Students and residents of Western North Carolina who want to experience the wild areas of the region while learning new skills will have a chance to do that later this spring as Western Carolina University offers a course in kayaking and a Wilderness Education Association Steward expedition course.
A course in beginner-intermediate kayaking will be held May 24-29, and again June 7-12. The six-day course will be taught in a pool and on a local lake and rivers. All equipment will be provided, and participants should have good swimming ability. Students will meet at WCU each day.
Cost of the course is $782.10, and a deposit of $500 is due immediately to secure a place. Three academic credits are available for those who complete the course. A $40 application fee is required for new students who wish to earn academic credit.
The WEA Steward course, designed for those who want to learn wilderness leadership skills, will be offered May 11-19 in the wild areas of WNC. The course will include backpacking, camping and rock climbing, and all equipment and food will be provided. No prior experience is necessary, but participants should have a reasonable fitness level.
Cost of the course is $872.80, and a deposit of $500 is due immediately to secure a place. Three academic credits are available for those who complete the course. A $40 application fee is required for new students who wish to earn academic credit.
For more information on both courses, contact Maurice Phipps in WCU’s department of health, physical education and recreation at (828) 227-3844 or phipps@email.wcu.edu.