Map and Compass Workshop

December 6, 2021 at 7pm - Virtual
February 12, 2022 at 3pm - In Person

This workshop will help you understand the information provided on a map, the proper use of a compass, and how to put the two together.  You'll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination).  After covering these fundamentals, you'll get time to practice those skills.  This interactive workshop is a great introduction to navigation and map reading!

Workshop lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

"Very informative, well worth the time!" - G.A., Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Workshop, February 2021
 

Cost:

$60 per person
Scholarships and Sliding Scale Fees are available for this trip.  Please reach out to us at trips@blueridgehikingco.com for more information.

This workshop will run if there are a minimum of 2 participants signed up.  If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll contact participants one week before the workshop to discuss options.  The maximum group size is 9 participants.

In addition to your instructor, this price includes a compass for you to keep and a map to use during the workshop.  The in-person workshop includes your first drink.  It does not include gratuity for your instructor.
 

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select the workshop date.  You will find the workshop listed there. 
 

Itinerary:

This workshop lasts about 1.5 hours, with time allotted afterward for questions.

The virtual workshop will be hosted via Zoom, beginning at 7pm (EST).  Compasses will be shipped out on Monday November 29; please register before November 25 to ensure you receive your compass before the class date!  Anyone who registers after this date will still receive their compass, but it may arrive late.

The in person workshop will be hosted at an Asheville-area brewery (location TBD), beginning at 3pm.  Workshop materials will be brought to the workshop.  Workshop registration includes your first drink.
 

Instructor:

Your guide for this trip will be Melissa Watkins.  Melissa grew up in Florida where she spent many hours watching wildlife and guiding kayak tours.  She has also guided many backpacking, canoeing, and rafting trips in western North Carolina and loves nothing more than sharing the outdoors with new friends.  A former college professor, she is an educator at heart.  When not at work, she loves to paddle, bake, teach her young son about the outdoors, and bask in the sunshine.
 

What we Provide:

BRHC will provide all instruction, a compass for you to keep, and a map to use during your workshop.  Your first drink is on us for the in-person workshop.
 

What to Bring:

For virtual workshops, we recommend participants come prepared with questions and a notebook.  For this workshop, please bring a topographic map as well.

In-person workshops may be hosted outside, so please dress appropriately!  Bring a notebook and any questions you may have.
 

COVID Safety Information:

The health and safety of our guests and guides is our highest priority!  We follow all local, state, and federal COVID safety guidelines.  Currently, masks are required indoors for all indoor spaces in Asheville, so they'll be required for the in-person workshop while not actively eating or drinking.  If this requirement changes before the workshop, our policy may change as well.
 

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register.  Workshop cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee.  Reservation may be cancelled up to 1 week before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee).  Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered.  Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the workshop due to severe weather.

If your instructor does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip.  Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip.  Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.