The following courses are currently scheduled - courses are
listed alphabetically by title.
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All Packed Up - Craft Your Trail Stove
Don Kevilus
Session Options:
. . . 6/19/2009
Discover the energy-efficient, inexpensive, one-pot cooking stove that's fit for trail, canoe trip or your next winter camping expedition.  Proprietor of the famed Four Dog Stove Company, Don Kevilus, will teach you how to build and fire this 9-oz tin backpacking stove (4.25"x5.25") - a hybrid designed from combustion stoves developed in Norway, Denmark, and Switzerland that use secondary combustion at the top of the stove to burn gases for increased efficiency.  No need for any liquid fuel bottles or the additional weight and worry of gas canisters.  Just 3 ozs of handforged twigs will give you a 6-minute boil and an additional 9-minutes of simmer time with this stove - perfect for any backcountry meal.  Don will also cover the basics of fuel efficiency, learning how to tinder a fire out in the woods and how to quickly dry damp material for an efficient firing of your new trail stove.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 0.5
. . . Hours: noon-4pm
. . . Tuition: $55
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($10-$25)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Building A Wooden Longbow - The Essential Outdoor Skill
Rick Yonker
Session Options:
. . . 11/21/2009 - 11/22/2009
Discover the centering effect of shooting an arrow with a handcrafted bow you tailored yourself.  You will start with a pre-cut stave of hickory and give it the desired shape and flexibility while working the wood with a drawknife, carpenter’s scraper and other traditional hand tools.  You will also ‘back’ your bow with flax-fiber linen for strength.  Class discussion includes design theory, different bow shapes, and the art of tillering a bow (getting it to bend correctly).  As time and weather permit, students will practice shooting techniques on campus.  Some previous woodworking experience is helpful.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $170
. . . Materials Fee: $260
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Childhood Memories – Crafting The Primitive Slingshot
Rick Yonker
Session Options:
. . . 4/10/2009 - 4/11/2009
Remember the sound of that metal ping, when you hit the pop can at thirty feet for the first time with a slingshot? Enjoy those childhood memories by learning to craft and shoot your very own "primitive" slingshot, crafted with a touch of grace, utility and function.   Whether your interest is target shooting, roaming or plinking, this class will satisfy your needs.  You learn the history of the use of slingshots, slingshot designs, and shooting techniques in this course - not as simple as point and shoot. If perfected, slingshots may be used hunt small game.  The project is made from a  slab of attractive hardwood.  We will learn how to cut and replace our own slingshot bands and how to safely and accurately shoot it. You will take home a wonderfully crafted slingshot, basic slingshot shooting skills, and an appreciation for this often-overlooked primitive hobby craft.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $50
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Compass (& Common Sense) - Finding Your Direction
Dennis Chilcote
Session Options:
. . . 5/2/2009 - 5/3/2009
Whether you are picking berries, stalking a deer or just out for a hike, the skills to avoid getting lost give you the freedom to wander at will.  This class provides you with the necessary skills to comfortably navigate your way through the woods.  You will learn how to read topo maps, use compasses and navigate with GPS. After these lessons you'll spend a day in the woods as a class hiking to various locations with the skills you have learned. Practical aspects of both compass and GPS will be demonstrated during the day and applications to travel by canoe or kayak in the BWCAW and elsewhere will be discussed.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Craft of Birch Ski Making
     - Make Your Own Set
Mark Hansen
Session Options:
. . . 11/18/2009 - 11/21/2009
. . . 1/21/2010 - 1/24/2010
Discover the secrets of the old Saami school of ski construction by crafting a custom pair of birch skis to meet your needs. In this course you'll learn about the origin of ski design, function and construction. We'll also cover topics such as wood grain, bending wood, types of bindings and information related to use and handling of these ancient tools of transportation. Craft your own pair of skis custom-sized to your size, weight and intended use and enjoy the wintry wonderland of backcountry and ski trails outside your back door.  Evening sessions may include films and a variety of discussion topics on the history and craft of ski making.

Mark learned to make skis from Marvin Salo, whose father was a master ski maker trained in the old Saami school of ski construction.  His father's advice was "if you understand the wood, the wood will work for you."  For additional insight into the total traditional outfit, enroll in the Traditional Finnish Ski Poles course scheduled immediately following this course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3.5
. . . Hours: Day 1: 5pm-9pm; Day 2-4: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $335
. . . Materials Fee: Varies (approx. $150)
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Level: Beginner

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Crafting a Traditional Longbow
Rick Yonker
Session Options:
. . . 6/22/2009 - 6/24/2009
. . . 7/31/2009 - 8/2/2009
This course takes students through the step-by-step process of crafting a wooden longbow, wooden-shafted arrow and bow string.  To facilitate learning about constructing a traditional bow, students start with a rough-cut stave of hickory.  Bows are backed with flax-fiber linen.  Arrows include field point and feathers. String is made using the traditional Flemish twist technique.  Throughout the course participants learn the basics of working wood with a drawknife, carpenter's scraper and other traditional hand tools.  Class discussion includes design theory, different bow shapes, and the art of tillering a bow (getting it to bend correctly).  As time and weather permit, students will practice shooting techniques on campus.

Materials fee includes stave, string, utilization of specialized tools, arrow point/feathers, and pre-course preparation. String is made using sixteen strands of B-50 Dacron. Coaching on basic intuitive shooting techniques will be included. Applications of finish and grip materials will be covered in class, allowing the students to focus on the finishing aspect at their leisure.  Previous woodworking experience helpful.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: $260
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: All Levels

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Fly Casting Workshop
David Asproth
Session Options:
. . . 5/30/2009 -
Landing a fly gracefully on a quiet inland lake or gently on a rushing river is an experience everyone should have.  In this workshop taught by David Asproth, a fly casting instructor certified by the Federation of Fly Fishers, you'll be introduced to the basic techniques of dropping a fly 50-60 feet out, as well as the fundamentals of roll-casting.  The class ends on the water and you should be comfortable with the basics of fly casting by the end of the day.  Casting from a float tube, a unique on-water experience, will also be covered and weather depending, may be field-based.  You are encouraged to bring your own gear.  Equipment is available for rent from local outfitters.  This is an ideal course for beginners new to fly casting, as well as experienced fly fishermen looking to perfect their cast.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $85
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Level: Beginner

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Fly Fishing The North Shore  
David Asproth/Mike Hero
Session Options:
. . . 7/16/2009 - 7/19/2009
The North Shore of Lake Superior provides some highly prized fly fishing experiences--ranging from the rivers and streams cascading into Lake Superior to the quiet, serene inland lakes adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Let the North Shore be your classroom for learning the fundamentals of fly fishing--from the proper equipment and flies to casting to catching.  This course begins with getting you equipped to fish, including time spent in the classroom learning to tie a variety of flies.  The course meets daily in the classroom, spending the afternoons covering basic fly fishing topics including fly tying, casting, stream and lake readings, reading hatches, and reading rises.  Your course materials cover a complete fly fishing kit customized to make the most of your fishing experience on the North Shore (including tippet, line, backing, leaders, and a dozen flies).  The class then moves outdoors as you apply your skills in a series of on-the-water field sessions as we visit local 'honey-holes' for brook, brown and rainbow trout.  Individualized instruction for advanced fishermen and fly tyers is available, as a low student-teacher ratio is maintained throughout the course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 4
. . . Hours: 1pm-9pm
. . . Tuition: $380
. . . Materials Fee: $65
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Fly Tying Workshop 
David Asproth/Mike Hero
Session Options:
. . . 4/24/2009 - 4/26/2009
Whether you're looking for the perfect fly to land on a river or that special caddis fly emerging on an inland lake, you need to be equipped for your next fly fishing adventure.  In this early season workshop you will learn to to tie wet flies, dry flies, streamers and patterns. A fly tying kit assembled by the instructors will get you started and the materials required to create a wide variety of flies are provided as you advance through the vast array of fly tying possibilities.  Have basic tying skills already?  Hone your skills and bring your own fly tying kit to learn a new set of possibilities and broaden your fly tying experience.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2.5
. . . Hours: Day 1 - 5pm-8pm; Day 2-3 - 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $215
. . . Materials Fee: $62
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Komatik - Craft Your Own Hauling Sled
Mark Hansen
Session Options:
. . . 12/4/2009 - 12/6/2009
The komatik – an ancient sled developed, designed and used throughout the Arctic for freighting materials, equipment and people over vast distances.  In its most traditional form, the komatik, or hauling sled, was made from bone, baleen, driftwood and leather.  The runners were ideal for easy gliding over snow and ice, making  pulling heavy loads light when pulled by both humans and dogs alike.  The ingenious lashing system provides a rigid yet flexible craft, allowing the load to be held off the snow surface, limiting drag and placing the weight on the runners.   Each komatik built in this course is custom sized to meet the users intended uses, load and personal outfit.  The komatiks will be lashed using a braided tarred nylon chord, birch and basswood and applied performance plastic ‘shoes’ fit for the runners.  The range of sizes may be 14”-18” wide and 8 feet long.  The weight of these komatiks is approximately 20 lbs, with load capacities of around 200 lbs.  Discussions about their traditional and contemporary uses and related winter camping topics will be an integral part of this course.

The instructor will consult with each student three weeks prior to start of the course to assess materials for the intended sled to be built in this course.  Material costs may vary given market prices.  Each student can expect to reimburse approximately $175 for materials directly to the instructor at the onset of the course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255 per sled
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($170-$185)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Making a Traditional Toboggan 
Mark Hansen
Session Options:
. . . 1/8/2010 - 1/10/2010
Toboggans were used for centuries by the woodland peoples of the north where deep snows could only be navigated by floating on top of the snowpack.  Today, they continue to be used by winter camping enthusiasts and as recreational sleds for downhill adventures.  In this course you will build a birch toboggan that tracks easily behind snowshoes or skis or can be loaded with a number of people for a downhill sledding adventure.  The width of the toboggans ranges from 10” to 16” and the length varies from 6 to 12 feet.  The slender design is constructed from local woods which students steam bend, shape, assemble and fit for use.  The course includes making tuglines for pulling the toboggan behind a snowshoer, skier or dogs. The class also covers the use of the toboggan, use of tuglines and harnesses, hill travel techniques, and loading of the toboggan.

The instructor will consult with each student three weeks prior to start of the course to assess materials for the intended toboggan to be built in this course.  Material costs may vary given market prices and will be determined at that time.  Each student will be expected to reimburse an additional $150-$200 for materials directly to the instructor at the onset of the course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2.5
. . . Hours: Day 1: 5pm-9pm; Days 2/3: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $235
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($150-$200)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Intermediate

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Pleasure Driving Fjord Horses
Philis Anderson
Session Options:
. . . daily May 15 thourgh Oct 15
Selectively bred for more than 20 centuries, Norwegian Fjord Horses might best be described as short and stocky, friendly and versatile. Whether pulling boats along Scandinavia’s fjords, working in farm fields, or pulling a cart to market, fjord horses were important partners for generations of farmers.  In this course you'll have a chance to experience the joy of working with this unique breed of gentle horses while learning the basics of pleasure driving a horse and cart. Lessons begin in an outdoor arena and progress to beautiful trails through the quiet woods above Grand Marais.  This course is open to all, including those who would prefer simply to relax and take a pleasure drive with a team of fjord horses driven by the instructor.  A second person is welcome to observe and share in the cart ride as the lesson progresses for an additional $25.  Available most days May 15 to October 15, weather permitting.

Learn more about fjord horses at www.SawtoothMountainFjords.com.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 0.5
. . . Hours: 10am to Noon (or 1pm)
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner

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Snowshoe Construction - Build Your Own
Erik Simula
Session Options:
. . . 10/29/2009 - 11/1/2009
Carve, bend and lace your own pair of traditional snowshoes as this course explores the traditional Ojibwe style - efficient for travel through both wooded areas or across frozen lakes and open expanses.  You will steam bend and shape ash frames and mortise in crosspieces with simple hand tools.  The class will learn traditional techniques for lacing their shoes using lightweight, hollowed nylon cord.  Traditional bindings will also be provided and covered in detail.  For an additional cost, students may choose to lace their snowshoes with traditional rawhide.  Course discussions include a variety of binding types and their application.  The end result is a satisfying reflection of craftsmanship and skills handed down through the generations.

If you choose to lace your snowshoes with traditional rawhide, please notify the registrar at the time of registration.  The additional materials cost is $240.00 and will be collected at the start of the course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 4
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $300
. . . Materials Fee: $65
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Traditional Finnish Ski Poles - Craft Your Own Set
Mark Hansen
Session Options:
. . . 11/22/2009 - 11/23/2009
. . . 1/25/2010 - 1/26/2010
Enhance your winter adventures with these lightweight, durable ski poles which are based on the types used by northern Minnesota Finnish immigrants for winter travel.  The poles are constructed with balsam shafts, copper rivets, whitetail-tanned buckskin grips and moose rawhide and red willow baskets.  You will make your custom-sized ski poles using age-old techniques passed from Finnish ski maker Marvin Salo (whose father was a master ski maker trained in the old Saami school of ski construction) to your instructor Mark Hansen.  This course is a great complement to the Traditional Birch Ski making course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $190
. . . Materials Fee: Varies (approx. $85)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
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