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Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Recreation

Campfire Cooking Class (Level 1)

 

Campfire Cooking Class w/ Mark & Justin

Van De Graaff Park, Northport

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Gather around the fire and learn the art of outdoor cooking! This fun, hands-on class is perfect for all ages and skill levels. You'll discover how to safely prepare and cook delicious meals over a campfire, from savory treats to sweet delights, while making lasting memories. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure!

 

Skills learned and used will consist of:

  1. Fire and Meal Preparation

Choosing and caring for Outdoor Cookware

Cooking Styles: Campfire Grill, Dutch Oven, Cast Iron, Camp Stoves

 

Meals cooked will consist of:

Pork Chops, Campfire Rice, & Smore’s

March 28th, 2025

 

Hobo Meals w/ vegetables, Dump Fruit Cobbler(apple or peach)

October 17th, 2025

 

Fridays, 5p to 9p, overnight camping optional

$45 for PARA Members, $50 for Non-members

Van De Graaff Park

Min: 6 participants, deadline: week before

 

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LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

Fridays
4pm - 8pm

March 28th, 2025

October 17th, 2025

AGES

6-99

COST

$45 for members

$50 for non-members

The Gourmet Campfire Cooking Experience
(Advanced-Level 3)

The Gourmet Campfire Cooking Experience
with Mark, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist

and Justin, BSA Eagle Scout and Merit Badge Counselor
  • In the outdoors, we live like paupers and eat like kings!  These classes will feature exquisite meals cooked over primitive fire at PARA’s Van De Graaff Park.  Supplies will be provided, and we will cook and eat together by the campfire.  It will be a fun night!
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Meals cooked will consist of:

 

Filet Mignon with garlic smashed potatoes

March 29th, 2025

 

Smoked Chicken and herbs with gouda grits

October 18th, 2025

 

Saturdays 4p to 10p, overnight camping optional

$85 per participant

Van De Graaff Park

Min: 6 participants, deadline: week before

 

    •  Call for details

 

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

Saturdays
4pm - 10pm

March 29th, 2025

October 18th, 2025

AGES

18 and up

COST

$85 per participant

Wilderness & Remote First Aid
(Advanced-Level 3)

September 19th - 21st, 2025

The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid course is to provide individuals a foundation of first aid principals and skills to be able to respond to emergencies and give care in areas that do not have immediate emergency medical services(EMS) response, such as wilderness and remote environments including urban disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

Prerequisites: Must be at least 14 years old and hold current adult CPR/AED certification.  Course will be part classroom and part outdoors.  Two-year certification

Course length: 16 hours, Faucett Brothers Activity Center

Date & Time:

      • Friday, September 19th, 4p to 9p

      • Saturday, September 20th, 9a to 2p

      • Sunday, September 21st, 9a to 2p

LOCATIONS

Faucett Bros. Activity Center & Park

view map

 

AGES

16+

COST

$125per participant

Archery Outdoor Classes
Beginner and Advanced (Level 1-3)

The NASP Archery Program promotes international-style target archery as part of the school curriculum, to improve educational performance and participation in the shooting sports among students grades 4-12.

  
    • NASP ARCHERY ACADEMY: 

    • Faucett Center Archery Range on Thursdays
        • 9 am Advanced Archery
        • 10am Beginning Archery Classes
        • February: 2/06/25 - 2/27/25
        • March: 3/06/25 - 3/27/25 *no class Mar 13th

        • April: 4/03/25 - 4/24/25 

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        • 4pm Classes on Thursdays

        • *Call for details

LOCATIONS

Faucett Center Archery Range

view map

Thursdays
10am - 11am

AGES

6-99

COST

$50per month

Rock Climbing Safety
Basic Climbing Techniques & Terminology
(Level 1)

Indoor Rock-Climbing Classes here on Tuesdays at10am.  Don't worry about the cold, it's all indoors!  The class meets at our base camp at the Faucett Center Belay Tower.  Here we hone our skills in basic climbing techniques, the three golden rules for climbing, and proper terminology used to scale the wall.  It is fun, exciting, and a great workout for anyone!  No equipment or previous experience necessary, we got you covered.

 

    • Indoor Climbing Class 2025: 

    • Faucett Center Belay Tower
        • 10am Classes on Tuesdays
          February: 2/04/25 - 2/25/25
        • March: 3/04/25 - 3/25/25 *no class Mar 11th

        • April: 4/01/25 - 11/26/24

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LOCATIONS

Faucett Center            Belay Tower

view map

Tuesdays
10am - 11am

AGES

7-99

COST

 

$50 per month

Canoeing & Water Safety
Open-Water Environments & Small Watercraft
(Level 1)

This class is developed to teach water safety guidelines for open-water environments while using small watercraft such as a canoe, paddleboard or kayak.  We will cover: Trip Planning, Rescue Techniques, and Canoe Emergencies in deep water.  Most importantly, we will have a fun day on the lake!

 

    • Canoeing 101 Class: 
    • Lake Nicol
        • September 13th, 2025

        • 9am - 2pm

        • $42 per person

LOCATIONS

Lake Nicol

view map

September 13th, 2025
9am - 2pm

AGES

7-99

COST

 

$42 per person

Backpacking and Overnight Camping

Foundations of Camping (Level 1)

Camping Level 1: This introductory course covers the basics of camping, including how to choose a campsite, set up a tent, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Participants will also learn basic safety practices for outdoor environments. This 4-hour class is open to all with no prerequisites.

 

Camping Level 1 Packing List:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag (appropriate for the season)
  • Sleeping pad or mat
  • Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Notebook and pen
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Details:

  • Date: April 19, 2025
  • Location: Van de Graff Park

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

Half-day

AGES

14+

COST

$

Backpacking and Overnight Camping

Advanced Campcraft (Level 2)

Camping Level 2: Building on Level 1, this course introduces more advanced skills, such as campsite organization, weather preparedness, and group camping logistics. Participants will also practice using camping gear like tarps and hammocks. Duration: 6 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Hiking Level 1, Fire Building and Safety Level 1, and Camping Level 1.

 

Camping Level 2 Packing List:

  • All items from Level 1
  • Lightweight tarp or hammock (optional)
  • Camp chair or lightweight stool
  • Portable stove or cooking gear (optional)
  • Additional clothing for changing weather conditions
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Details:

  • Date: August 23, 2025
  • Location : Van de Graff Park

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Backpacking and Overnight Camping

Overnight Camping Adventure (Level 3)

  • Camping Level 3: This advanced class focuses on multi-day camping trips, including route planning, advanced gear use, and campsite troubleshooting. Participants will gain confidence in managing extended outdoor stays. Duration: Two days (overnight). Prerequisite: Completion of Hiking Level 2, Fire Building and Safety Level 2, Camp Cooking Level 2, and Camping Level 2.

     

    Camping Level 3 Packing List:

    • All items from Levels 1 and 2
    • Multi-day backpack
    • Food and snacks for extended trips
    • Map and compass or GPS device
    • First aid kit
    • Extra water or water filtration system
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  •  
  •  
  • Details:

  •          Date: November 1-2, 2025
  •  
  • Location : Van de Graff Park

 

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Camp Cooking

Basics of Camp Cooking (Level 1)

  • Camp Cooking Level 1: Participants will learn basic outdoor cooking skills, including meal planning, safe food storage, and how to cook over a campfire or portable stove. This 3-hour class is open to all with no prerequisites.

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    Camp Cooking Level 1 Packing List:
    • Cutting board
    • Knife and basic utensils
    • Small portable stove or campfire cooking tools

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    • Plate, bowl, and mug
    • Dish soap and sponge
    • Cooler with ice packs (if needed)
    • Non-perishable food items
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  • Details:

    • Date: April 12, 2025
    • Location: Van de Graff Park

 

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Camp Cooking

Fire & Dutch Oven Delights (Level 2)

Camp Cooking Level 2: In this intermediate course, participants will explore techniques for preparing multi-course meals, using a Dutch oven, and managing cooking for groups. Duration: 4 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Fire Building and Safety Level 1 and Camp Cooking Level 1.

 

Camp Cooking Level 2 Packing List:

  • All items from Level 1
  • Dutch oven (optional)
  • Seasonings and spices
  • Food storage containers
  • Larger cooler for group cooking

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Details:

  • Date: August 16, 2025
  • Location : Van de Graff Park

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Camp Cooking

Culinary Camp Challenge (Level 3)

Camp Cooking Level 3: Advanced camp cooking focuses on gourmet recipes, utilizing wild ingredients, and managing limited resources during extended outdoor trips. Duration: 6 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Fire Building and Safety Level 2 and Camp Cooking Level 2.

 

Camp Cooking Level 3 Packing List:

  • All items from Levels 1 and 2
  • Specialty cooking gear (if required by recipes)
  • Wild ingredient identification guide (optional)

 

Details:

  • Date: October 11, 2025
  • Location : Van de Graff Park

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Fire Building and Safety 

Fire Basics (Level 1)

Fire Building and Safety Level 1: Learn fire safety basics, including how to build and maintain a safe campfire, select appropriate materials, and extinguish fires responsibly. This 2-hour class is open to all with no prerequisites.

 

Fire Building and Safety Level 1 Packing List:

  • Matches or lighter
  • Fire starter materials (cotton balls, dryer lint)
  • Small sticks or kindling
  • Water bottle

 

Details:

  • Date: March 22, 2025
  • Location : Van de Graff Park

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Fire Building and Safety 

Flint & Steel Firecraft (Level 2)

Fire Building and Safety Level 2: This course focuses on advanced fire-building techniques, such as starting a fire in adverse conditions, using fire-starting tools, and maintaining long-lasting fires. Duration: 3 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Fire Building and Safety Level 1.

 

Fire Building and Safety Level 2 Packing List:

  • All items from Level 1
  • Ferrocerium rod or magnesium fire starter
  • Hatchet or small saw for gathering wood
  • Waterproof container for fire-starting tools

 

Details:

  • Date: August 9, 2025
  • Location: Van de Graff Park

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Fire Building and Safety 

Campfire Masterclass (Level 3)

Fire Building and Safety Level 3: Participants will master fire-building, including emergency fire-starting methods, alternative fuels, and fire use for cooking and warmth in survival scenarios. Duration: 4 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Fire Building and Safety Level 2.

 

Fire Building and Safety Level 3 Packing List:

  • All items from Levels 1 and 2
  • Emergency fire-starting materials
  • Additional kindling or wood (if not provided)
  • Cooking tripod or grill grate (optional)

 

Details:

  • Date: September 27, 2025
  • Location: Van de Graff Park

LOCATIONS

Van De Graaff Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Hiking and Navigation

Basics of Hiking (Level 1)

Hiking Level 1: This course introduces participants to hiking basics, including trail etiquette, map reading, and essential gear. A short-guided hike is included to reinforce skills. Duration: 3 hours. Open to all with no prerequisites.

 

Hiking Level 1 Packing List:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
  • Lightweight backpack
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Snacks (granola bars, trail mix)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers)

 

Details:

  • Date: March 8, 2025
  • Location: Buddy Powell Pavilion

LOCATIONS

Faucett Bros. Activity Center view map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Hiking and Navigation

Intermediate Trail Adventures (Level 2)

Hiking Level 2: Participants will deepen their knowledge with longer hikes, terrain navigation, and weather readiness. Additional focus is placed on pacing and group safety. Duration: 5 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Hiking Level 1.

 

Hiking Level 2 Packing List:

  • All items from Level 1
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Rain gear or poncho
  • Map and compass or GPS device

 

Details:

  • Date: August 2, 2025
  • Location: Buddy Powell Pavilion

LOCATIONS

Sokol Parkview map

AGES

14+

COST

$

Hiking and Navigation

Overnight Hiking Expedition (Level 3)

Hiking Level 3: This advanced class prepares participants for challenging hikes, including steep or rugged terrain. Participants will also practice route planning and problem-solving for emergencies. Duration: Two days (overnight). Prerequisite: Completion of Hiking Level 2, and Fire Building and Safety Level 2, Camp Cooking Level 2, and Camping Level 2.

 

Hiking Level 3 Packing List:

  • All items from Levels 1 and 2
  • Multi-day backpack
  • Sleeping bag and lightweight tent (if required)
  • Extra snacks and meals
  • Emergency whistle and first aid kit

 

Details:

  • Date: September 6-7, 2025
  • Location: TBA

 

LOCATIONS

Mount Cheaha

AGES

14+

COST

$

Wilderness Survival

Survival Basics (Level 1)

Wilderness Survival Level 1: Gain an introduction to wilderness survival, including basic shelter-building, finding water, and staying safe in the outdoors. Duration: 4 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Hiking Level 1, Fire Building and Safety Level 1, Camp Cooking Level 1 and Camping Level 1.

 

Wilderness Survival Level 1 Packing List:

  • Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Paracord (50 feet minimum)
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Notebook and pen
  • Basic first aid kit

 

Details:

  • Date: April 26, 2025
  • Location: TBA

 

LOCATIONS

TBA

AGES

14+

COST

$

Wilderness Survival

Advanced Wilderness Tactics
 (Level 2)

Wilderness Survival Level 2: This intermediate class covers advanced survival skills, such as navigation without a compass, water purification, and emergency signaling. Participants will build on the foundations learned in Level 1. Duration: 6 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of Completion of Hiking Level 2, Fire Building and Safety Level 2, Camp Cooking Level 2, Camping Level 2, and Wilderness Survival Level 1.

 

Wilderness Survival Level 2 Packing List:

  • All items from Level 1
  • Water filtration system
  • Emergency shelter (tarp, bivy sack)
  • Whistle and signal mirror
  • Compass or GPS device

 

Details:

  • Date: August 30, 2025
  • Location: TBA

LOCATIONS

TBA

AGES

14+

COST

$

Wilderness Survival

Survival Challenge Overnight (Level 3)

Wilderness Survival Level 3: Advanced Wilderness Survival prepares participants for extended survival situations, focusing on foraging, advanced shelter-building, and survival under extreme conditions. Duration: Two days (overnight). Prerequisite: Completion of Hiking Level 3, Fire Building and Safety Level 3, Camp Cooking Level 3, Camping Level 3, and Wilderness Survival Level 2.

 

Wilderness Survival Level 3 Packing List:

  • All items from Levels 1 and 2
  • Foraging guide (optional)
  • Food and snacks for extended time outdoors
  • Advanced first aid supplies
  • Extra paracord and duct tape

 

Details:

  • Date: November 15-16, 2025
  • Location: TBA

 

LOCATIONS

TBA

AGES

14+

COST

$

Mark Harrison

Director of Aquatics & Outdoor Pursuits