Wilderness Skills Training at Frontenac

Winter excursions can be challenging, and anyone new to the wilder areas of Ontario's provincial parks should consider some wilderness skills training before heading out. One park, where you can learn and refine the skills you need to face the rigors of Ontario's winter outdoors, is at Frontenac Provincial Park, located just north of Kingston.

Year-round, park staff and The Friends of Frontenac host numerous wilderness skills workshops and training sessions for the public that are taught by trained professionals. Choose from sessions such as basic wilderness first aid, the canoe skills and kayak rolling clinic, and canoe tripping certification; or, learn how to read maps and use a compass in a wilderness navigation course, to name a few.

“We were the first provincial park in Ontario to offer wilderness skills programs to the public,” notes Bert Korporaal, Assistant Superintendent. “These are the skills you would need for safe and ethical backwoods recreation, such as canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, wilderness and semi-wilderness camping, outdoor cooking, map and compass or orienteering skills, and winter camping.”

The upcoming Winter Camping Trip Planning session and the Winter Camping Instructional Weekends are perfect opportunities for the novice or experienced camper who wants to refresh their skills in this off-season recreational activity.

The Winter Camping programs are presented by volunteers of the Friends of Frontenac, and led by a skilled professional. The instructor, Mr. Erhard Frenzl, has over 12 years of experience as a winter camping instructor for the military. Mr. Frenzel has been a regular interior volunteer at Frontenac for 24 years.

Simply pre-registering and paying for your daily park permit can admit you to the one-day presentation on winter camping. Participants then have the option to practice their skills under the supervision of experienced winter camping instructors, by registering for one of two instructional camping weekends.

The one-day Winter Camping Trip Planning presentation is centered on minimizing the discomforts associated with extended backcountry travel during the winter. Topics include route selection and assessment; equipment construction and appropriateness; menu planning; physical fitness and conditioning; safety; and, the different forms of winter travel. A portion of the presentation is held out-of-doors, so it is recommended that participants dress for the weather conditions … and the trails.

Later in the winter, two Winter Camping instructional weekends introduce participants to snow houses, tents, and general winter camping skills. Learn how to stay warm, prepare meals, and use a map and compass. An equipment checklist will be provided. Food is also included in your course fee.

 

•  The Winter Camping Trip Planning session will take place Saturday, January 24 , from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is a must, as there is a class size limit of 35 persons. No registration is fee required, just the purchase of a provincial park daily vehicle permit.

•  Winter Camping Instructional Weekend #1 will be held from 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 8 . Register early, as there is a class size limit of 12 persons.

•  Winter Camping Instructional Weekend #2 takes place Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 15 . Once again, register early. There is a class size limit of 12 persons.

Note: The cost of an instructional weekend is $55.00 per person, plus the interior camping fee.

For more information on any of the Frontenac's wilderness skills training programs, and registration details, call the park's Trail Centre at (613) 376-3489.

Contributed by Reena Besa, Public Relations Assistant, Ontario Parks