REI Outdoor School Chicago Area

Classes and Outings in Cycling, Hiking & Camping, Navigation, Outdoor Photography, Paddling, and Wilderness Medicine.

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL CLASSES AND EVENTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA

Date / Time	Classes and Events	Price	Register
5/25/2013 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT	Kayak Tour- Half Day Des Plaines River Launching from Vernon Hills, the urban environment disappears as we follow the Des Plaines River through the forest preserves of Lake County. This trip is rated at an Advanced Beginner level as the river has several bends that require maneuvering and, depending on water levels, may require a portage. Location: Des Plaines River Rt 60 Launch \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $75.00 Non Member: $95.00	Closed
5/25/2013 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT	How To Ride A Bike Class If you never learned to ride a bike or need to relearn the basics, this is the class for you! Our patient instructors use a series of skill-developing exercises to get you up on two wheels. You'll learn to start and stop smoothly while balancing comfortably on a bike. How to Ride a Bike class is for adults and kids 12 and older. Location: Northerly Island \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $65.00 Non Member: $85.00	Closed
5/25/2013 2:00 - 4:00 PM CDT	How to Ride a Bike for Kids \| Kids Is your child struggling to learn how to ride their bike? Our kid-friendly instructors will help them with their first lesson (possibly the only lesson they will need)! Our fun, unique and proven instruction methods have helped hundreds of kids experience the joy of riding a bike. How to Ride a Bike for Kids is for children 4 - 11 years old. Location: Northerly Island \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $45.00 Non Member: $65.00	Closed
5/28/2013 4:00 - 6:00 PM CDT	How to Ride a Bike for Kids \| Kids Is your child struggling to learn how to ride their bike? Our kid-friendly instructors will help them with their first lesson (possibly the only lesson they will need)! Our fun, unique and proven instruction methods have helped hundreds of kids experience the joy of riding a bike. How to Ride a Bike for Kids is for children 4 - 11 years old. Location: Oakbrook REI \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $45.00 Non Member: $65.00	Add to waitlist Please fill in your contact information to be notified if a space becomes available. You may then register and pay for the class. You will not be charged while on the wait list. Class Full Spots left: 0 Total spots: 8
6/1/2013 - 6/2/2013 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CDT	Wilderness First Aid with WMI and REI REI is collaborating with the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS to offer a 2-day class that will teach you the wilderness medicine skills needed to recreate with confidence in the backcountry. Location: Oakbrook REI \| More Info, Directions	Member: $220.00 Non Member: $250.00	Register Spots left: 1 Total spots: 30
6/1/2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT	Introduction to Mountain Biking Class On easy terrain, our instructors teach basic techniques such as shifting, braking, ascending, descending and maneuvering obstacles. Novara mountain bikes are provided free for those without a bike. Recommended for ages 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $65.00 Non Member: $85.00	Register Spots left: 10 Total spots: 12
6/2/2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT	Introduction to Backcountry Skills Class Getting ready to head into the wilderness for the first time and not sure what you need to know or do to have a successful trip? Hone your skills during this outing while we will discuss the importance of proper planning, equipment selection, and other fundamental backcountry skills. This outing will include a hike of approximately 3 miles. Location: Deer Grove Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $60.00 Non Member: $80.00	Register Spots left: 11 Total spots: 12
6/2/2013 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT	Introduction to Bike Commuting Class Do you want to bike your drive? On this REI Outdoor School outing you'll learn to plan your route, carry what you need on your bike, and navigate through urban environments. We'll show you some tricks to bike commuting and take you out on a ride to help you increase your confidence. Novara bikes provided. Location: Northerly Island \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $50.00 Non Member: $70.00	Register Spots left: 8 Total spots: 8
6/8/2013 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT	Basic Wildflower and Macro Photography Class This introductory class will teach you the exposure techniques and composition tips needed to capture the minute details of macro (close-up) photography that are so often lost in typical photography. Location: Deer Grove Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $30.00 Non Member: $50.00	Register Spots left: 11 Total spots: 12
6/8/2013 8:00 - 10:00 AM CDT	Hiking Chicagoland's Best Places Join a REI Outdoor School Instructor for a guided hike to one of Chicagoland's natural gems. We'll teach you about the ten essentials of backcountry travel and introduce you to the seven Leave no Trace principles. See location details for more info on the specific destination for this outing. Location: Deer Grove Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $20.00 Non Member: $40.00	Register Spots left: 15 Total spots: 15
6/9/2013 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT	Kayak Tour- Half Day Chicago Canyons Join us as we travel past skyscrapers, outdoor plazas, parks, parts of Chinatown, and enjoy the bustling water front. Location: Chicago River \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $75.00 Non Member: $95.00	Register Spots left: 10 Total spots: 12
6/9/2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT	Introduction to Mountain Biking Class On easy terrain, our instructors teach basic techniques such as shifting, braking, ascending, descending and maneuvering obstacles. Novara mountain bikes are provided free for those without a bike. Recommended for ages 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $65.00 Non Member: $85.00	Register Spots left: 8 Total spots: 8
6/15/2013 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM CDT	Hike and Paddle- Des Plaines River Launching from Vernon Hills, we follow the Des Plaines River through and past many significant forest preserve sites before reentering the urban environment when we cross into Cook County. Our journey and exploration include a lunch stop at the historic Ryerson Cabin . Distance: 8 miles on water, 1-2 miles on land. Location: Des Plaines River Rt 60 Launch \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $98.00 Non Member: $118.00	Register Spots left: 10 Total spots: 12
6/15/2013 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT	How To Ride A Bike Class If you never learned to ride a bike or need to relearn the basics, this is the class for you! Our patient instructors use a series of skill-developing exercises to get you up on two wheels. You'll learn to start and stop smoothly while balancing comfortably on a bike. How to Ride a Bike class is for adults and kids 12 and older. Location: Northerly Island \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $65.00 Non Member: $85.00	Register Spots left: 7 Total spots: 8
6/15/2013 2:00 - 4:00 PM CDT	How to Ride a Bike for Kids \| Kids Is your child struggling to learn how to ride their bike? Our kid-friendly instructors will help them with their first lesson (possibly the only lesson they will need)! Our fun, unique and proven instruction methods have helped hundreds of kids experience the joy of riding a bike. How to Ride a Bike for Kids is for children 4 - 11 years old. Location: Northerly Island \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $45.00 Non Member: $65.00	Register Spots left: 6 Total spots: 8
6/16/2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT	Backcountry Navigation with a Map & Compass Are you heading into the woods and want to learn how to use your map & compass properly? This class will teach you how to translate what is on your map to the surrounding area. How to use your compass easily and effectively to find your location, putting the Map & Compass together to plan your route and adjust as needed. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $60.00 Non Member: $80.00	Register Spots left: 6 Total spots: 8
6/16/2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT	Introduction to Mountain Biking Class for Women \| Women Only Learn the basics of mountain biking in a womens friendly environment on easy terrain. Our instructors will teach basic techniques including shifting, braking, ascending, descending and maneuvering around obstacles. Novara mountain bikes are provided. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $65.00 Non Member: $85.00	Register Spots left: 8 Total spots: 8
6/22/2013 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT	Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding Class \| Family Learn what you need to know to get started in Stand Up Paddleboarding! You'll learn the proper stance for balance and control, essential paddle strokes and turning techniques, and how to choose the right board and paddle. Courses will be held on protected calm water, and no experience is necessary. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $95.00 Non Member: $115.00	Register Spots left: 10 Total spots: 10
6/23/2013 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT	Introduction to Outdoor Photography - Composition & Technique Class Our REI Outdoor School instructors take you into the field to teach you how to shoot vibrant and stimulating photographs. Photographers of all levels using film or digital cameras are encouraged to attend. Bring your camera and its owner' manual, as well as extra batteries and memory. Location: Blackwell Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $65.00 Non Member: $85.00	Register Spots left: 12 Total spots: 12
6/23/2013 9:00 - 11:00 AM CDT	Family Hiking Class \| Kids \| Family Join our REI Outdoor School instructors on a kid friendly hike in a local park to discuss tips and tricks for planning family trips into the outdoors. The instructor will tailor the class to your family's needs. Kids need to be old enough to hike or bring your child carrier backpack. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $10.00 Non Member: $30.00	Register Spots left: 20 Total spots: 20
6/23/2013 12:00 - 2:00 PM CDT	Essential Camping Skills Class \| Kids \| Family Join the REI Outdoor School instructors to learn Essential Camping Skills. Our instructors will show you where to position your kitchen area, your bathroom facilities, and your tent site for maximum safety and comfort. Our goal is to teach practical camping skills for use in every situation, from car camping to long-distance backpacking. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $40.00 Non Member: $60.00	Register Spots left: 10 Total spots: 12
6/29/2013 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT	Kayak Tour- Half Day Chicago Canyons Join us as we travel past skyscrapers, outdoor plazas, parks, parts of Chinatown, and enjoy the bustling water front. Location: Chicago River \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $75.00 Non Member: $95.00	Register Spots left: 8 Total spots: 12
6/29/2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT	Wilderness Survival: 3-Season Skills Join REI Outdoor School for a wilderness survival class. We will provide practical tips and strategies that every outdoor traveler should know: emergency priorities; shelters; locating and accessing drinking water; and how to make your own emergency kit. You will also participate in interactive scenarios to practice and hone your skills. Location: Palos Forest Preserve \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $65.00 Non Member: $85.00	Register Spots left: 12 Total spots: 12
7/13/2013 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM CDT	Hike and Paddle- Des Plaines River Launching from Vernon Hills, we follow the Des Plaines River through and past many significant forest preserve sites before reentering the urban environment when we cross into Cook County. Our journey and exploration include a lunch stop at the historic Ryerson Cabin . Distance: 8 miles on water, 1-2 miles on land. Location: Des Plaines River Rt 60 Launch \| More Info, Directions, Gear List	Member: $98.00 Non Member: $118.00	Register Spots left: 12 Total spots: 12
7/14/2013 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT	Kayak Tour- Busse Lake We will explore one of the best kept secrets of the Cook County Forest Preserve District. During our exploration we will discover the native vegetation, invasive species, and the effort the park district is making to preserve the park for the future. We will visit the marshes and open waters, and the inviting 'secret' fish havens of the lake. Location: Des Plaines River Rt 60 Launch \| More Info, Directions	Member: $75.00 Non Member: $95.00	Register Spots left: 12 Total spots: 12