7 Day Courses: All You Need to Know
Travel to the course area:
Travel is the responsibility of the student. Please note that the Greyhound Bus no longer runs in Alberta. We send out an email to all the students to let everyone know that some of the students may need a ride from the airport and are willing to share the fuel cost or are willing to share the cost of a rental vehicle. Here is the page for directions and course location.
What time does the courses start?
Courses starts first thing Sunday morning so please be at the course site by 8:30. You are welcome to come the night before to get settled in. There will be a supper Saturday night for those that arrive then.
What time does the course end?
We have a BBQ at noon on Saturday so course usually winds-up around 2:00pm. If you need to leave before that, that is fine. We try to accommodate all students according to their travel plans.
Can I bring a tent on the 7 day courses?
By all means, bring a tent if you feel more comfortable with that. We encourage everyone to build or stay in one of the shelters provided to get a feel for what it is you prefer in shelter construction.
How many hours in a course day?
Most of the instructors stay overnight during the week so therefore they are there to teach from morning to night. Everyone that has come on previous courses say that the instructors are top notch and they all put on one heck of a course. There are no 8 hour course days.
Are there showers provided?
There is no modern showers available but there is plenty of water for a sponge bath and we can also set up a outdoor shower system thanks to Kelly Harlton idea of one. Check out the youtube video about that. On the summer course there is also a steam bath usually at the end of the week if people are interested. Some students have also gone to the Lobstick River which is just down the road.
Where does the water come from, is it potable?
The water comes from our well. If enough snow is on the ground then snow melting is done in the winter, if not, well water is provided. The well water is potable and very good. We drink it all year round.
Do you have cabins?
No cabins, but lots of shelters, some with wood burning stoves. Please feel free to bring your own shelter ie: tent.
Is food provided?
We provide meals, most of which are stews with other meals like perogies, pasta meals, canned and fresh fruit, trail mix, cookies, cake, etc. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bush tea, ice tea is provided. Hot cereal, granola and bread for breakfast. We do boiled eggs a few mornings and pancakes and sausage a few mornings as well. Anyone with special diets will have to bring their own food.
What type of clothing is needed for the summer/winter course?
We recommend you take a look at the Equipment/Gear List provided on the course page. Mors has put this list together for both summer and winter and says to adjust the list accordingly. Please remember that you are working and cooking over an open fire so sparks can land on clothing and burn holes. We can get a lot of rain and/or heat, cold temperatures or mild weather that melts snow. Please think of your camping/hiking gear. I would recommend 2 pairs of footwear and plenty of socks but if you are used to sandals then bring them. Mosquitoes can be a problem and we provide spray. In summer a net for your head is a good idea. Bring your suntan lotion and a hat. We work under a parachute and also have a lot of trees but walks in and around the property and lake happen especially when doing plant identification. Leather mitts with liners for winter.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, not a problem, in fact, we encourage it.
What kind of information is given out?
We provide a USB stick full of information that Mors has collected over the years. There is information on Camp Etiquette, One Pot Cooking for large groups, Clothing, Fires and Fire systems, Shelter Concepts, Knife Work, Dehydration and the list goes on. There is approximate 75 pages of information provided along with 8 of the pocket e-books that are added to the USB stick which also includes pictures taken during the course.
How should I send out my registration?
You can email your registration form here or snail mail it. For more information about registration, please visit the enrollment information page.
As more question are asked this will be updated. Courses are 7 days and there are lectures and hands on instruction.
If you have any other questions, please give us a call Toll Free at 1-877-KARAMAT (1-877-527-2628).
Thank you,
Lori and Randy Breeuwsma