Check Out Our New Workshops
Please contact us at Outdoor.Programs@kzoo.edu with your workshop suggestions! We can’t wait to curate a course for you!
FREE Backpacking Series
Spring Backpacking Series 2026
Ready to take your backpacking skills to the next level? Join us for our FREE Spring Backpacking Series, designed to teach you everything you need to know to confidently head out on your summer adventures. The series kicks off on March 4, 2025. Each free workshop will run from 6pm-8pm on Wednesdays. We will be offering an overnight backpacking trip at the conclusion of the series for those interested in testing their freshly learned skills.
| Topic | Date | Time | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leave No Trace and the 10 essentials | March 4, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
| How to Pack a Hiking Pack/Layering Techniques | March 11, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
| Backpacking Stoves | March 18, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
| Water Purification | March 25, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
| Intro to Map and Compass | April 1, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
| Basic Wilderness First Aid | April 8, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
| Camp Set Up/Shelter Building | April 15, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
| Trip Planning | April 22, 2026 | 6-8pm | Wednesday |
Spring Overnight Backpacking Trip 2026
Join us for an overnight backpacking trip designed for participants of our free backpacking workshop series—or anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in the backcountry. This guided trip is a chance to practice your new skills, build confidence, and enjoy a supportive outdoor adventure with others. Trip fee applies; space is limited. The trip price includes trip food and rental gear.
| Topic | Location | Date | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Backpacking Trip | Traverse City, MI | April 24-26, 2026 | TBD |
Climbing Series
Learn the skills you need to confidently and safely pursue climbing adventures! Our Climbing Workshops are designed to cover a variety of essential topics, including selecting the right climbing gear, setting up natural anchors, and other foundational skills.
This series is designed for folks who want to get outside and climb! The skills that we provide can be transferred for lead climbing, but we will not be teaching or climbing on lead in this particular series. This series will not include cleaning lead anchors. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced climber looking to learn how to take your climbing outside, these hands-on sessions are perfect for you.
*Lodging, food and travel are not provided
Fall 2025 Natural Anchor Building Climbing Workshops
Do you want to sign up for all of the courses? Purchase the Natural Anchors Package for a discounted price!
Spring 2026 Natural Anchor Building Climbing Workshops
| Topic | Date | Time | Day of Week | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climbing Anchor Principles | May 13, 2026 | 6pm-8pm | Wednesday | $35 |
| Natural Anchor Building Part 1 | May 14, 2026 | 6pm-8pm | Thursday | $35 |
| Natural Anchor Building Part 2 | May 15, 2026 | 6pm-8pm | Friday | $35 |
| Test Your Skills: Anchor Building and Climbing at Grand Ledge, MI | May 16, 2026 | 8am-4pm | Saturday | $125 |
Do you want to sign up for all of the courses? Purchase the Natural Anchors Package for a discounted price!
| Topic | Date | Time | Day of Week | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Anchor Package | May 13, 2026 | 14hrs | Wednesday-Saturday | $200 |
Spring 2026 Climbing Trip: Grand Ledge
| Topic | Date | Time | Day of Week | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Top-rope Climbing | May 16, 2025 | 8am-4pm | Saturday | $75 |
| Open Top-rope Climbing | May 17, 2025 | 8am-4pm | Sunday | $75 |