About Session Classes
Friday Evening Session
06:15pm to 10:00pm
  • Basket Weaving
  • Defend Yourself
  • Education Workshop Sampler
  • Firearms Safety
  • Fish & Game Cleaning
  • From Stick to Staff
  • Leave No Trace - Outdoor Ethics
  • Wilderness Survival: Wilderness First Aid
  • Wildlife Habitat & Tracking
Saturday Morning Session
08:15am to 11:45am
  • Archery
  • Beekeeping
  • Cast Iron Cooking
  • Crafting With Plants
  • Introduction to Trapping
  • Learn to Fish
  • Rifle and Handgun
  • Shotgun
  • Using a Map & Compass
  • Wilderness Survival: Basic Survival
Saturday Evening Session
01:45pm to 05:15pm
  • Archery
  • Introduction to Kayaking
  • Learn to Fish with Lures
  • Muzzleloading
  • Rifle and Handgun
  • Shotgun
  • Stream Monitoring
  • Trapping for Fur Craft
  • Wilderness Survival: Shelters
  • Wildflowers and Ethnobotany
Sunday Morning Session
08:15am to 11:45am
  • Deer Hunting 101
  • Fly Fishing
  • Gun Care & Cleaning
  • Knot Tying
  • Outdoor Photography
  • Trailer Handling and Care
  • Tree ID
  • Turkey Hunting 101
  • Wilderness Survival: Foraging

Archery
Learn how to select bows, arrows and other archery equipment with an emphasis on fit, versitility and individual preferences. Participants will try out various archery equipment and spend the entire class on the range.

Basket Weaving
TBA

Beekeeping
TBA

Cast Iron Cooking
Cooking outside is delicious and does not have to just be hot dogs! Discover several different cooking techniques using cast iron cookware, while preparing a handful of dishes. Bring your empty stomach and be ready for some hands-on learning! You will feel confident making some of these dishes on your own at home or at the campsite with your take home cookbook. This program is outside so dress for the weather. (Additional Cost: $10.00)

Crafting With Plants
In this workshop, we will learn how to make dye, harvest fibers, and brew tea from a variety of plants both native to Indiana and growing around your home! We'll go over some basic plant ID and then draw on cultural and historical knowledge to discover many of the 'hidden' powers of plants.

Deer Hunting 101
Learn basic deer biology, habitat and the physiology behind hunting whitetail deer. Learn about safe and ethical harvest of these animail and aftercare to the freezer. You will have the opportunity to shoot from an elevated position at a deer target to complete this total simulated deer hunting experience.

Defend Yourself
In this class we will discuss personal defense. We will touch on several aspects of personal defense to include situational awareness, physical fitness, firearms safety while carrying as well as in the home and legal considerations. We will also have practical exercises where participants will be given instruction on basic self defense to include, kicks, strikes, blocks and ground defense.

Education Workshop Sampler
If you work with children, you need to know about these resources! Experience some of the hands-on lessons and games that these guides offer and learn how to attend full workshops on Project WILD, Project WET, and Project Learning Tree! Part of this class may be outside so dress for the weather.

Firearms Safety
An introduction to different types of firearms and the basics of firearm safety. Includes information on selecting and purchasing firearms. Does not include any actual shooting, but does include plenty of hands on practice with safely handling firearms. This session is a prerequisite for anyone taking any of the shooting classes who does not have a Hunter Ed. Certificate. If you have attended this session in a prior year, it is not necessary to repeat the class. For information on upcoming Hunter Ed. courses, click here or contact (317-232-4194). Class may run over to cover necessary information.

Fish & Game Cleaning
Acquire basic techniques for cleaning and preparing Indiana fish and field dressing and cleaning small game. From the field or water to the freezer...

Fly Fishing
Fly Casting is designed for the student with little or no knowledge of the mechanics of fly casting. Students will learn basic fly casting techniques and be introduced to equipment needed for fly fishing. Basic knots necessary for fly fishing will also be taught. All casting will be done on dry land, although students will be challenged to take to the water. All equipment will be provided.

From Stick to Staff
Create your very own walking stick to take with you on your adventures! In this workshop, we'll learn some basic whittling and woodburning skills while crafting a useful piece of art.

Gun Care & Cleaning
A properly cared for gun is safer, more effective, will last longer and be more valuable. Learn how to clean, store and care for basic types of shotguns, rifles and handguns.

Introduction to Kayaking
Learn the skills to paddle akayak through calm or rough waters. Practice basic paddling strokes and learn important safety rules. This class is a great introduction to the diverse sport of paddling, taking you from your first experience and transforming you into a confident paddler. Class is taught off site on a nearby waterway and travel time is included in the class. Be prepared, you may get wet! It is recommended that participants bring a hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion for sun protection and a change of clothes in case you get wet. Life jackets are provided.

Introduction to Trapping
Absorb the rich history of the tradition of trapping. Learn the ethics and laws associated with trapping. Learn what types of traps work for different animals. Practice setting a variety of traps. Learn how to care for animals after the harvest.

Knot Tying
Square, bowline, two half-hitch... knots are everywhere! Learn not only how to tie, but also HOW TO USE, a collection of the world's most useful outdoor knots. You'll find uses for this unique collection of outdoor knots in survival, camping, homesteading, boating, farming, hiking, and much more.

Learn to Fish
An introductory class on fishing with live bait. We will go over the rod, reel, tying hooks and setting up the lines. Teach how to cast, where to fish, remove a fish from a hook and hopefully CATCH SOME FISH!!

Learn to Fish with Lures
An introductory class on fishing with lures. We will go over the rod, reel, and setting up the lines. Teaching how to cast, where to fish and hopefully catch some fish. We will also go over the different types of lures and their most effective use based on weather, time of year, and water color.

Leave No Trace - Outdoor Ethics
Becoming outdoor women comes with a responsibility to enjoy outdoor activities in a sustainable manner. Using the Leave No Trace guidelines as a framework for easy-to-follow practices, participants in this class will learn how to enjoy new outdoor hobbies in ways that will leave the least impact. Enjoy hands-on, fun activities in this class while becoming empowered to model best practices in the out-of-doors!

Muzzleloading
This is a unique opportunity to learn about yesteryear and the timeless tradition of muzzleloading firearms. These primitive style firearms were used in the early formation of this great country. Using blackpowder, rather the powder used in modern guns, these firearms are fun, exciting and will spark your interest in how our early settlers hunted and shot for sport. Our instructors will also be in period dress to enhance this great learning opportunity. You will have the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of authentic muzzleloading firearms. Dont miss this class!!! (*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or hunter education certificate).

Outdoor Photography
Ready to finally understand your camera and start taking photos you love? In this hands-on outdoor workshop, you?ll learn how to work with natural light, confidently adjust your camera settings, and compose stronger images in real-world outdoor conditions. We?ll move, shoot, experiment, and chase great light together. No complicated jargon. No sitting inside all day. Just practical tools, real-time coaching, and photos you?ll be proud of. Come ready to shoot! Note: Cameras will be needed for this class.

Rifle and Handgun
Learn and practice basic positions for shooting rifles and handguns. Participants will be shooting at reactive targets, dueling trees and falling block targets with small caliber rifles and handguns with emphasis on recreational shooting. Participants will sharpen skills with plenty of time on the shooting range. This is not a personal protection class.(*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or hunter education certificate).

Shotgun
Learn and practice basic shotgun techniques in a safe and welcoming manner. Participants will enhance skills while shooting at aerial clay targets. (*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or hunter education certificate).

Stream Monitoring
Discover the meaning of water quality and how to measure it using easy chemical tests and by learning how to identify the bugs in the creek. This is an introduction to a free citizen science project called Hoosier Riverwatch. We will use water samples that have been collected ahead of time.

Trailer Handling and Care
This course is set for the woman who wants to be independent and confident enough to trailer a boat, ATV, snowmobile, or camper by herself. Learn towing safety, maintenance, and the art of backing up trailers. How to set up camper in camp site and the use of dump station upon leaving camp. Most class time will be hands on experience behind the wheel. A valid drivers license is required.

Trapping for Fur Craft
Learn simple trapping skills, how to handle and tan hides, and how to put furs to use by making a warm and fashionable fur hat. Gather ideas for making other fur crafts and garments. This course is taught by some of Indiana's most accomplished and knowledgeable female trappers.

Tree ID
TBA

Turkey Hunting 101
We will discuss turkey anatomy, habitat, calling techniques, and shotgun pattering. And we will also be doing a turkey field dressing example during clas

Using a Map & Compass
Learn basic compass skills that will help you navigate during your outdoor adventure. Students will learn how to use a simple compass and apply the lesson to practical navigation courses. The use of a GPS is discussed. There is no need to purchase a compass before coming, but if you already have one, feel free to bring it.

Wilderness Survival: Basic Survival
TBA

Wilderness Survival: Foraging
TBA

Wilderness Survival: Shelters
TBA

Wilderness Survival: Wilderness First Aid
TBA

Wildflowers and Ethnobotany
Explore the woods at Ross Camp in search of native spring wildflowers and plants used by humans for a variety of purposes. Plants roles in their ecosystems will be covered, along with the connections between humans and plants. Folklore and plant uses for food, medicine and other products will be revealed. Plants are so much more than just a pretty face! NOTE: Due to safety issues related to ingesting unknown foods, along with stewardship restrictions related to harvesting plants from small, localized populations, we will not be sampling any plants on this hike.

Wildlife Habitat & Tracking
Discover the diverse wildlife of Indiana and learn where to find it. Understand animal behavior and decipher the subtle signs they leave behind. Create plaster casts of animal tracks and explore the camp using your newfound tracking skills.