In 2025 we started planning for the big shift in how we run our programs. Instead of running semesters and unconnected shorter programs, we decided to streamline our curriculum and make the short programs part of the longer semester. As a result, we now teach one class instead of many, which can be taken as a single semester, or broken up into weeks or multi-week segments.
The course has three main segments: bushcraft and camp, canoeing and expedition, and end of course testing and solo. The course is cumulative, meaning week 2 builds on week 1, week 3 builds on week 2, etc. During the canoe and expedition segment, we continue to study and practice bushcraft because we are living on the trail. So we continue to get reps, although the formal instruction and main part of the day is focused on canoeing and traveling. The end of course testing and solo is open only to those who have completed the other segments.
Note: Because of weather, the breakdown of the weekly segments is different for the fall course, but the same for the spring and summer.
Spring and Summer Semesters – 4:3:1:1 Format
In the spring and summer, the course breaks down into a 4:3:1:1 format. This means that the first four weeks are in camp studying bushcraft, guide training, natural history, etc.
The next 3 weeks (weeks 5-7) are focused on canoeing and constitute the Professional Guide Canoe Training Course. We spend a week in camp using local waterways to build skill, then spend 1.5 weeks on an extended expedition. The final few days are comprised of our Engagé Canoe Certification testing back near camp.
The first of the 1 weeks (week 8) is in camp where we work on long term projects and complete all of the Journeyman Certification testing.
The final week (week 9) is in the field where students have the solo experience. See the weekly breakdown below.
Fall Semester – 2:3:2:1:1 Format
During the fall semester, the schedule is changed a bit so as to get our canoe portion completed before the weather turns cold and the winds of late fall start to howl. The course is broken down into a 2:3:2:1:1 format. The first two weeks are in camp, then the next 3 weeks are canoeing, then the rest of the course is in camp.
Weekly Breakdown – Breaking The Semester Down Into Shorter Courses
List of weeklong courses and combinations.
Bushcraft 1, formerly known as the Summer Woodsman. The first week of all 3 semesters is an introduction to all things bushcraft and life in the woods. The goal is to build a foundation of basic skills in order to be self sufficient. This can be taken as a standalone course. More on the Bushcraft 1 course is here.
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