Class Descriptions

*Please Note: Organizing the workshop takes place months in advance. Every effort is made to offer all scheduled classes. Due to circumstances beyond our control, instructors and schedules may change.


Advanced Women’s Self Defense

  • Designed for those with prior self-defense training seeking to enhance their skills. This intensive course focuses on advanced techniques, situational awareness, and strategic defense tactics to empower participants with the confidence and ability to protect themselves in various scenarios.

Apothecary 101

  • Learn to make homemade toiletry products such as bath bombs, candles and soap!

Archery/Rifle/Shotgun

  • Enjoy the morning at Platte River State Park rotating on the range between Archery/Rifle/Shotgun. Equipment and safety gear provided. Please wear closed toed shoes. Participants will travel together in the van. Since offsite, anyone under 18 may participate with parent or guardian in the same session. **Required additional $30 Archery/Rifle/Shotgun Fee due to increased costs.**

Beginning Brazilian JiuJistu

  • Learn and practice basic positions of this grappling martial art. We’ll cover some movement drills that include escapes, sweeps, and submissions. It’s a hands-on activity and we’ll be partnering up so be sure to wear clothes that move with you and give you some coverage to your comfort level. *Any fitness level is acceptable as long as you are fine sitting on the ground.

Canning Fundamentals

  • Learn how to get started with the tradition of canning and preserving. Also learn the various methods of canning and preserving (such as freezing, canning, drying, etc.), water bath, pressure canning, tools of the trade, and how to make pickles, salsa, jams and jellies plus more.

Create a Bug-Out-Bag

  • If you have one, bring the bag/pack you would intend to use. Bring any “survival gear” you would intend to use like knives, shovels, axes, tent/shelter, canteens/water bottles, tarps, ground clothes, etc. All items will be reviewed during the class for pros/cons and best uses, plus you will begin putting your “Bug Out Bag” together.

Dutch Oven Cooking

  • Bring your appetite! We will prepare tasty dishes to cook in Dutch Ovens. We will also learn about helpful accessories, cleaning, and care of cast iron.

Easy Macrame

  • Dive into the art of macrame with our beginner-friendly workshop. Learn basic knots and techniques from our instructor as you create your very own Macrame Wall Hanging. No prior experience needed. Transform simple, eco-friendly cords into an eye-catching piece of art that will add flair to any space. Walk away with a unique creation and a new set of crafting skills.

Fly Fishing

  • Join us to learn the basics of fly-fishing. We will cover the essentials you need to get started, a basic fishing knot and rod setups, and the fundamentals of fly casting. We will spend the first part learning about the rod and casting techniques. The second part will be on the water where we can practice our casts and hopefully get a few bites!

Foraging/Leaving No Trace

  • Learn a way to deepen your connection with nature and how to forage responsibly.

Habitat Hike – Turkey Talk

  • This class will cover the basics of hunting wild turkeys. Discussion will include hunting strategies, equipment, clothing, camouflage, calling, patterning a shotgun, chokes to use and safety. Participants will also discuss blinds and decoys.

Handgun Selection

  • A wide variety of handguns will be available to handle and discuss pros and cons (shooting NOT available.) Holster, bullet, and brand selection may be covered as well.

Hiking (Advanced)

  • Hiking is a natural exercise that promotes physical fitness, is economical and convenient. We will hike approximately 2 miles on a moderate trail. Wear closed toe walking shoes or hikers, bring water, bug spray, and walking stick if desired. We have some walking sticks available for the hike.

Hiking and Backpacking Essentials/Leave No Trace

  • Gain knowledge and learn the essentials needed to begin your backpacking, hiking journey.

Introduction to Women’s Self Defense

  • Self-defense for women is a daunting concept, but there are some fairly simple things that all women can do to increase their safety. This class will be both instructive and interactive. You will not be asked to do anything strenuous and women with all body types and abilities will be able to take away some simple but practical tips and tricks.

Kayaking on the Lake

  • Enjoy time on the lake with NE Game & Parks staff. We will be kayaking the lake at Chalco Hills recreation area (Wehrspan Lake). Since offsite, under 18 may participate with parent or guardian listed on registration form in the same session.

Knots and Hammock Camping

  • Hammock camping is becoming a bigger part of the camping scene each day. This two-step class will teach you the knots you need to know to safely set up a hammock tent. Practice ropes and hammocks will be available, as well as information on hammock types and designs.

Plants and Herbs for Health

  • Learn what common medicinal plants were traditionally used for healing before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals. Learn what alternatives are being used today to treat common ailments. 

Summit High Ropes Course

  • Enjoy the high ropes course at Camp Carol Joy Holling. The course consists of climbing walls, a rappelling tower, and individual climbing/crossing activities. Must like heights!

Tree ID

  • Learn how to identify trees, the benefits of trees and how trees affect ecology, wildlife, habitat and you. A portion of this class will be spent hiking the landscape and interacting with the trees found on the property.

Water Aerobics

  • The last half of the class will focus on water aerobics, a fun, easy way to get your body moving! Participants will be in waist deep water and moving their bodies in various ways to take on the water’s resistance. Water aerobics is a healthy mix of cardiovascular and muscular training, and it puts your whole body to work! Please note, no lifeguard will be on duty.

Wilderness Survival Training

  • This course is designed to teach time tested basic survival skills.  Maintaining the right mindset when lost in the Wilderness, building a fire for warmth and protection , building a shelter using no tools, procuring food and drinkable water, purifying water, cooking a meal ( yes there will be some food) using no pans or utensils, signaling for help/ rescue, creating a survival kit, and overall increasing your success rate for survival.

Yoga

  • Learn to use Yoga postures to create strength, flexibility, and stress reduction. All levels encouraged. If you have a yoga mat available, please bring it. Will have some available for use.