Rec 1204:
Outdoor Skills II
Spring Semester, 2007
2 credits

Ken's Home Assignments: #1 #2 #3 Discussion Grades Readings: *Movin' On *Backpacks *Cold Injuries *Cold Feet *No Word for Luck *Winter Tips *WinterCooking *Winter Camping Skill List *Backpack Trip Skill List Equipment Lists: Winter Spring Midterm Answer Key Forms Activity Points Waiver Health Form Rainbow Lakes Group Lists Course Links: Hypothermia Video

Course Syllabus     Rec 1204  Class meeting time: Tuesdays. 2-4:30 pm  Class meeting location: SpHC 9; or, The Learning Tree (Bagley Nature Area)  Assignments: Feb. 26; March 5; April 23; May 15  Instructor: Dr. Ken Gilbertson  Phone 726-6258  Email: kgilbert@d.umn.edu  Course web url:  http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert Introduction This course is designed to introduce you to non-competitive skills which will enable you to better understand the outdoor environment. You will learn basic skills pertaining to winter and spring in addition to becoming acquainted with outdoor recreational areas in northeastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. You will be introduced to equipment which will be centered around both winter camping and backpacking themes. Sound outdoor ethics/etiquette which will benefit the outdoors and those who use it will be discussed and practiced. Finally you will have the chance to go on two weekend outings to nearby outdoor recreation areas to practice the skills you will learn. Expectations This course is intended to be the base-line for your physical skills' development as a major in outdoor education. Some of this material will be very familiar to you, while other subject matter in this course may be brand new. I have never found where a student can not gain new information - or be able to share new information - from this course. So, in the spirit of optimal learning, I want you to come to class prepared in the following ways: I expect you to: Be prepared before class. Have your readings completed before your come to class. Be dressed to be outside - no matter what the weather conditions. You need to learn how to be comfortable in the outdoors under any conditions. Think of it this way: If you are struggling with the weather conditions, how are you going to be able to attend to your students' needs? Be open to new perspectives. Practice what you have learned between class periods. This course does not focus on technical proficiency, beyond our camping trips. Still, you can not become comfortable in the outdoors unless you practice. Arrive to class on time ready to learn and to share! Course Syllabus Texts: • Burns, Bob & Mike (1996). Wilderness Navigation . The Mountaineers. Seattle, WA • Gorman, S. (1991). AMC Guide to Winter Camping: Winter Travel and Adventure in the Cold-Weather Months. Appalachian Mountain Club. Boston, MA • Curtis, R. (1998). The Backpacker's Field Manual. Three Rivers Press. New York. • Roberts, Harry (1997). Movin' On. Stonewall Press. (Click on the book title in the sidebar to access electronically.) GOALS: This course is designed to introduce you to non-competitive skills which will enable you to better understand the outdoor environment. You will learn basic skills pertaining to winter and spring in addition to becoming acquainted with outdoor recreational areas in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. You will be introduced to equipment which will be centered around both winter camping and backpacking themes. Sound outdoor ethics/etiquette which will benefit the outdoors and those who use it will be discussed and practiced. Finally you will have the opportunity to go on two weekend outings to nearby outdoor recreation areas to practice the skills you will learn. EXPECTATIONS: This course is intended to be the base-line for building your knowledge as well as developing your physical skills in outdoor recreation. Some of this material will be very familiar to you, while other subject matter in this course may be brand new.  In the spirit of optimal learning, I want you to come to class prepared in the following ways: I expect you to… Be prepared before class. Have your readings completed before you come to class. Be dressed to be outside - no matter what the weather conditions. You need to learn how to be comfortable in the outdoors under any conditions. Bring a small notebook for taking notes;  I rec’d a notebook, such as the “Write in the Rain” waterproof notebooks sold in the bookstore—you are expected to take notes on field work. IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE NOTES FOR CLASSES THAT ARE HELD BOTH INSIDE & OUTDOORS. Be open to new perspectives in performing an outdoor skill. Practice what you have learned between class periods. This course does not focus on technical proficiency, beyond our camping trips. Still, you can not become comfortable in the outdoors unless you practice. Arrive to class on time ready to learn and to share! GRADES: Attendance is very important. You are responsible for all information given both indoors and outside. After two unexcused absences there will be a drop in one full grade. The Points Given: Grading Based on % of Possible Points:  Topic Points Grade Scale  Project  40 pts. 92% = A Mid-Term 50 pts. 90% = A- Final Exam 50 pts. 82% = B  Activities (10 pts. each) 20 pts. (10 pts. ea) 80% = B- Camp Trips (30 pts. each) 60 pts. 72% = C     70% = C-     62% = D COSTS: These figures are estimates of the extra costs involved: • Food for both of the trips - $30.00 • Rental of personal gear from the Kirby Games Room (variable, depending upon need) • Fishing license & trout stamp if you choose to fish during this outing. SCHEDULE: Date Topic/(Location) Assignment Jan. 17 Introduction and goals,Winter safety/ Causes of heat loss Cold injuries; Winter clothing; Sleep Systems Paper/project assigned (SpHC 9) Readings:  Gorman p. 56-64, p. 173-180 & p. 34-40."No word for luck" & "Six ways to avoid cold feet" (both available at instructor's web site)  Hypothermia video--website  For next week: Have skis, boots, poles sized & assigned out of Kirby Games Room 23 Backcountry skiing (Bagley Nature Area) Topic Due for project assignment  Readings:  Gorman p. 24-34, 112-116, 124 O’Bannon, p. 41-58 (website) 30 Nutrition and menu planning Winter camping travel gear and use Winter camping gear & preparations (SpHC 9) Readings:  Gorman p. p. 84-93, 151-171, & p. 18-24; O’Bannon, p. 22-40 & 59-78 (website)  Work on getting personal equipment for weekend trip. Feb. 6 Group gear for winter  Meet with trip group Meet with trip leaders Finalize trip menu Final trip prep   (SpHC 9) Readings:  Gorman p. 16-22, p. 40-52  O’Bannon, p. 79-98 (website) Personal gear ready for trip. 10& 11 Winter Camping Trip to Boulder Lake Depart 7 am from Ordean Court 13 Trip Review Snowshoes & Snowshoeing Set-up drivers for dog sledding (SpHC 9 ) Readings:  Gorman p. p. 75-82, 128 Ripsaw snowshoe article (website) 21 or 23 Dog sledding - Car pooling NOTE: THIS CLASS WILL RUN 2- 5PM (meet in front of SpHC at 2pm) • Turn in Paper Assignment 28 Mid-Term Exam (SpHC 9) • Turn in 1st Activity Points   March 6 Navigation: map & compass use review (SpHC 9 and Bagley)) • Backpack Trip Planning groups assigned Readings:  Burns Chap 1-3, & Curtis p. 117-147 13 Spring Break   23 Navigation (Hartley) Readings:  Burns, Chapter 7 27 Equipment for backpacking Backpack trip planning groups assigned (SpHC 9)  Readings:  Curtis p. 12-37, & 160-164 April 3 Trip Planning for backpacking/food/hygiene (SpHC 9) Readings - Curtis p. 54- 98 10 Stream Trout Fishing: equipment, knots, flies (SpHC 9 - dress to be outside)   17 Final Backpack Trip Preparations (SpHC 9) Read Curtis p. 153-159 24 Stream Trout Fishing MEET AT 5:30AM IN FRONT OF SPHC You must attend, but are not required to fish. If you fish, you must have a MN License. April 27 - 29 Backpacking trip to Rainbow Lakes Wilderness Area, Wisconsin Depart 3 pm from Ordean Court Arrive back by 3 pm Sunday. May 1 Course Review (SpHC 9)  • Turn in 2nd Activity Points May 9 Final Written Exam (4pm- 6pm) SpHC 9 FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, May 9; 4- 6pm The final exam will be a combination of practical skills (show me that you know how to do something by doing it) and written questions. ASSIGNMENTS EXPLAINED #1: CAMP TRIPS - The 2 trips conducted during this semester are designed to give you a greater opportunity to experience the skills and outdoor areas of our region. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN BOTH OF THE TRIPS. Winter Camping Trip to Boulder Lake: February 10-11 (30 pts) This trip is designed to introduce you to winter trip preparation, planning, equipment, and actual participation. These dates are rigid! Please make your plans for the semester accordingly. Note: Use of alcohol or illegal drugs on camp-out will result in an immediate failure and expulsion from course. Backpacking Trip to Rainbow Lakes Wilderness Area: April 27 - 29 (30 pts.) This trip is designed to help you learn about overnight backpacking, wilderness areas, and spring natural history. These dates are rigid! Please make your plans for the semester accordingly. Note: Use of alcohol or illegal drugs on camp out will result in an immediate failure and expulsion from course. #2: Activity Participation (20 points) To expand your exposure to a variety of outdoor activities other than are offered through this course, you are required to attend at least 2 different outdoor events from the Outdoor Program Calendar or pre-approved off campus events. Note that there are many free outdoor calendar events, if you sign up early for them! Each is worth 10 points. These must be an activity (not a lecture) that is nature or outdoor education based. Click to print form to be handed in. #3. Project (40 points) You are to select a project to complete to enhance your understanding of winter camping or backpacking.  Your project will also serve to educate your peers.  Winter Topics: ·        Pulks for winter camping—build yourself an inexpensive winter pulk for use on our trip. ·        Winter camp food—prepare a winter camping item to share with the class prior to our trip. ·        Winter shelter—build an igloo at Bagley and present your work to the class on 1/24 or 31. ·        Winter shelter—build a quinzhee at Bagley and present to class on 1/24 or 31. ·        Outfit specific gear for the winter environment. ·        Other? Backpack Topics: ·        Drying food for the backpack kitchen ·        Essential footcare for backpacking ·        Stove repair and maintenance ·        Repairing broken equipment on the trail ·        Knife sharpening for trail use ·        Backpack repair on the trail ·        Other? With each of the above, you are required to complete the work by arrangement w/T. Beery.  Each creation will be presented in an oral presentation of approx. 10-15 minutes sharing with the class what you did, what you learned, etc. Specific guidance on outcomes will vary based on project type. Final product will be a one-page overview that includes a general description of project and a reflection on the learning—what did you learn from the process?  You must also include references. References must be accurate and from professionally produced publications or media (written, video, CD). If you use a person, they must be recognized in the field as experienced in the craft. If you use the web,  the site must be created through a professional organization (national organizations, universities, governmental). All of your references should be cited on a separate sheet of paper and in APA format.