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Extended Educational Services > Enrichment Topics > Registration Form Revised 5/26/09

 

Yes I Can! Women in the Wilderness—
The Essentials

Having the skills to venture into the backwoods opens the door to experiences that can transform your life. Veteran outdoor guides take you through the “how-tos” to complete your first adventure. From where to go, what to take, and what to leave home, to a show-and-tell covering basic gear, pitching a tent, and cooking outdoors, you’ll get your questions answered. How do I sleep if there are bears out there? Do I have to eat freeze-dried stew? Emphasis will be given to “leave no trace” methods. Your guides are also open to leading an excursion with those interested. Register for either "Women in the Wilderness" session or save $5 when taking both.

Thurs., June 25, 6:30-9 p.m.
Oleson Center Rm. C
Instructors: Lisa Franseen & Susan Kramer Bagby
Cost: $35
Code: 10443

Yes I Can! Women in the Wilderness—Renewal
Re-treat (re tret’) 1 withdrawal to a safe place; 2 a quiet or secluded place; 3 as for contemplation. In our busy lives, it is essential for our well-being to step away and slow down, listen, and reflect. The wilderness can be a perfect place for renewal but sometimes we are unsure how to plan an experience. Lisa Franseen, veteran recreational and retreat guide, will share her experiences and provide ideas to help you create a meaningful trip of your own. Explore where to go, what to take, what to do in your “time of just being” (a.k.a. perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing), and the use of meditation, mindfulness, journaling, silence, and ritual. Class will include an earth walk. Register for either session. Save $5 when taking both. Register for either "Women in the Wilderness" session or save $5 when taking both.

Thurs., July 16, 6:30-9 p.m.
Oleson Center Rm. C
Instructor: Lisa Franseen
Cost: $35
Code: 10445

The Art and Sport of Fencing
Fencing combines fast-paced action with quick thinking, strategy, and fitness. Experience the challenge and fun in this series of workshops for beginning to beginning/intermediate level fencers. Our lead coach provides students with instruction and experience from international-level competition.

Fencing I
Gain solid foundational skills while building an understanding of the sport and its history and structure. Designed for the novice; students will learn basic foot work, skill-building drills, basic weapon use, rules and safety, along with techniques and strategies. Complete with demos and individual instruction, you will get at taste of competition by the end of the workshop. Fencing equipment is provided for beginners. Wear sweat pants and athletic shoes (flat-soled indoor soccer shoes work well).

Beginners Ages 8–12
Mon. & Wed., June 22 & 24
5-7:30 p.m.
Code: 10492

Beginners Ages 13 & Up
(includes adults)
Mon. & Wed., June 29 & July 1
5-7:30 p.m.
Code: 10493

NMC Gym
Instructor: Rebecca Schneider
Cost: $75 each section

Fencing II: Beginning/Intermediate
Are you ready for the next level? Fencing II is designed for those who have some fencing experience but want to continue to build and refine the ever important foundational skills while moving into advanced-level footwork. Instruction includes reviewing and refining technique, building strategy, and improving tactics. One-on-one time with the coach as well as sparring and drills are provided.

Beg./Intermed. Ages 8–12 
Mon. & Wed., July 13 & 15, 5-7:30 p.m.
Code: 10494

Beg./Intermed. Ages 13 & Up
(includes adults)
Mon. & Wed., July 20 & 22, 5-7:30 p.m.
Code: 10495

NMC Gym
Instructor: Rebecca Schneider
Cost: $75 each section

Fencing Practice—All Levels
Practice in a club format under the guidance of our lead coach. Participants will have opportunity to drill, spar, gain experience, and refine competitive etiquette. This session includes electric strip set-up and use.

Mon. & Wed., July 27 & 29
5-7:30 p.m., NMC Gym
Instructor: Rebecca Schnieder
Cost: $75        Code: 10496

Kayaking, Crumbcake, and Coffee
Enjoy an early morning paddle on Victoria Creek in Cedar and the south end of Lake Leelanau. Our day begins with a brief overview of paddling and a description of the area, while enjoying coffee and crumbcake. Then we begin kayaking through the meandering, unique channel and wetland area which are the headwaters of Lake Leelanau. If you enjoy birding bring your binoculars, or if you like treasure hunting, we can look for a local geocache hidden along the creek. Upon reaching the lake, we will paddle another mile or so to Solon township park where we will carpool back to Cedar. Our craft will be sit-on-top kayaks. The paddling will be relaxing, but do not mistake this for a float trip. Be prepared for the weather with raingear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and clothes that can get wet.

Sat., June 13, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Meet at the Victoria Creek Boat Launch in
downtown Cedar
(ask for directions when registering)
Instructor: Kate Fairman & Clayton Queen
Cost: $59, includes equipment
Code: 10091

Kayak the Upper Platte:
An Intermediate Experience

Take on a new adventure in paddling as you test your skills on the Upper Platte River. This section starts you in fast water right away and challenges your boat handling as you maneuver past a variety of natural obstacles. You’ll enjoy the scenery of this wild and beautiful river. Course requires that participants have prior river paddling experience, be in good physical condition, and obtain instructor permission (call Bill Queen, 995-1700).

Sun., June 14, 1-5 p.m.  
Meet at Veteran’s Park on U.S. 31 South,
4 miles east of Honor, and just west of the
Platte River State Fish Hatchery)
Instructor: Bill and Clayton Queen
Cost: $65               Code: 10092

Discover Kayaking:
Sights and Sounds of the North Boardman

Travel right through the center of Traverse City by kayak! Our trip begins at the south end of Boardman Lake, moves into the river, and winds its way to Grand Traverse Bay. You will paddle an open-top kayak and learn safe practices and the basics of handling and maneuvering in both open water and river situations. Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable around water, and possess good swimming skills. Kayak, paddle, and life jacket (PFD) provided. Dress for the weather and bring rain gear, a change of clothes, and a sack dinner. Minimum age 18 (14 if accompanied by an adult). Great for beginners as well as seasoned paddlers who want to brush up on open-water kayaking.

Sun., Aug. 23, 4-8 p.m.
Meet at Logan’s Landing Park on S. Airport Rd.
Instructors: Bill Queen & Clayton Queen
Cost: $69         Code: 10498

 

 

Fly Fishing Inland Lakes:
Landing Bass and Pan Fish

Get an overview of shoreline fishing, from site and tackle selection to fishing strategies and in-water wading skills. Learn about equipment, tackle, and rigging, and get casting instruction throughout the workshop. In the classroom, you’ll explore the ecology of fresh water pan fish and bass so you’ll understand where they are, what they eat, and how to “match the hatch”. Our fishing takes place on a private inland lake where you are sure to gain experience catching and releasing fish. Leave with a useful tool kit for practicing knot tying, and a set of flies for your next fishing outing. Limited to 10 participants. Bring a folding chair, lunch, sun screen, insect repellent, hat, and your own fly fishing equipment (some rentals available through the instructor, call 231-409-3874).

Sat., June 6, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.  
University Center Rm. 209
Instructor: David McCool
Cost: $195         Code: 10085

Recreational Trailer Towing
Whether you’re towing a travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, boat trailer, snowmobile trailer, horse trailer, or popcorn wagon, you know that trailering can be challenging as well as enjoyable. And there’s a lot to know to make it safe, efficient, and fun. Learn about lights, tires, wheel bearings, and brakes. Explore hitches—load carrying, load distributing, fifth wheel, goose neck, and sway controls. Trailer sway (fishtailing) has ten possible causes and we’ll examine them all. Some tow vehicles work better than others; compare the good with the not-so-good. And for fun, we’ll share a few on-the-road experiences.

Sat., June 20, 9 a.m.-noon
University Center Rm. 209
Instructor: Bruce Trudgen
Cost: $35          Code: 10497

Introduction to Sailing
Whether you are a first-time sailor or getting back into the sport, you’ll gain the skills you need. Section 1 covers sailing basics, safety, and sailing theory. Section 2 provides practical on-the-water experience (section 1 is required first). Course fee includes the text: Start Sailing Right.

Section 1: Sailing Basics
Learn the basics of sailing in a classroom environment. You’ll learn the terminology and theory of sailing as well as boating safety, boat design, sailing physics, tactical training, and rudimentary navigation skills. You’ll discover the world of sailing and learn about local resources and sailing programs to help “plug you in” to local sailing events.

Tues. & Thurs., July 28 & 30 
6-8 p.m., University Center Rm. 219
Instructor: Stewart McFerran
Cost: $65, includes text
Code: 10499

Section 2: On the Water Sailing Experience
Put the sailing tactics learned in session 1 into practice under the watchful eye of your instructor. You’ll learn to rig, hoist, and trim the sails. You’ll practice tacking, jibbing, reaching and close hauling, but hopefully no turtling. Dress to get wet and have fun testing your new skills in this two-hour sailing lesson. Details discussed and dates arranged in Section 1. Limit 4 per session.

Week of July 31-Aug. 7
(actual date arranged with instructor)
Instructor: Stewart McFerran
Cost: $35
Code: 10500

Recreational Tree Climbing
Climbing trees is not only for kicks, it’s a hot sport! Using arborist’s ropes and saddles, learn to ascend into the canopies safely—even how to camp there. Equipment is provided. Bring a sack lunch and drinking water. Dress for the weather with long pants and comfortable clothing and leave the part of you that’s “old enough to know better” at home! Indicate your harness (waist) size when you register: lg=36-40”; med=33-35”; sm=23-32”; kid=up to 26”.

Option 1: Sat., Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Code: 10501

Option 2: Sun., Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Code: 10502

Meet at Cedar Lake boat launch
(off Cedar Run Road)
Instructor: Dick Flowers
Cost: $49 each option (includes manual)

Backpacking I
Joint offering with the Physical Education Area. This course designed for novice backpackers includes basic backpacking skills, selecting of equipment, food planning and preparation, map and compass navigation, backcountry first aid, and minimal-impact camping.

Sat. & Sun., June 20 & 21 
Orientation: Tues., June 16, 7-10 p.m.
Phys. Ed. Rm. 202
Instructor: Keith Tampa
Call 995-1198 for course details
Cost: $214           Code: 10321

Canoeing I
Joint offering with the Physical Education Department. Instruction in various techniques of canoeing will be introduced in flat water. Wilderness travel by canoe will also be discussed. Two one-day trips are planned. Canoes are provided.

Sat. & Sun., June 27 & 28
Orientation: Tues., June 23, 7-10 p.m.
Phys. Ed. Rm. 202
Instructor: Pete LaCourse
Call 995-1198 for course details
Cost: $224          Code: 10322