Is there an organization for adults to learn outdoor skills with their kids?

There's a lot of great answers here, and one answer touched on it, but I really wanted to emphasize the quality of the resources and classes available at REI. Classes are open to members and non-members, with members getting a discount on paid classes but they also have free options for things like emergency preparedness. The REI website has a search page for local events and classes where you find classes near you. There's stuff from camping and backpacking and navigation, to survival, to paddling, and even stuff like bike maintenance for all levels of experience. And yes, there are classes on knot-tying, too.

If you have a location near you, I highly recommend it. They even do outings (which tend to be a little more expensive, considering many of the in-store classes are either free or $10 for members) that offer more hands-on experiences.

However, as far as getting the hands-on experience goes, once you know the basics, I would recommend using the meetup.com outdoors & adventure tab to both get to know other people near you with similar interests and get experience from knowledgeable people. It's more cost-effective, and you'll probably have better experiences.

Once you are comfortable with your skills, get out and do it yourself! Nothing will help you learn outdoorsman skills like being out on your own in the wilderness, assuming you are safe, well-prepared, and well-equipped!

posted over 7 years ago

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C. Starr‭

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I think the closest "adult version" of Boy Scouts are Firefighters.

They help people, cut trees and any kind of useful "manual" work the citizens need.

Logically there are quite big differences but I hope you get the idea.

posted over 7 years ago

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Fez Vrasta‭

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I don't know of any organization as you describe, but there certainly ways for adults to learn outdoorsmanship.

There are likely outdoor clubs in your area that run educational programs. Here in New England, the major one is the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club). They regularly run educational programs on various topics and at various levels. I attended one many years ago on winter camping and cold issues. Very informative. I have helped in the past with their backpacking course and orienteering course. I imagine the Sierra Club and many other less well known organizations do similar things.

There are also organizations that exist mostly to run educational programs. One in NH I've been to is called SOLO. I think they specialize in first aid and medical issues. There are others. Ask around locally. If you don't know where to start, ask for advice at a place that sells equipment for backcountry camping.

posted over 7 years ago

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Olin Lathrop‭

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The American Alpine Club and the Alpine Club of Canada each have local sections that offer regular skills courses in ropes, weather, orienteering (map, compass, GPS), climbing, mountaineering, avalanche safety, glacier travel, backcountry cooking, ski touring, how to lead groups, and more.

Membership is usually very affordable (around $50 a year) and many courses are free at the section level.

posted over 7 years ago

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furtive‭

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As an active adult in the Boy Scouts of America, I would highly suggest that you find a local scout troop in your area and sign up. Not only will you be helping the troop in a number of ways, but it will present you with a great way to learn many of the outdoor skills that you are interested in.

As the Boy Scout troop gains new members, they will have to learn the basics in order to advance through the ranks. This is a perfect opportunity to sit down and learn those skills with them. For example, I was recently instructing a basic compass course for new scouts. One of the adults who recently signed up with his son wanted to assist, but had the same level of experience as most of the new scouts (i.e. none). Within a few minutes he was able to actively instruct and assist some of the scouts who were having trouble with the course. They say the best way to learn is to teach, right? It is also a great way for the more experienced to brush up on their skills.

As suggested by @KRyan in a comment below, there are some qualifications for adults before they may join a troop. The BSA is a private organization, and ask that their members follow a recognized religion. Many troops meet at churches, synagogues, and mosques. You do not need to be a member of that religious organization to join, but it may help. Some troops take this more seriously than others. I have been a member of a Jewish troop for the past 18 years. During that time, we have had a number of members who were not Jewish, it really made no difference. More recently, some new scouts have joined the troop who also keep kosher. That means on camping trips, they don't eat bacon and have kosher marshmellows on the s'mores (yes, they do exist). I have never had a personal experience where religion or other personal beliefs have negatively impacted scouting, but your mileage may vary. Also, you do not need to have a boy in the troop to be a part of it yourself. If you do have a son who is of the proper age to join, I suggest signing both of you up. It is definitely more fun doing it together!

If you are not interested in joining a Boy Scout troop, you might be able to find an REI near you that offers classes in various outdoor activities. The location near me offers monthly classes on beginner camping and backpacking. YouTube videos might be another option. You could also look for an outdoors-oriented Meetup in your area. You may be able to learn from these members.

posted over 7 years ago

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Josh Kurland‭

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Volunteer in Search and Rescue (SAR).

I just got certified through my state's Sheriff's Association as a volunteer search and rescuer. I went through a two-month-long class with an intense outdoor "final exam" in order to get the certification.

Class topics included: tracking, outdoor clothing and equipment, wilderness navigation (map/compass/GPS), fire/water/shelter/signaling, environmental injuries, equine and canine resources, HAZMAT, crime scene investigations and evidence, lost subject behavior, CPR/AED certification, and yes, plenty of knots.

Now I volunteer in several local SAR groups, including a ground search group, an aircraft-based group, and an amateur radio emergency service.

Every person in these groups has unique skills, and without exception everyone has been friendly and interesting. One of the guys wants to be able to tie 150 knots... and he has a list of them and is working on it. If you want to geek out in depth on any outdoor subject, there is someone to do it with.

AND there are actual missions, a literal race against time to find someone and return them home before they succumb to the elements. Noble purpose.

I was a Boy Scout.

(The tautline hitch should never be used for rescue loads or climbing... but it is still one of my favorite knots because it is tied quickly, slips for adjustment, and holds well enough.)

posted over 7 years ago

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leqid‭

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If your looking for a club you and your child could participate in together then maybe checkout Spiral Scouts International. http://www.spiralscouts.org/ It is for kids aged 3-18 years old, co-ed. They are not religious, there are badges you can earn that are about religion but they are completely optional. Spiral Scouts strongly encourage the child's family to participate, and in their badge work they cover camping and outdoor skills.

posted almost 7 years ago

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NatureMama‭

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http://www.outwardbound.org/ - has education programs for adults.

However, I think you're on the right track with just finding your local community in some online way. For example, you can learn a lot and meet local folks here: https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/

Do not underestimate the value of becoming a Boy or Girl Scout leader - it can be very fulfilling. However, understand that scouting in those organizations is not just about outdoors stuff, it's about other life skills as well. If you are looking for outdoors groups, Boy and Girl Scouts isn't really the right group.

posted over 7 years ago

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Jasmine‭

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You could read the Boy Scout Handbook and the BSA Fieldbook to get a strong basic knowledge of scouting skills. You'll need to get hands on experience, but that doesn't require being in the back country.

posted over 7 years ago

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jejorda2‭

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Baden-Powell Service Association (BPSA-US), a traditional scouting organization that promotes inclusive membership, outdoor skills, back to basic traditional program and service in the community. They have adult section called Rover open to adults.https://www.bpsa-us.org/

posted about 7 years ago

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user14032‭

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The cub scouts and boy scouts are now accepting girls in their programs. As your daughter is 3 or around 4 since this was posted she would have to join cub scouting and you can be there with her as a parent or a leader if you wish. It's an option and when she's old enough to move up to boy scouts you can move up with her.

posted almost 6 years ago

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C Hays‭

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http://www.venturing.org/

Venturing Age Groups

Venturers Youth Participants: those who are age 14 (or 13 and graduated 8th grade) through the age of 17 are referred to as youth participants.

Adult Participants: those who are age 18 through 20 are considered adults (per youth protection guidelines), however, may still participate in the program through leadership positions, awards, etc.

Advisors Adult Advisors: those who are 21 or older serve as advisors. They do not lead the unit, but instead work with the youth leaders to help ensure success, safety, and personal growth for all members.

posted over 7 years ago

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kpkpkp‭

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