Aloha Foundation

Morning Workshops

Basics of Winter Camping. Instructor Stephen Gorman
Experience the beauty of winter while camping. Learn to travel comfortably and safely in the cold by having a bit of knowledge and experience in topics such as shelter, dress, food, boots, snowshoes, packs, stoves. Steve is the author of AMC’s Winter Camping and will have copies available.

The Art of Building Snow Shelters: Igloos, Quinzees. Instructor Bert  Yankielun

Dr. Norbert (Bert) Yankielun, formerly a researcher with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in New Hampshire, is a consulting electrical engineer in private practice. Numerous scientific expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, and considerable time spent in the backcountry in winter have honed his skills as a builder of snow shelters. Over the last fifteen years he has shared these skills with hundreds at workshops in Vermont and New Hampshire. He is the author of "How to Build an Igloo.and Other Snow Shelters" (W.W. Norton & Company). His website is www.DoctorWhy.com

Basics of Traditional Winter Travel and Camping. Instructor Andy Williams.
There is an increasing interest in traditional winter travel, pulling a toboggan and setting up a traditional wall-tent with a stove for what is called “warm camping.” Learn about the basics of this traditional art of camping. Discuss types of toboggans, tents, stoves and foot gear with Andy Williams, Director of the Hulbert Outdoor Center.

Introduction to Nordic Skating. Instructor Jamie Hess
Experience the centuries old art of Scandinavian style cross country skating across a frozen lake. Learn how to skate efficiently and safely across all types of ice surfaces, and how to test the ice for strength and safety. Be able to take your own “wild skating” tour. All equipment supplied. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 25% discount on nordic skates and x-country ski boots for participants.

Introduction to Backcountry Skiing. Instructor Val Stori
For any level nordic skier. Introduction to basic skills for the backcountry, including climbing, pole adjustment, descending, turning and equipment. Stiff boots (either 3-pin or backcountry bindings) and wide skis necessary. Metal edges optional. Val has taught for Green Mountain Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Winter Fire Skills. Instructor Mark Kutolowski
In a winter wilderness, the difference between living in warmth and abundance and struggling to stay alive is the ability to make an effective fire. In this class we will learn to make a fire that will light from a single match in all conditions. Topics include winter tree ecology, selecting appropriate woods for fire starting and maintenance, winter sources of tinder, kindling, and dry wood, and special adaptations for snow and cold weather lighting. The class will cover making a winter fire with tools (axe, saw, and knife) and without the use of tools. We will also discuss the advantages and challenges of various firestarting methods including fire by friction, flint and steel, matches, lighters and modern 'metal match' firestarters.

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

Winter Photography. Instructor Stephen Gorman
Join author, photographer, and adventurer Stephen Gorman for an afternoon workshop on Winter Photography.  Steve is the author and photographer for a number of books including AMC's Winter Camping and his most recent book, Thoreau's New England. Subjects covered will be tips for handling a camera in the cold, composition, types of cameras, digital versus slide film, composition and artistry in the winter landscape.

Fire as a Tool and Coal-burned Container Crafting. Instructor Mark Kutolowski
How did early Native people build dug-out canoes, carve wooden bowls and spoons, and fell trees without metal tools? With fire! In this class we will explore the ancient art of using fire as a tool, and make our own fire-crafted eating bowls. We will discuss tree felling and sectioning logs with fire, and practice making bush fire tongs. Participants will learn what woods and fire structures provide the best 'craftwork fire.' After building this fire, we will fashon beautiful cedar bowls using the fire as our primary tool. (Bowl blanks provided) We will also discuss fire-hardening weapons and other traditional uses of fire in craftwork.

Food For Winter Camping-Stoking the Furnace. Instructor Andy Williams.
One of the first lines of defense against the cold is what you are putting into your “furnace.” Learn about types of food, caloric needs and techniques for food preparation for cold weather travel. Discuss types of stoves, and systems for transport. Andy Williams is the Director of the Hulbert Outdoor Center.

Introduction to Nordic Skating. Instructor Jamie Hess.
Experience the centuries old art of Scandinavian style cross country skating across a frozen lake. Learn how to skate efficiently and safely across all types of ice surfaces, and how to test the ice for strength and safety. Be able to take your own “wild skating” tour. All equipment supplied. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 25% discount on nordic skates and x-country ski boots for participants.

The Basics of Skate Skiing, Instructor Tom Masterson.
The popularity of skate skiing is growing rapidly. Skate skiing involves the skier pushing one ski outward with the ski angled, so that the inner edge of the ski is driven against the snow, much like an ice skater. The excitement, the freedom, and the rush of a high speed aerobic workout can be yours! Bring your own skiis or skate skis may be rented locally. Please call for information..

Weekend Workshops

Build a Traditional Wooden Toboggan. Instructor Geoffrey Burke
Learn the art of building a traditional wooden toboggan that tracks easily behind a snowshoer or a skier who is hauling camping equipment. The slender design will be constructed of yellow birch or ash which students will steam bend, shape, assemble and fit to use. Toboggans of traditional design have been used by northern people for hundreds of years. Join craftsman, Geoffrey Burke, founder of Chicorua Boatworks, to learn the skill of building toboggans. $190. includes materials, instruction and lunch.

Wilderness First Aid / CPR with SOLO
This is a two-day introductory course for care of injuries in the wilderness. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and trip leaders, this course includes lectures and practical simulation. Optional: AHA CPR (Heartsaver) $35. Cost: $195 (meals, lodging, course), $155 commuter.