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In response to feedback the OTMC has changed the way we run our Bushcraft programme and now offer a course that still covers all the basics, but have reduced the time commitment to three evening meetings and one weekend practical skills tramp.

The Mini-Bushcraft organised by members of the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club is designed to provide tramping instruction to allow people to enjoy the New Zealand outdoors safely. A lot of the tragedy's we hear about via the media are preventable, and this course is a great opportunity to increase your skills to make your visit to the back-country enjoyable and safe.

Although this course is an abbreviated version of the traditional OTMC Bushcraft course we will cover the majority of the essential Bushcraft skills, mostly by practical methods.

The course will start on October 20 with an evening meeting in our clubrooms. This evening will feature an introduction to tramping, and cover clothing and tramping gear (packs/boots/sleeping bags etc.).

The second evening, on October 27, will cover an introduction to map reading and compass use, as well as the environmental care code and other tramping topics not covered like cookers and first aid kits)

 

The group will then be separated into tramping parties, each with an experienced leader. At the third meeting on November 3 each party will fully plan the weekend tramp for their party to the East Matukituki. This will include planning or discussing the route, food, gear and equipment required and other necessary details.

The weekend trip itself takes place over the weekend of November 14/15 (departing 6pm Fri evening). We will drive to the start of the track and camp. Saturday will commence with the theory side of river-crossing before we start our trip to Aspiring Flat. Whilst tramping we will practice map and compass use as well as river crossing. Saturday night will be camping, with the use of flys or tents, as well as cooking an evening meeting use portable stoves. Participants will be encouraged to have a go at all the practical skills this is the best way to learn.

The walk out on Sunday may include walking down a section of the river, allow further river-crossing practice (dependant on river levels).

Any further instruction required can be provided by the club—please feel free to discuss this with us if you feel you need more assistance.

The cost of the mini-course will be $55, which covers the transport for the tramping trips. The party food for the Matukituki trip will be additional to this (approx. $15 per person).

Download a flyer for the course here
Download an application form here

(or download a MS Word form here - email completed forms to  otmc@ihug.co.nz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This site copyright 1999/2009 Antony Pettinger. The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the OTMC Committee or other OTMC Members.