USHERVILLE — David Modeland, owner and instructor of Modes of Adventure, is passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to helping others become better prepared for winter survival in all scenarios. He is offering an Introduction to Winter Camping course on Feb. 15 and 16 at his business and home in Usherville.
“Gain the knowledge and practise the skills needed to extend your camping adventures throughout the year,” said Modeland. “No previous winter camping experience is necessary. We will build upon your knowledge of fair-weather camping, teaching you what modifications to make and how to manage the additional challenges that cold-weather camping presents. You don't need to own a hot tent or fancy gear to participate. We will provide a recommended gear list and teach you how to adapt your warmer-weather gear for winter use. There will also be a pre-course Zoom meeting to discuss equipment, food and packing, allowing you to review your gear list and ensure you bring the correct items for the course.”
The Introduction to Winter Camping course is designed for beginners and operates on a challenge-by-choice basis, meaning participants can push themselves only as much as they feel comfortable. A heated classroom (garage) is available on the property for participants to sleep in if needed.
Additionally, special guest instructor Colin Frey from Renewed By Nature will join the course, sharing his extensive knowledge.
“Colin is my bushcraft mentor and an expert in his field. He is an instructor acknowledged by Mors Kochanski and possesses a wealth of experience, certified in teaching nearly all outdoor skills. He practises what he preaches,” said Modeland.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature, snowmobiling is a popular winter sport; however, many people are unaware of the basics of snowmobile safety, and Modes of Adventure and Frey also announced the first-ever Snowmobile Emergency Skills Course set for Feb. 21 and 22.
Snowmobiling often takes riders to remote areas where emergency services may have difficulty reaching them, making self-reliance and awareness of potential challenges crucial. Accidents, injuries and breakdowns are ever-present risks, and the added complications of cold weather can quickly turn a simple, uncomfortable situation into a life-threatening one. The Snowmobile Emergency Skills Course provides participants with the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge and experience in mitigating risks and surviving various snowmobile-related emergencies.
Topics covered will include packing and pre-planning, troubleshooting common snowmobile breakdowns, snowmobile recovery and self-extraction, basic navigation and signalling, common snowmobiling injuries and first aid, as well as clothing insulation and survival principles. Participants will receive a knife, ferro rod and cordage, along with easy-to-carry shelter-building materials. They will have the chance to use these tools, along with their packed items, to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in a simulated snowmobiling emergency, including spending a night outdoors. This real-world experience will provide participants with a true understanding of what an emergency could be like and better prepare them to handle such situations successfully in the future. Heated classroom and bathroom facilities are available on-site. The course operates on a challenge-by-choice basis as well.
A snowmobile is not required for the course; however, participants should bring everything they typically carry while snowmobiling, including a snowsuit, helmet, other clothing, and tools and supplies commonly taken on a snowmobile ride. A pre-course Zoom meeting may also be scheduled. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
In addition to these life-saving courses, Modeland will also offer a quad emergency survival skills course in the spring and a bushcraft course in the fall.
