Map and Compass Workshop
Saturday November 18, 2023 at 3pm
Sunday December 10, 2023 at 3pm
Saturday January 6, 2024 at 3pm
Sunday February 4, 2024 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!
"Our instructor's relaxed manner and ability to teach was awesome. It was a great
experience and we learned so much." - C.H., Map and Compass Hike, July 2023
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 2 - 2.5 hours, with time allotted afterward for questions.
This in person workshop will be hosted at a coffee shop or brewery in the Asheville area (exact location TBD), beginning at 3pm. Your instructor will provide all materials needed for the workshop, but we recommend bringing something to be able to take notes. All participants will receive a compass to take home!
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 beverage; we will host this event at a location with a vide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.
What to Bring:
Workshops are typically hosted outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather! In the event of rain or very cold temperatures, we'll move the workshop inside. We recommend bringing something to be able to take notes. You're welcome to bring snacks.
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.
