Map and Compass Workshop
Sunday July 10, 2022 at 3pm
Sunday September 18, 2022 at 3pm
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 2-2.5 hours.
We also offer Map and Compass Hikes, which combine this workshop material with a hike, and last about 4 hours!
"Very informative, well worth the time!" - G.A., Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Workshop, February 2021
Cost:
$65 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 your first drink. All materials needed for the course are provided, but we recommend you bring some paper to take notes. Price 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 1.5-2 hours, with time allotted afterward for questions.
The in person workshop will be hosted in the meadow at Highland Brewing, beginning at 3pm. Your instructor will provide all materials needed for the workshop, but we recommend bringing something to be able to take notes.
Instructor:
Your instructor 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 and necessary educational materials, and a compass for you to keep. Workshop registration includes your first drink; Highland has a vide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.
What to Bring:
Workshops are hosted outside at Highland Brewing, so please dress appropriately for the weather! We recommend bringing something to be able to take notes. You're welcome to bring snacks, and Highland usually has a food truck on site.
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 optional indoors for fully vaccinated guests. Masks are not required outside. Please reach out to our office if you have questions about specific COVID precautions.
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.
