Wilderness Expeditions And YMCA Adventure Courses

NEW FAIRFIELD — The Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut’s Great Hollow Wilderness School & Conference Center is offering eight courses for adults and teens. For more information on any of these courses, call Great Hollow at 746-5852.

“Women in the Wilderness,” over the weekend of October 6-8, will allow participants to spend Columbus Day Weekend challenging themselves in a supportive environment. Activities will include rock climbing, caving, high and low ropes course, and backpacking. This is an outdoor camping program and all camping and technical equipment provided.

“Rock Climbing,” on October 13, at St John’s Ledges in Kent will be a one-day workshop that will cover all aspects of technical rock climbing. Participants will learn safety systems, protocols and techniques for rock climbing.

“Caving,” on October 13, will be in Millerton, N.Y. In this underground adventure, participants will discover the geology and lore of the Indian Ovens. Those attending must be prepared to spend approximately four hours underground in this strenuous and very physical activity.

“Canoeing,” on September 22,  will take place at Housatonic Meadows State Park in Cornwall. This one-day course will teach participants how to read a river and boat handling skills along with safety protocols for river canoeing.

“Introduction to Sea Kayaking I,” on September 15 or 22, at Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield is a three-hour class meant to be an introduction to the basics of sea kayaking, strokes and rescues.

Introduction to Sea Kayaking II,” also September 15 or 22, also at Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield, is a three-hour class that will cover stroke development and advanced rescues.

Women interested in kayaking are asked to call 746-5852. Weekly classes will culminate with an Everglades trip. All skill levels are welcome.

“After School Adventure” will meet on Mondays, October 1 to 29, at Great Hollow Wilderness School. This is an adventure-based leadership development program. Students will participate in a different activity each week, which may include low ropes course, canoeing, caving, flying squirrel, zip line, or rappelling.