This workshop will introduce a risk assessment and safety management model. Then that model will be applied as we investigate the most common dangers and hazards in the backcountry and explore steps to mitigate those risks. Topics will include: encounters with wildlife (snakes, bears, insects, etc.), lightning and weather related hazards, toxic plants, water crossings, sketchy humans, hazards in camp, sound decision-making, and more. Class sizes are intentionally small to offer participants guided hands-on practice. Visit our website to... Read More
“Survival” skills have captured the imagination of many armchair adventurers, but do you know the actual skills needed not just to survive but to THRIVE in the outdoors? In this half day hands-on workshop we will focus on what you REALLY need to know. Topics will include the 10 Essentials, creating a shelter, finding and purifying water, fire building, signaling, navigating, and more. Don’t become a search and rescue statistic. Join us and become more responsible and self-sufficient in the outdoors. Class sizes are intentionally small to offer participants guided hands-on practice. Visit our website to... Read More
PRESENTED BY PARI AND CLEMSON UNIVERSITY CRYPTOGRAPHY & SECRET MESSAGES SET IN A FORMER SPY BASE Campers will explore the origins of codes and ciphers and how they have evolved from written messages to complex digital encryption methods in use today. They will learn how to recreate these techniques themselves and crack the messages sent by their fellow cryptographers, all while reinforcing skills in math, language, and pattern recognition. What better setting than PARI, which once operated as a spy station for the Department of Defense during the Cold War, where messages were being intercepted and deciphered? Another element in the sending of secrets is how you transport them from place to place. We’ll take a look at the technologies, both past and present, that allow information to zip out to distant satellites and back down to Earth. How do we make sure our sensitive transmissions don’t end up in the wrong hands? From messages based on playing with words and numbers, to hiding information in plain sight in images and everyday objects, you’d never suspect all the ways cryptography is used all around us. Campers will leave with an understanding of the principles that drive the world and keep our data... Read More
PRESENTED BY PARI AND CLEMSON UNIVERSITY MISSION: GALACTIC CARTOGRAPHY – MAP THE MILKY WAY AND PLOT A PATH Milky Way Trailblazers is a two week research experience for high school aged campers. Campers will learn to use a radio telescope to find the composition of a region of the Milky Way and measure the speed it is rotating and moving. They will combine the observations and conclusions made by their team with other teams to form a larger understanding of the galaxy we call home. Using a radio telescope to measure regions of space doesn’t create pictures like we see with an optical telescope. The methods to turn the data collected into a map that can guide our way require creativity and hard work. Will the results look the same, or different, than what we see through an optical telescope? Radio isn’t just used for observing space either. Communicating with satellites is a big role that large dishes like the ones at PARI play in human space exploration. Campers will investigate and report on the methods, both historical and contemporary, that are used to accomplish this, and the people who figured out how to do... Read More
Above and Beyond is PARI’s signature camping experience designed to immerse high school students in the world of space science and research while building confidence and critical thinking skills. Originally developed in partnership with Duke University and refined for nearly two decades, this space camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics, and astrobiology, while also providing time for adventure and fun. The process followed by scientists and researchers who’ve made space science their career is modeled to show how new discoveries are made about the universe. Campers are provided the tools and guided through the process by professionals who have made space their life’s work. From determining the expansion speed of a super-nova remnant, to characterizing an exo-planet or finding evidence of dark matter; your data will reveal and your conclusions will add to humanity’s knowledge of the... Read More
Have you ever wished upon a shooting star? Now is your chance! Enjoy an evening under the stars and observing the Geminids meteor shower at our historic, mountaintop, internationally certified Dark Sky Park! The Geminids meteors are often bold, white and bright. On a dark night, you can often catch 50 or more meteors per hour in a dark, moonless sky. These meteors are sure to dazzle brighter than the holiday lights. Grab your coats, hot coffee or hot chocolate, friends and family then come to PARI for an unforgettable winter night. The greatest number of meteors typically fall in the wee hours after midnight. Astronomers and telescopes will also be available earlier in the evening to view the dark skies. For additional information please email PARI at... Read More
This introductory workshop is for adults of all fitness levels who identify as women and want to deepen their connection to the wilderness and build their confidence in the outdoors. Learn the basics from trip planning, equipment selection, camp craft, nutrition and camp cooking, shelter and site selection, map reading, and outdoor ethics. Participants are encouraged to take a hands-on approach and learn cooperatively with their classmates, sharing their experience and enthusiasm. At the end of the in-class training, you will pack your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and put your knowledge into practice with an overnight backpacking trip in the forest. Loaner gear available. Full-day workshop at 9am on Friday, March 10th, followed by an overnight backpacking trip on March 11-12. Cost of $245 Covers the full-day workshop and the overnight... Read More
Take the next step in your navigation journey. Build on the skills presented in our Basic Map and Compass Navigation workshop. We will travel into the Pisgah National Forest for hands-on practice learning to navigate off-trail. Topics include: determining your location, route finding, navigating around an obstacle, taking and following a bearing from the map, and using the map and compass to find the quickest way out in case of an emergency. This workshop is for those who already have the basics mastered. Join our Basic Navigation Workshop on March 21st if you are looking for a class for... Read More
This event is a series of two classes followed by a weekend canoe camping trip on the French Broad River. Class 1: Canoeing 101-Part 1. Join Clyde Carter and Jayne Fought for the first in a two-part beginner canoe class. This first class is held on flat water (lake), and instruction is focused on paddling strokes, boat control, maneuvers, equipment, and personal gear. Participants of this course and Canoeing 101 Part 2 will be eligible to sign up for the French Broad Multi-Day Canoe Trip! Boats and equipment provided. May 22, 5:30-8:30pm Class 2: Canoeing 101-Part 2. Join Clyde Carter and Jayne Fought for the second in a two-part beginner canoe class. This first class is held on moving water (river), and Instruction is focused on continuing to develop paddling strokes, boat control, maneuvers, equipment, river reading, and river safety. Participants of this course (and Canoeing 101 – Part 1) will be eligible to sign up for the French Broad Multi-Day Canoe Trip! Boats and equipment provided. May 23, 5:30-8:30pm Canoe Camping Trip, May 26-28. This trip is available to participants of the Canoeing 101 Classes. Join us for a three day, two night guided trip on the French Broad River. Put the skills you’ve learned into practice and enjoy a fun-filled time paddling and camping with us on the French Broad River Paddle Trail. We will depart on Friday and return on Sunday. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided. Camping gear is available to rent if needed. Cost... Read More
This workshop will investigate the most common dangers and hazards in the backcountry and explore steps to mitigate those risks. Topics will include: encounters with wildlife (snakes, bears, insects, etc.), lightening and weather related hazards, toxic plants, water crossings, sketchy humans, hazards in camp, sound decision-making, and... Read More
This class will have your mouth watering. Learn how to prepare delicious meals and desserts when backpacking or canoeing in the backcountry. Also learn safe stove operation, and clean up procedures that following Leave No Trace guidelines. All materials and ingredients are provided. Just bring an... Read More
This two-hour workshop will focus on basic knots used in the application of outdoor pursuits. The goal will be to learn how to choose the appropriate knot for the situation at hand and to know how to tie it efficiently. Selected knots will be based on the interest and experience of the... Read More
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