet skills and use them to build a functional bridge across a ravine. We’ll cover emergency preparedness for long and short term survival. This class is intended for scouts who have completed the Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b and the First Class requirements 7a, 7b and 8a (knot tying chapters). Participants must have earned their Totin’ Chip.

Skills and Certifications • Pioneering Badge • Orienteering Badge Part I (to complete this badge, we can include a 4-hour add-on program)

• Advanced knot-tying skills • Lashing and splicing

• Moving large, heavy objects using poles, ropes, pulleys, etc. • Emergency preparedness in “civilization” and backcountry • Construction of simple bridges and other structures

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: May 18-19, October 5-6

Group Size: 10 to 20

Available Dates (for groups of 10+): April to October

Ages: 13 to 18

Price: $95 per person* Prerequisites: Tenderfoot and First-Class knot requirements, Totin' Chip * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This is a two-day course that runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday. Food and lodging are not included in the cost of this course; however, groups will be allowed to camp at our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp with advanced notice. Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Day 1: Orienteering; Essential skills with knife, hatchet and knots Morning Session: • The basics of orienteering: features of a compass, topographical maps, geological features and route finding • Utilize skills to navigate through a field course • Knot-tying lesson Afternoon Session: • Knife and hatchet safety • Introduce pioneering tools - lashing, tripods and techniques for moving large loads • Introduce the concepts of pioneering Day 2: Building bridges and other structures • Morning Session: • Cut logs and poles • Erect bridge using ropes, tripods, pulleys, block and tackle • Build another tall structure from lashed logs and poles Afternoon Session: • Continuation of morning activities • Discuss survival essentials for backcountry and civilization, including a thought- provoking problem solving exercise • Prepare for various emergencies • Closing ceremony and certificate of completion

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Cold Weather Survival Overnight Challenge yourself by taking your survival skills education to a new level! Learn and practice specific techniques for keeping safe from dangers and meeting basic human needs in cold conditions. Learn about proper clothing, making a warm shelter, starting fire and getting safe water and food. This course will prepare you for fun and exciting winter camping trips.

Skills and Certifications • Firemaking when it’s cold, wet and/or snowy • Shelter making • Finding wild edibles in winter

• Choosing proper gear and clothing and how to improvise • Packing your backpack and emergency kit

• Preventing hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather dangers

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: March 30-31, October 26-27 Available Dates (for groups of 10+): March to October Price: $95 per person* Prerequisites: Totin’ Chip, Firem’n Chit Group Size: 10 to 20 Ages: 13 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Course Itinerary This course begins at 9:00am on Saturday and runs through 11:00am Sunday. Food is not included in the cost of this course; groups will camp at our Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp. Call an NOC Scout Experience planner to inquire about food, lodging and additional activities. Special rates on NOC activities like rafting and zip lining may be available for NOC Scout Experience groups. Day 1: Winter safety, dealing with a crisis, advanced fire and shelter skills. Morning Session: • Overview of cold weather dangers • Discussion about gear and clothing • Hike to Hemlock Ridge Primitive Camp • Hands-on lesson in cold weather fire making, with tasks and contests Afternoon Session: • Construct a shelter using natural materials • Participants may stay the night in shelters or put up tents Evening Session: • Keep fire going throughout the night Day 2: Pack up and winter wild edible walk Morning Only: • Find wild foods even in hostile winter weather • Make delicious warming herbal tea • Discussion of preparedness and thinking ahead • Closing ceremony with certificates of completion

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Mountain Biking This two-day adventure packs in fun and education for all scouts. Whether you are an expert rider or new to the sport, this program will teach the skills to repair a bike, ride challenging terrain and handle any tough situations that may occur while riding. The skills acquired in this course will complete the majority of the cycling merit badge requirements. This class is intended for scouts who have basic bicycle knowledge and bike riding skills. All participants must be able to ride a bike comfortably.

Skills and Certifications • Riding position

• Trailside repairs

• Braking

• Trail etiquette

• Cornering • Bike riding skills

Trip Information Scheduled Dates: April 6-7, May 4-5, August 10-11 Available Dates (for groups of 10+): April to October Price: $125 per person* Prerequisites: Basic Bike Riding Skills Group Size: 5 to 24 Ages: 11 to 18 * up to two scout leaders may receive a 50% discount

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Call us at 888.354.6340 Nantahala Outdoor Center

E S

Add-on Activities

All activities available from April to October for age groups 13-18. Time

Description

Group Size

Price

1pm - 5pm

Orienteering Badge ( if part 1 completed)

10 - 20

$20.00

Making a Sure-Fire Campfire 8am - 12pm or 1pm - 5pm

Making a fire that will light no matter what.

10 - 20

$20.00

Fly Fishing

8am - 12pm or 1pm - 5pm

Casting, fly choices and reading the water for trout.

8 - 14

$25.00

Native American Traditions

5pm - 7pm or 7pm - 9pm

Presentation by Cherokee speaker on culture, skills, dress and music.

10 - 20

$20.00

Introduction to Wilderness Survival

10am -12pm, 1pm - 3pm, 3pm - 5pm, or 7pm - 9pm

10 - 20

$20.00

Primitive Stone Art

10am -12pm, 1pm - 3pm, 3pm - 5pm, or 7pm - 9pm

Demonstration and discussion of basic skills and life-saving thinking: shelter, water, fire and food. Hands-on project: use several ancient stone working techniques to make a beautiful pendant to take home.

10 - 20

$20.00

Animal anatomy, classification and identification in an interactive game.

10 - 20

$20.00

Course Name

Orienteering Half Day

Mammals of North Carolina 10am -12pm, 1pm - 3pm, 3pm - 5pm, or 7pm - 9pm

two-hour program four-hour program

Call us at 888.354.6340

Nantahala Outdoor Center