Students Say "Yes" to Hiking Classes

A few months ago, two guys who have a number of things in common, met for coffee.  Both are retired, they both enjoy snowshoeing and hiking, and they are grandfathers.  Ed is a part-time educator for the Wildlife Experience in Parker. Gary is a retired Quality Engineer.  Both have extensive hiking experience.  The two have hiked with the High Country Hikers, a group sponsored by ACAA.  When a member of the group had a question about anything to do with hiking, one of the two men had the answer.  All the questions meant people needed more information. 

That meeting at the coffee shop ended with some notes scribbled on a tablet.  The two met three more times for coffee or lunch.  Each meeting resulted in a refined outline of what both men felt passionate about.  Educating people about the sport they both love, hiking.

Students found there is more  to hiking than just going for a long walk.

 The scribbled notes were expanded into lesson plans for seven classes on hiking.  The series of classes would be referred to as "Hiking - The Basics."  The first two classes would introduce students to the sport with topics on back country ethics, behavior and etiquette.  Other class topics included, footwear, clothing, packs and poles.  The last class would cover GPS, topo maps, checklists, bucket lists, keeping a trail journal, and how to poop in the woods.

Marilynn, a member of High Country Hikers, inspects a pair of shoes provided by REI.

 One might think holding hiking classes in Denver would be a no-brainer.  Not the case.  Their initial request for a time slot for classes was denied.  The men requested and were granted a meeting with members of the ACAA day trip staff.  The meeting proved to be a turning point for the guys.  Ahead would be the first formal classes on hiking in Aurora.

Ed (holds an Osprey pack) and Gary (with the hikers bible, The Complete Walker IV)

 Classes were hosted by ACAA, every Tuesday at 9 a.m.  Now that they had succeeded in securing a time slot and assigned a room for classes, the men had ideas to make classes more interesting for students plus if successful make the staff at ACAA look good for their decision to promote the new topic.

Three students enjoyed the prize for attending classes.  A hike.

 The REI store in Englewood was contacted.  After presenting their plans for a series of classes, Store Manager, Steve Carpenter was on board.  REI loaned clothing and gear from their inventory to be used as demonstration in class.

The day after the last scheduled class, students had the opportunity to hike with Ed and Gary at Mt. Falcon Park and Open Space.  It was a wonderful day

Student feed back has been compiled.  The tag team of Ed and Gary was a success.  What students liked
 most was the show and tell.  They liked two instructors covering different topics because it helped keep things interesting.  Plus students received more than twenty handouts over seven weeks. 

So what is next for these two guys who never slow down.  They are looking for a new venue to present the seven-class series on hiking.  The plan is to contact recreation centers and senior care facilities.  There is a specific demographic they want to get.  Those over 50 who traditionally have been active but have not found the motivation to remain as active as they would like.

If you are interested in having the series of "Hiking - The Basics" classes scheduled, email your request to thecohiker2011@gmail.com