Philadelphia Outdoor School

Sign up at an REI store!

Activities

• Climbing
• Navigation
• Cycling
• Paddling
• Outdoor Photography
• Hiking and More

Climbing

Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing (Outing)

Come learn the basics of vertical climbing in a natural setting. We’ll focus on building solid fundamental skills such as belaying, crack climbing technique, face climbing technique and maneuvering through the "crux" (most difficult section) of a climb. If you’ve only climbed inside or you are looking to explore climbing for the first time, this is your opportunity to practice with professional rock climbing instructors. We provide harnesses, helmets and all the necessary gear for you to try out this fun and challenging sport! Recommended for those 14 and older; those under 18 must be accompanied by parent or responsible adult.

Navigation

Map & Compass Basics (Class)

Have you been carrying a compass for years and never actually known how to use it? For anyone heading to the outdoors, map and compass skills are essential to navigating safely. Join our Outdoor School Instructors for a class on learning to use a compass and read a map to help you find your way in the wilderness. Our Instructor will teach you all the parts of a compass and how to choose a style that works for you. We’ll talk about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination), and help you make sense of it all. Then you’ll learn how to take a bearing, both in the field and projected onto a map, so you can learn how to triangulate your position and plan a route. Speaking of maps, what do all those squiggly lines mean? We’ll also discuss topographic maps and how to read them to understand your terrain.

Introduction to Map & Compass (Outing)

Join us to learn how to use a compass and read a map to truly find your way in the wilderness. We'll teach you the parts of a compass and how to make use of them. We'll talk about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination), and help you make sense of it all. Then we'll learn how to take a bearing from the terrain, and from your map, so you can triangulate your position and plan a route. Speaking of maps, what do all those squiggly lines mean? We'll look at topographic maps and learn how to read them to understand your terrain. We'll also discuss strategies such as using "handrails" for "aiming off" to improve the accuracy of your backcountry navigation.

GPS Basics (Class)

Join an REI Outdoor School Instructor as they lead you through the basics of GPS navigation. Learn how to use your pocket-sized navigator to pinpoint your location, mark waypoints, plot courses, and create routes. Learn about using online maps and transferring route and waypoint information to the GPS. As the Instructor reviews the features to consider when choosing a receiver, they will introduce you to some of the fun and practical applications of using a GPS unit in your outdoor activities. At the end of the session, you will get hands-on experience outdoors with a GPS. If you own a GPS unit, please bring it to the class. Some demo GPS units will also be available.

Introduction to GPS Navigation (Outing)

Are you tired of getting lost on the trail? What about the time you got lost on the way to the park! Learn the latest GPS navigational techniques to keep you headed in the right direction. Head out into the field for a day of hands-on navigation training with our expert Outdoor School instructors. You’ll practice pinpointing your location, projecting waypoints, plotting courses and creating routes out on the trail, so that you can successfully navigate through local parks and your favorite backcountry destinations. Learn to transfer information from the GPS to your map and from the map to the GPS. We will even show you how to utilize your GPS to give you driving directions to your destination (not all units have this ability). If you own a GPS unit, please bring it to get detailed instruction on its features. Demo GPS receivers will be available, as well as maps and compasses, as we enjoy a scenic hike through a local park. This class will provide an overview of the different techniques needed to fully utilize your GPS receiver.

Cycling

Introduction to Bike Commuting (Outing)

Join our REI Outdoor School instructors as they teach you what you need to know to get the most out of using your bike for transportation. You'll learn to plan your route, to carry what you need on your bike, and to 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 in biking your drive!

Introduction to Mountain Biking (Outing)

Experience the thrill of mountain biking with our instructors as they teach you the proper techniques of shifting, braking, hill climbing and descent, body and pedal position, and navigating minor obstacles on the trail. This is designed as an educational ride, not a guided tour; we want to teach you how to get more out of your mountain biking experience. We’ll start by addressing proper bike fit, making necessary adjustments to improve comfort and performance. Next we’ll demonstrate riding techniques and teach important communication and safety skills to prepare you for the ride. We’ll teach you the trail etiquette techniques that mountain bikers can use to help keep trails open and safe for all trail users. Then it’s off for a great ride to practice all the skills you’ve learned. Novara mountain bikes provided at no additional cost for those without a bike of their own. Recommended for those 14 and older, under 18 must be accompanied by parent or responsible adult. NO RIDER IS LEFT BEHIND!

Intermediate Mountain Biking (Outing)

If you've been riding for a while and feel comfortable with your bike and want to take your riding performance to the next level, join our expert mountain biking instructors as they teach you to navigate advanced terrain and master singletrack portions of some great local rides. We'll build on the skills you've learned in Introduction to Mountain Biking with more practice handling obstacles, switchbacks, ascents and fast-paced descents. Learn to ride the areas you've wanted to explore but were afraid to attempt on your own. We'll also teach and enforce proper trail etiquette to make sure trails stay open and safe for well-behaved mountain bikers and all other trail users. Novara mountain bikes provided for those without a bike of their own at no extra cost. NO RIDER IS LEFT BEHIND, but this trip is not for beginners as we ride at a faster pace and cover tougher terrain.

Introduction to Road Cycling (Outing)

Experience the rush of road cycling with our instructors as they teach you the proper techniques of shifting, braking, efficient hill climbing, safe descending, proper body position, and reading the road for safety. This is an educational ride, not a guided tour; we want to teach you how to get more out of your cycling experience. This class is designed for folks getting back into cycling and beginners alike. We’ll start by addressing proper bike fit, making necessary adjustments to improve comfort and performance. Next we’ll demonstrate riding techniques and teach important communication and safety skills to prepare you for the ride. Then it’s off for a great ride to practice what we've learned! New Novara road bikes provided at no extra cost for those without a bike of their own. NO RIDER IS LEFT BEHIND! Please bring your helmet and proper riding apparel. Recommended for those 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Paddling

Kayaking: Level 1 (Outing)

Tired of watching from shore as kayakers glide over the water? Now's the time to join us for an on-the-water class designed to teach you the basics of paddling touring-style kayaks. We'll discuss gear selection, proper fit of boat cockpit and gear, and basic safety skills. Then we'll head out on the water to learn and practice the forward, sweep, reverse and draw stroke techniques so you can get your boat to go where you want it to. Come join us and expand your outdoor destinations to include the open water! Kayaks, PFDs (life vests), paddles, and all accessories are provided. Recommended for those 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Kayaking: Level 2 (Outing)

This class expands on the skills learned in our Kayak Level 1 class. Gain more advanced paddling skills! In this on-the-water class we will expand on paddle strokes and boat handling skills and we'll teach self-rescue techniques where you will get to practice safe methods of exiting your boat in a capsize, re-entering your kayak with a paddle float, and pumping it dry with a bilge pump. These recovery skills and the safety gear you learn to use are essential to paddling safely on large bodies of water. All kayaks, PFDs, paddles, and rescue equipment provided.

Outdoor Photography

Basic Composition Techniques (Class)

Join our REI Outdoor School instructor as we teach techniques enabling you to turn everyday snapshots into beautiful compositions. You will learn to see beyond your primary subject so that everything in the frame improves the image. We will analyze numerous photographs as we discuss composition techniques including eliminating distractions, utilizing human subjects, and using leading lines and the Rule of Thirds to create more dynamic images. Begin to shoot with an eye that draws the viewer's attention into a vibrant and stimulating photograph. These classes and the associated outings are open to digital and film photographers of all experience levels.

Introduction to Composition and Technique (Outing)

Cameras don’t take pictures, people do. But cameras are not always easy to understand. Learn more about your camera and how to make ordinary subjects extraordinary. REI Outdoor School instructors and photographers will introduce composition techniques and demystify some camera functions. Learn how to eliminate distractions, use line and texture and the Rule of Thirds to create more dynamic images. Begin to see beyond your primary subject so that every feature in the frame improves the image and draws the viewer’s attention into a vibrant and stimulating photography. This trip is open to digital and film photographers of all experience levels.

Hiking and More

Family Hiking (Outing)

Want to experience nature and see the sights with your children? Maybe you’re new parents wondering how to safely introduce the little ones to a day out on the trail? Learn how to pick appropriate locations, how to "sell"? the activity, and how to keep the kids enthusiastic, interested and happy on the hike. A kid-specific version of Leave-No-Trace principles will also be taught to emphasize good habits in the outdoors. Join our instructors for a fun, engaging day out on family- friendly terrain. Tips for including children on other activities such as boating, biking and even climbing will be discussed.

Backcountry Cooking (Outing)

Tired of always eating the same old camp food? Heading out for your first camping or hiking trips and not sure what to pack? In this hands-on field seminar, REI Outdoor School instructors will teach you how to build a safe, efficient camp kitchen, design a menu, and prepare nutritious, tasty meals that will delight your campers and elevate your wilderness experiences! Learn about proper food handling and sanitation techniques and tips on preparing and storing your food to minimize clean-up. We will discuss what stove and fuel types are best for your needs, then we will prepare and cook a shared meal on a variety of MSR stoves. We’ll be sampling ultra-convenient freeze-dried meals, along with some of our staff’s favorite camp recipes from a mix of dried and fresh ingredients that are sure to please! All stoves, kitchen materials, and food ingredients provided (with options for both vegetarians and meat eaters.)

Essential Camping Skills (Outing)

Camping is the foundation of most of our outdoor activities. No matter what sport you pursue, it all comes back to a pack, stove, tent and warm sleeping bag. Join the REI Outdoor School instructors as we teach you how to make a comfortable home for yourself in the wild. We will leave the trailhead for a day hike with all our gear until we find that little patch of ground we can call home. Then, we will set up a model campsite using proper Leave-No-Trace skills. Our instructors will show you where to position your kitchen area, your “bathroom facilities", and your tent site for maximum safety and comfort. Food storage and wildlife safety will also be covered. Our goal is to teach practical camping skills for use in every situation from car camping to long-distance backpacking.