Build Skills for the Great Outdoors This Spring

Posted on by Andy Brown

A Kalamazoo College department is expanding its offerings to help the greater community build skills that are convenient for the great outdoors.

The College’s Outdoor Programs team launched the Outdoor Leadership Training Center (OLTC) in January, providing public in-person community courses, workshops and certifications for every level of expertise in outdoor education, wilderness medicine, first aid and CPR/defibrillator (AED) training.

Opportunities are expanding this spring to include new workshops:

  • A backpacking series beginning with free leave-no-trace instruction on March 26. Courses will continue in April with how to pack a hiking pack, layering techniques, backpacking stoves, cooking, water purification, map and compass navigation, first aid, shelter building and trip planning, ranging from $35 to $70 per class.
  • A climbing series that will cover climbing anchor principles (May 16), natural anchor building (May 17) and a skills test (May 18), ranging from $35 to $150 per class. Register for all three as a package for $225, a discount of $30 over signing up separately.
  • A mountain biking clinic available May 25 or July 5 at Maple Hill Trail for $150. Expert trainers will lead riders of all experience levels, covering fundamental techniques such as braking, cornering and shifting, along with advanced skills such as climbing, descending and line selection. Bikes and helmets can be provided when they’re needed.

Sign up for any of these programs at the Outdoor Programs website. Its representatives also are accepting suggestions for future offerings through email at outdoor.programs@kzoo.edu.

“The Outdoor Leadership Training Center is here to provide the community with a fun, safe and welcoming space to learn essential outdoor skills,” OLTC Training Coordinator Hannah Wolfe said. “As a new resource in the area, we’re filling a need for accessible, hands-on training that helps people connect with nature while staying safe. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to explore the outdoors with confidence or someone looking to refine your wilderness skills, we’ve got something for you. Our courses are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families, educators or anyone wanting to prepare for any outdoor adventure. We love helping people of all backgrounds gain the confidence to enjoy the outdoors and discover new skills along the way.”

The Outdoor Leadership Training Center helps participants in a wilderness first aid course with more outdoors training coming available
The Outdoor Leadership Training Center at Kalamazoo College in January provided new public in-person community courses, workshops and certifications for every level of expertise in outdoor education, wilderness medicine, first aid and CPR/defibrillator (AED) training. Additional courses for all levels of expertise will be available this spring.