Come explore our unique mountainous environment and learn important skills that help you survive in the wilderness. BAC's Environmental Education program, uses an experiential approach to learning. Students will find themselves on interpretive walks exploring and learning first hand what Vermont 's ecosystem has to offer. We will study the local flora, and fauna and discuss their uniqueness to our setting, as well as seek out evidence of wildlife by looking for tracks and other such clues to their presence. Taking advantage of all the seasons we will observe and study the natural life of our mountainous environment. We will also teach students a variety of imperative skills for spending time in the wilderness, (Leave-No-Trace ethics, cooking in the outdoors, map & compass reading skills, etc.).

These programs will compliment your curriculum. Giving your students the opportunity to explore and learn in our wilderness classroom. Let us work with you to meet your student's educational needs in our fun and supportive learning environment. All of our Environmental Education programs correlate to Vermont 's Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities. Our Environmental Education programs can range from a half-day experience to spending three days and nights at the Bolton Adventure Center . Our overnight programs will also take advantage of evening activities such as stargazing, and moonlit hikes.

Orienteering

Learn how to read a topographical map, and understand all of its features. Then by looking at the surrounding mountains and topography we will be able to find our exact location. We will then teach participants how to use a compass and why it is important to know these skills. After we have all mastered the skills of taking and reading bearings we will move onto a smaller orienteering course where participants will find there way from marker to marker using their compass. The final test will be to find their way through the larger, and more challenging orienteering course, where markers will be as easy to find.

Fire-Building

Learn when and where it is safe to start a fire when out in the back-country. We will discuss not only the hazards of having a campfire but also the impact that it has on the surrounding environment. Participants will then learn different techniques/structures for starting campfires and which would be most effective under different circumstances. We will also discuss safety issues related to starting, maintaining and extinguishing a campfire. Groups will then have an opportunity to build a “mock” fire structure.

Shelter Building

Learn different techniques for building emergency shelters when traveling in the back-country. Also, what type of shelters would be the best in different situations. We will discuss what would be beneficial to bring on a trip in case you need to build a shelter. Participants will learn how weather can impact your shelter and how to compensate for different weather conditions. We will break into smaller groups and each group will have an opportunity to build their own shelter that can fit at least one person.