Get Outside!

Outdoor Recreation Skills

We offer a variety of outdoor recreation skill classes, many of which are available year 'round, some seasonally. To varying degrees, these broad themes are the focus of each outdoor recreation skill class. With request, we can use many of these classes to also emphasize teamwork. See a complete list of Wolf Ridge's core curriculum themes and concepts.

  • Outdoor Recreation: LifeIong participation in outdoor physical activities promotes a healthy relationship between people and the environment.

Three-Hour Morning or Afternoon Classes

Beginning Orienteering

After learning the definition and history of orienteering, students learn parts of the compass and how to set and follow a bearing. Distance measurement is taught through individual pacing and applied math skills. Students will demonstrate skills while on a course. These skills will be applied to map work and the outdoor ethic they can help people obtain. See full description.

Canoeing

Students will use Wolf or Raven lake as a classroom as they learn about canoeing history and equipment. They will practice working with a partner to navigate the lake in WeNoNah canoes. They will experience the value of canoeing as a physical activity and how it affects their relationship with the environment. One adult is required for this class. See full description.

Competitive Orienteering

Students will be involved in a problem-solving situation utilizing compass and map reading skills, keen observations, geography, speed, and physical stamina. Beginning Orienteering or previous experience with compasses is required to take this class. One adult is required to accompany this class. See full description.

Cross Country Skiing

While indoors, students will be introduced to equipment and selection, as well as appropriate clothing. Beginning lessons will be offered before touring (up to 3 kilometers) of Wolf Ridge trails. This class can be paired with Forest Ecology for an all day class. One adult is required to attend this class in addition to the instructor. See full description.

Rock Climbing

Students will experience climbing on the 29-foot indoor rock climbing wall. After a discussion of what emotions and feelings climbing may evoke, they will become familiar with the equipment, techniques, and commands used by climbers and belayers. Belaying instruction, practice and testing will occur before students learn and practice climbing techniques. Experience climbing and belaying will be used as metaphors for everyday life. Three adults are required, in addition to the instructor, for this class. See full description.

Snowshoeing: Ojibwe Snowshoe

Students will be introduced to Ojibwe history, seasonal life-style and use of natural resources. After learning the basic of snowshoes, they will travel on snowshoes to a recreated Ojibwe site of 200 years ago, learning about the uses of different trees along the way. At the site they will listen to legends and learn some skills the Ojibwe had. Another snowshoe hike returns to the classroom for a short conclusion. One adult is recommended to attend this class. See full description.

Snowshoeing: Superior View

After learning about the history and types of snowshoes, students will experience them by snowshoeing across Wolf or Raven Lake to the highlands overlooking Lake Superior. Rest breaks will include discussion of facts and figures concerning Lake Superior. For safety, an adult is recommended to attend this class. See full description.

Superior View Hike

Students will take a three mile hike along sections of the Wolf Ridge trail system and the Superior Hiking Trail. A spectacular overlook awaits them above Lake Superior. The instructor will involve students in a demonstration dealing with the importance of the lake's fresh water. Stopping along the way at five different stops, students will examine the geology, history, and meteorology of the area. See full description.

Winter Survival

After prioritizing the basic needs in a survival situation, students will spend an hour in a “survival situation”, make a fire, build a shelter, and boil a pot of cider. We recommend that an adult accompany this class. See full description.

1-1/2 and 3 Hour Evening Activities

Campfire

Groups are welcome to use one of our three campfire rings. We will reserve the space for your group during your stay, and provide wood, etc.

Canoeing

Same as 3 hour day class listed above. Usually 1-1/2 hours in evening.

Nike Hike

Students will hike a designated route, stopping to do activities along the way. These activities will lead to a better understanding of night time communications and senses. Students will have the opportunity to sit solo and experience the night. See full description.

Rock Climbing

Same as 3 hour day class listed above. Please allot 3 hours and plan for your group to skip the naturalist presentation if you choose this as an evening activity.

Voyageur Canoeing

Students will hike down to Wolf Lake and paddle a replica of a fur trade era voyageur canoe. A piece of history comes alive as you take in the beautiful sites around Wolf Lake. See full description. NOTE: this class does not do the full voyageur class described in the link, but focuses on the group paddling experience.

Volleyball

Play volleyball on one of our two sand volleyball courts. The courts are lighted and in the winter make for the unique opportunity to play snow volleyball. Volleyballs are provided.