Bush Craft

Bushcraft Instruction

Learning map and compass skills at the club rooms
Photo: Kate Williams

One of the best ways of learning the skills needed for going into the hills is to get yourself on one of the Bushcraft Instruction courses run by the Club. They're also a really great way of getting to know others who may not yet be club members or are relatively inexperienced.

Courses are run by experienced people who will provide you with the latest techniques and will cover such things as:

• what's hot and what's not in food;
• clothing and equipment;
• map-reading and using a compass;
• river crossing;
• basic first aid;
• environmental awareness; and
• trip planning and safety.

Bushcraft courses are run each year beginning in February. They comprise a series of evening sessions held in the club rooms, one Sunday trip where map and compass skills are practised and two weekend trips.

Practising river crossing
Photo: Kate Williams

The last one of these weekends is always good value. This is the one where you get to plan and "execute" a full weekend trip (in small teams) visiting a series of map references given to you by an instructor.

Naturally, these places are off the beaten track ... but don't worry, your intrepid instructor will make sure you make it out in time for dinner on Sunday night, if by some small chance you become geographically embarrassed. GPSs not allowed!

If you think you might be interested in taking part in the next course, or just want to find out more about it - whether or not you are a club member - just contact Malcolm Cunningham on (04) 232 3695.

Instruction Program

The bushcraft course will be limited to 30 people. To secure your place on the course, please submit a completed application form, together with the course fee of $65 ($50 for members), to one of the Bushcraft Committee.

Application forms will be available at the club rooms at our usual Tuesday night meetings. Bushcraft Committee members will also be available on those evenings to answer any questions you have and to accept applications.

This year's course starts in early February. The course runs for six weeks alternating between Thursday night lectures (7pm at the club rooms) and practical weekends. The dates are:

The course fee includes two maps for the practical weekends and the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Bushcraft Manual. There will be additional transport costs for the practical weekends.

See also

Free downloadable pamphlets on bushcraft from the NZ Mountain Safety Council.

Category

Instruction