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Middle schoolers get hands-on outdoor education

Matt Stensland
Local youth visit with Routt County Search and Rescue volunteers on Emerald Mountain during a new outdoor education class offered by the city.
Emily Hines/courtesy

Top 10 survival items for the backcountry

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid
  6. Fire
  7. Repair tools like duct tape
  8. Food
  9. Hydration
  10. Shelter

— A group of local youth recently got to learn about survival from the experts at Routt County Search and Rescue.

This week, the kids climbed in the Search and Rescue snowcat for a ride up Emerald Mountain.

Up top, a Classic Medical helicopter landed, and the middle schoolers got an up-close look.



Search and Rescue volunteers then went over the 10 essential items needed for survival in the backcountry.

The Emerald Mountain journey was a part of a new outdoor adventure class offered by the city of Steamboat Springs.



Alexis Wolf, the city’s youth programs director, said the eight-session class, costing $80, sold out very quickly and will be offered again.

“I have my son in it,” Wolf said. “I’m so excited.”

The city worked with an intern from Colorado Mountain College to put on the class, which will include a trip to Yampatika.

Students will also learn bear tracking, how to use a map and compass and camping skills.

The kids will visit the Colorado Mountain College gear room, where they will learn first aid and how to pack a backpack.

The class is part of the city’s ASSET Club.

Other classes offered through the club are Red Cross babysitter training, a theater program through the Chief Theater and a girls-only class called Girls Reaching Out Wider.

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland


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