Virtual Workshop Series
2021 Virtual Workshop Series
January 12: Hiking 101
Hiking is a simple and wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors and connect with nature. It doesn’t require much more than a little planning and preparation, sturdy shoes, a sense of adventure, and a small backpack to carry essentials. If you’ve dreamed of hiking, but haven’t tried it yet because you don’t know where to start, or are nervous to take the first step, this interactive workshop is for you! Outdoor Chattanooga’s Sunshine Loveless is an experienced hiker and will cover the basics of planning and doing a day hike including what gear you need, what to consider, and how to use Outdoor Chattanooga’s website to find the info you need to plan your first hike in Chattanooga! Because Chattanooga is chock-full of great hiking trails and we want to connect you with them! Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to win a Backcountry Navigation with Map & Compass Course from our friends at REI Chattanooga. (one winner will be randomly selected from all participants following the online session).
January 26: Fishing 101
What’s the catch with fishing in Chattanooga? Chat about the basics of fishing with local expert, Captain Richard Simms, owner/guide of Scenic City Fishing Charters. Capt. Simms will hit some area fishing highlights and then respond to YOUR questions – beginner or expert. In this interactive session, participants can present whatever questions you may have – when and where to fish for your favorite species; lure, bait, and tackle techniques; who needs a license, and what kind. It will be “no holds barred” – your chance to chat with this former game warden and area fishing expert. Participants will have the opportunity to win a $25 Gift Card from the Chattanooga Sportsman’s Warehouse to get the fishing gear they need to get out and catch the big one! (one winner will be randomly selected from all participants following the online session).
February 9: Wilderness Survival Skills – Shelter Building
Join Outdoor Chattanooga’s Recreation Specialist and avid outdoorsman, Cole Henderson for an interactive wilderness survival workshop focusing on shelter building. Learn practical tips and strategies that every outdoor traveler should know, including what essentials to carry and how to make an emergency shelter. A list of supplies will be provided in the registration email if you’re interested in getting them to practice one of the shelter building techniques during this live workshop. Come with your best questions to stump the instructor and leave confident you could survive if you got lost in the woods overnight. This class is designed for anyone who spends time outdoors. Workshop attendees will be entered into a random drawing to win a Navigation with Map & Compass Course from our friends at REI Chattanooga.
April 20: All About Rock Climbing
Outdoor Chattanooga’s awesome intern, Robert the avid rock climber, will cover everything you need to know about rock climbing including the different types of climbing, essential gear, jargon, and where to go to get up off the ground in Chattanooga! This workshop won’t cover how to climb, rather how to get into climbing and other essential things to know before giving this fun and rewarding sport a try. Rock climbing allows you to broaden your horizons beyond the ground to enjoy a more immersive outdoor experience and reach new heights. Workshop attendees will be eligible to attend a free 30-minute rock climbing session at the Walnut Wall in Coolidge Park with Outdoor Chattanooga’s experienced rock climbing staff.
February 23: Camp Cooking 101
Cooking in the outdoors need not be limited to hot dogs and s’mores. With the right ingredients, tools, and know-how, you can prepare gourmet feasts without a gourmet kitchen. The keys are planning and prep. Make plans to attend this free virtual workshop with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Program Coordinator and master chef, Terri Chapin, to learn about the various outdoor cooking methods, supplies, and tricks for easy and tasty cuisine utilizing backpacking and car camping equipment. Learn how to create a healthy, delicious meal with the same ingredients cooked on different types of stoves and fuel, and various types of camping cookware. What to bring, how to pack, food safety, clean up and critter considerations are a few more topics that will be covered. Participants will have the opportunity to win a gift card to Lodge Cast Iron to cook with on their next camping adventure! (one winner will be randomly selected from all participants following the online session).
March 9: Basic Bicycle Maintenance
Outdoor Chattanooga’s bicycle guru, James Eubank will dive into the most common repair and maintenance issue for everyday cyclists: how to fix a flat tire. Get your old bike out and practice at home during this live workshop and ask questions if you run into issues. A list of tools will be provided in the registration email so you can fix your own flat tire from the comfort of your own home. As a thank you, all attendees will receive a free Bike Chattanooga rental for participating in the workshop.
March 23: Intro to Backpacking
If you’re ready to venture beyond day hiking and car camping and hit the trail with everything you need to survive for a night outside, this virtual workshop is for you! Outdoor Chattanooga’s Director and avid outdoorsman, Philip Grymes will cover everything from essential gear to pack, trip and meal planning to how to go to the bathroom in the woods. We’ll also provide a printable checklist so you don’t forget any essentials on your first trek out. Backpacking allows you to broaden your horizons beyond the car campground to enjoy a richer, more immersive outdoor experience. Workshop attendees will be entered into a random drawing to win a Navigation with Map & Compass Course with our friends at REI Chattanooga. (one winner will be randomly selected from all participants following the online session).
May 4: All About Biking in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a Silver Level bike-friendly city according to the League of American Bicyclists and we want to connect you with the biking scene here in the scenic city! Join us for an interactive and ‘wheelie’ fun workshop to learn about biking in Chattanooga from local experts and biking enthusiasts. Guest speaker and General Manager of Bike Chattanooga, Joannah Burkhardt will give an in-depth overview on how to utilize the Chattanooga Bike Share system, the apps to unlock and locate docking stations, and how to become a member or casual rider. After that, local bicycle guru, Kat Volzer, the Chattanooga Bike Club advocacy director and local cycling instructor will cover basic bicycle safety, rules of the road, signaling, bike commuting, leisure rides, and other fun resources. There will be plenty of time for Q&A after the presentations.
June 15: Discover the Tennessee River Gorge Trust
Join us for a virtual presentation to learn more about the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) and its efforts to conserve one of Chattanooga’s iconic natural treasures for generations to come. Elliot Berz, Access and Communications Director and Avian Researcher with TRGT will share the organization’s mission, history, current projects, upcoming events, public access points for outdoor recreation on their 17,000-acre property, and their ongoing bird research and conservation efforts. There will be plenty of time for Q&A after the presentation. Attendees will receive an Outdoor Chattanooga sticker as a thank you and have the opportunity to register for a special sunset kayak tour with TRGT and Outdoor Chattanooga. Proceeds benefit TRGT’s mission and conservation efforts.
FAQs
When and where are the virtual workshops offered?
Where: Online: Reservations required in advance. Register here.
Do I have to make a reservation?
Do I need to have my own equipment
How much does it cost?
Do I have to have experience to participate?
Events
Did You Know?
This is Outdoor Chattanooga’s 11th consecutive year offering free winter workshops to the public. Workshop topics have ranged from critter encounters, creepy crawlies, wilderness first aid, family camping, camp cooking 101, knot tying 101, fishing 101, intro to turkey hunting, intro to paddle sports, Leave No Trace Ethics, map & compass, how to poop in the woods, bike maintenance, bike touring, bike packing, hiking and backpacking basics, backcountry cooking, and so much more. Let us know what outdoor skills you’d like to learn about and we’ll add it to the list! Thanks to COVID, we are now offering this workshops virtuall and year-round!