Wilderness Skills Coaching
Develop craftsmanship and independence in life outdoors
What is Wilderness Skills Coaching?
Wilderness Skill Coaching is personalized instruction in skills necessary for comfortable and efficient wilderness travel. Hone your map and compass skills or learn how to camp from the ground up. Whatever your level of experience, Zest Ed can help build on your existing skills and create new ones. In addition to instruction and practice in technical skills, understand how to better share your love of the outdoors with family or friends. Gain the skills for good leadership and harmony in the wilderness. Build independent confidence to last a lifetime.
Wilderness Skills Coaching service options:
- • Wilderness Skills Packages - start here for pre-planned skill building sessions.
- • Personal Strategy Session - all custom packages begin with these elements, or use this service stand-alone.
- • Individualized Custom Coaching - you already know what you want to learn, bring your ideas to us and we’ll help you get there!
Wilderness Skills Packages:
All of these packages will be tailored to your experience and goals. Zest Ed will provide necessary specific gear, all you have to do is dress appropriately and bring food and water. After your skill building session(s) you’ll have six months of ongoing email or phone support to continue getting tips and advice.
Canoe Paddling
Getting out on a lake can be an exquisitely peaceful experience. Or a frustrating and scary one. Learn how to enjoy this quintessentially Minnesotan activity whether it’s right in the city or for a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trip.
Learn:
• Efficient steering with two people or solo. You shouldn’t have to switch sides.
• How to generate more power and stability for paddling into wind or in rough conditions.
• Water safety to prevent and deal with tipping, including techniques for getting in and out of the boat.
• What to wear, bring, and how to pack it all.
• How to lift and portage a canoe. Either from the car or over trail, there are options and techniques to not injure your shoulders, back, knees, or equipment.
Full six hour day at Lebanon Hills.
1-2 people.
$400*
Navigation
Knowing where you were, where you are, and where you want to go is an empowering feeling. Being lost is… well disorienting (pun intended). Whether you are interested in orienteering as an activity, feel like you get lost in the city, or want to feel safer on wilderness trips, these skills will give you confidence in the world.
Learn:
• How to orient a map and read topography
• Dead reckoning - how to know where you went, and how to get back without equipment.
• How to use a compass and take a bearing.
• Declination and when north isn’t always north.
• Integrating technology.
Four hours at Afton State Park or Lake Elmo Park Reserve
1-2 people
$250*
Tent Camping
Get away from it all, get back to nature, and sleep under the stars. Spending a night (or more) without modern conveniences can be daunting, but it can also be peaceful, joyous, and a way to better connect with yourself or loved ones. Whether you’ve never done it before, did it ages ago, or had a bad experience, getting some personal instruction can give you the confidence to get out there.
Learn:
• Where to go, what type of campgrounds there are, and rules and etiquette (ethics and LNT).
• What to bring. Balancing the comfort of having stuff with the chaos of too much stuff.
• Sleeping comfortably
• Hygiene and comfort
• Meal planning. Make it a fun activity or keep it super simple?
• Fire starting and safety.
• What to do and how to enjoy rough conditions.
Three hours near Minneapolis (location to be determined)
$190*
*Fees do not include travel costs such as state park passes. Please apply then we will email a gear list and schedule options. You will receive an invoice only after a date for your session is set, it will be due two days prior to the session. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Will!
Personal Strategy Session:
Available for online coaching.
Best when you want personal coaching but don’t need hands on skill instruction or practice.
• Choosing goals, locations, or next steps. Are your goals so big and vague you don’t know where to start? Do you know what you want to do but aren’t sure exactly where to go? Did you have a great trip, but not sure what the next steps are to continue exploring?
• Evaluating a packing list or meal plan. Are you over planning? Under planning? Does your list feel unorganized or do feel daunted just making a list?
• Risk management. Are you accurately assessing the risks involved in your particular adventure? Do you have clear realistic plans for dealing with the possible scenarios? What skills should you learn for handling emergencies? What should be in your first aid kit?
• Social and emotional challenges. Managing expectations, personal needs, and communication can make a huge impact on the enjoyment and safety of a trip. Are you taking family or friends into the woods and afraid they might end up hating you or nature? Get coaching on how to help people have a good experience.
Cost $200
Included:
• Collection and review of relevant information such as maps, itineraries, lists, etc.
• 90min meeting with follow up summary email.
• 30min follow up 1-3 months after meeting.
Individual Custom Coaching:
Have an idea for an adventure, but not sure how to do it? Want to feel safer and more confident going camping? Are you interested in new skills for backpacking, canoeing, hiking, climbing, and cycling? Bring us your needs and your ideas, and we’ll help you evaluate where you need to develop, and design a custom program to help you do just that. Below is a list of a few of the topics we can help with:
• gear selection
• tarp setup
• knots and rope work
• food systems and cooking
• route and trip planning
• navigation with map and compass
• risk management and emergency preparedness
• sleep systems
• camp selection and setup
• weather preparedness
• wilderness leadership
• communicating with your travel companions
• three season and winter water systems and treatment
• fire building, cooking, management
• winter wilderness travel
• personal care and hygiene
• fitness preparation
• organization and packing systems
• tool use and care
• DIY gear projects
• canoeing
Will is especially knowledgeable about: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and traveling there in all four seasons, technical rock climbing systems, rock climbing in Minnesota, light or ultralight backpacking, and evaluating, choosing, buying, and using gear appropriately.