Outdoor Skills Program at Abbey Gardens for Groups of All Ages
- Abbey Gardens
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
In a world dominated by screens and busy schedules, the beauty of nature often slips away from our daily lives. Abbey Gardens offers unique Group Outdoor Skills Programs that invite people of all ages to explore the great outdoors. Whether you are an experienced adventurer or someone just starting, these programs provide an excellent way to connect with nature and learn essential skills while building teamwork.
Let's dive into two exciting options: Nifty Navigation and Cooking on the Trail. Each program uniquely combines practical skills, interactive learning, and opportunities for group bonding.
Nifty Navigation
Overview
The Nifty Navigation program is a hands-on, game-based course lasting five hours. It is designed to help participants gain confidence in navigating outdoors. This course covers the basics of compass use, map reading, and real-world navigation scenarios, making it ideal for anyone eager to learn practical outdoor skills.
The session starts indoors with an introduction to compass basics, allowing participants to become familiar with essential navigation tools before heading outside.
Once outside, participants engage in a photo orienteering exercise. In this activity, they work in pairs, using a compass to find locations where specific photos were taken. This collaborative approach encourages teamwork and enhances critical thinking.
Next, participants take part in a Blind Walk exercise, which highlights the importance of closely following a bearing. As they walk with eyes closed, they must rely on their team to give directions, fostering trust and teamwork.
Finally, the course concludes with a Point-to-Point Compass Course – a fun mini-challenge to apply newly acquired skills. A surprising twist awaits during a spring hike involving a survival scenario where participants must respond to unexpected challenges using their compass and map-reading skills. This experience emphasizes outdoor safety and teamwork.
What to Bring
Participants should bring a packed lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Staying hydrated is vital for making the most of the day.
Leaders will facilitate activities at no extra charge, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
Cooking on the Trail
Overview
The Cooking on the Trail program invites participants to explore outdoor cooking techniques while tying knots and learning about nature. Spanning five hours, this program begins indoors with lessons on fire safety and food preparation, preparing participants for an adventurous outdoor experience.
When outside, the focus is on building fires with a stick stove. Participants learn vital safety protocols and get hands-on practice, a must-have skill for safe outdoor cooking.
As they hike, everyone has a chance to identify various wildlife signs, tree species, and notable plant properties. For example, participants often spot animal tracks and learn the differences between pine and oak trees, enriching their outdoor knowledge.
Knot tying and tarp shelter setup are additional critical skills taught during this program. Participants practice creating different knots to secure their shelters, understanding their importance in outdoor safety.
The cooking experience includes various options, such as:
Hot Chocolate: Participants can bring their own snacks and enjoy adding teamwork to making hot chocolate over the fire.
Bannock: Attendees prepare and cook this traditional bread with provided ingredients, guided by a simple recipe.
One Pot Meal: Participants collaborate to prepare a complete meal, fostering a sense of togetherness and accomplishment.
Important Notes
To ensure safety, a minimum of three adult supervisors is required for the Cooking on the Trail program. This program is available from October 30 to April 1, excluding days with daytime burn bans.
Pricing and Logistics
These programs cater to groups of around 20 participants with an estimated cost of $30.00–$35.00 per participant for 2024. Leaders and adult supervisors can attend free of charge, apart from ingredient costs for the Cooking on the Trail program.
Abbey Gardens programs offer an effective way to engage groups such as schools, youth organizations, or family gatherings. Participants build confidence, collaborate, and develop essential outdoor skills they can use for a lifetime.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Abbey Gardens' Group Outdoor Skills Programs provide a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature, gain practical skills, and strengthen group bonds through shared activities. With engaging options like Nifty Navigation and Cooking on the Trail, participants can expect a fun and educational experience.
Consider signing up for one of these programs when seeking an enriching adventure that mixes learning and enjoyment. Explore the wonders of the outdoors while gaining skills that provide value for years to come!
Embark on an adventure at Abbey Gardens and inspire a lasting love for nature in all participants. Are you ready to step outside? Join us for a journey filled with exploration and discovery!
Download Information Package Below
For more information or to book your class visit, contact our Education Coordinator at irene@abbeygardens.ca or call (705) 754-4769.
Abbey Gardens is a not-for-profit charity providing economic and recreational opportunities for our community. Everything we do on site helps further our mission to create opportunities to learn about living more sustainably. Located just 10 minutes from the village of Haliburton at 1012 Garden Gate Drive, Abbey Gardens welcomes visitors year-round.
