PA WILDS OUTDOOR INDUSTRY EXPLORATION SERIES:

OUTDOOR RECREATION ROUNDUP: BEGINNER HIKING, CLIMBING, AND KAYAKING

Our fall 2025 Outdoor Recreation Roundup series is geared toward ages 8 - 12 in Warren and McKean counties. This beginner hands-on course will introduce elementary age students to hiking, kayaking, and climbing.

What is the time commitment for this course?

This series consists of a mixture of classroom and hands-on training sessions that last seven hours each, over two days. Sessions are located between Allegheny Outfitters (AO) Outdoors Store and Goat Fort Climbing (20 Clark Street, Warren). There is one session in the YMCA pool. AO will provide van transportation to and from our location to the YMCA. Day two will take us to Rimrock. AO will provide all transportation.

What can you expect from our instructors?

This course is open to a maximum of eight participants, offering a low instructor/student ratio for a better learning environment. Our instructors have experience in each discipline, and hold relevant certifications. (Wilderness First Aid, American Canoe Association (ACA) Level I and II Kayak Instructor, and Leave No Trace Master Educator.) Our goal is to help nurture a love for the outdoors. Participants can expect a relaxed atmosphere that encourages questions and open conversation.

What topics will be discussed during this course?

We've broken down each of the three disciplines below.

Hiking

Our hiking session will be done partially in the classroom, and on the trail at Rimrock, weather pending. Topics include how to use maps to plan - identifying shelters, campsites, water sources; and discuss transportation to and from the trail. We’ll learn about trail markings, and discuss basics of what you should carry with you. Discussions will be had about where to obtain water and learn how to make water drinkable. We’ll cover the seven Leave No Trace principles and how to apply them to the trail. In the case of inclement weather, we’ll hold this course at the shop at AO.

Climbing

This class will introduce participants to the world of indoor climbing, focusing on bouldering and top rope climbing. Through a series of games and hands-on activities, participants will learn about the world of recreational climbing, focusing on bouldering and top rope climbing. We will spend time at an indoor climbing facility where we will cover climbing safety; how to move effectively in the vertical world; wellness and recreation activities; and even career opportunities.

We will also discuss the transition from indoor to outdoor climbing, including: how to find rocks to climb; where people typically climb; how to get there; how to find routes; what specialized gear is necessary; and how to be safe.

Kayaking

This course will give participants an overview of kayaking. We’ll cover Personal Flotation Devices, (PFD) and properly fitting them. We'll talk about land and water etiquette, and learn about the seven Leave No Trace principles and how to apply them to the water.

We'll identify and discuss water monitoring tools available on our local waterways, covering US Geological Survey (USGS) water level monitoring devices and Kinzua Dam outflow. We'll utilize online resources to monitor water levels in real-time and extended forecast. We'll discuss how these levels affect the paddling experience, while also discussing weather, wind, and water.

If time allows, utilizing our "river in a bag", we'll have a hands-on discussion covering how water reacts to river features (downstream and upstream V, eddy, eddy lines, hydraulics, holes, seams and standing waves, etc); and hazards - both natural (sweepers, deadheads, strainers), and man-made (bridges, low-head dams). We'll focus on how these affect the paddling experience and how they change at different water levels. (Day two will take us on a tour at Kinzua Dam to learn more.)

The kayaking portion of our session will end with on-water kayak training in the YMCA pool. We'll cover the importance of knowing your kayaks features, and launching/landing solo from land and dock. Strokes we'll learn include forward, back, draw, sweep, and reverse sweep. We'll be spending most of our on-water time learning technique, breaking it up with a few games to help fine tune your form. On-water training will eventually take us to controlled capsize/wet exit, and re-entry for those that may want to give it a try.

Do you need to have outdoor experience to sign up?

You do not need prior experience to sign up, but you must bring a willingness to learn.

What equipment are you responsible for providing?

We provide all equipment needed for the course.

What else should you bring?

Please remember to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Participants should bring snacks and a packed lunch. On-water training day, all participants want to dress to get wet. Because we will be trying to re-create the river/creek paddling experience, please dress in clothing you would paddle in. (Don’t forget a towel and change of clothes for afterward.)

What are the course dates and times?

Course Session #1:

Sunday, August 24th: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Monday, August 25th: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Course Session #2:

Sunday, October 12th: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Monday, October 13th: 9:00am - 4:00pm

What is the cost of this course?

This course is free to all participants. It is funded by generous corporate donations made possible through the Department of Community and Economic Development Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center) state-approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) program offerings here.

How do you register for a spot?

We'll have parent/guardian liability waivers that will need signed prior to starting the course, but the bulk of registration (and locking in a spot) can be accomplished online by clicking the button below and filling out the form. Have a question? Please email Piper at piper@alleghenyoutfitters.com.

2025 Fall Outdoor Recreation Roundup Series

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Basic Eligibility Criteria

This course is open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility criteria. By checking this box you acknowledge that the student signing up can: Breathe independently; Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water; Independently hold head upright without head/neck support; Manage personal care independently; Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance; Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently.

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Questions?

What is the PA Wilds Outdoor Industry Exploration Series?

The outdoor recreation economy is an $887 billion annual industry in the United States, accounting for more than 7.6 million jobs in fields that include everything from guide and outfitting services to developing and manufacturing outdoor products such as kayaks, backpacks, tents and cook stoves. Public lands are at the heart of the outdoor recreation economy. For the last 15 years, local partners from the public and private sectors have been working to grow this sector of the economy in the Pennsylvania Wilds. The region is uniquely positioned to do this as it is home to more than 2 million acres of public land – more than Yellowstone National Park -- and 16,000 miles of waterways.

Outfitters and guides are a linchpin businesses in this economic development effort. They help visitors safely access and experience the region’s biggest draw -- its public lands and waterways -- often passing their foot traffic to other businesses such as restaurants, lodges and retail stores, which helps these businesses grow and rural communities thrive.

Just as in the other vibrant niche industries, not just anyone can start or buy and operate a successful outfitting business. Not only are these lifestyle businesses they are also highly technical, requiring a deep understanding of the activities and gear at hand, the landscape on which these things are operated and the customer service and risk assessments that go with each.

The PA Wilds Outdoor Industry Exploration Series helps support and grow the outfitter and guide sector in the Pennsylvania Wilds by building awareness for the industry among the next generation, who may want to work at, start or one day purchase and operate such a business. At the very least, students will get a better understanding for the unique role such businesses play in their communities, the importance of safety and preparation on wilderness trips, and stewardship of the natural resources utilized.

Pictures from prior years courses: