Outdoor Skills
Learn how to tie knots, build shelters, use a compass, or any of the other skills we offer. Irons Oaks provide trained staff and all necessary materials for the programs.
Group size for any outdoor skill program should not exceed 20 participants. If your group is larger, additional staff will be needed. Programs are available year-round and every day of the week. Space and staff is limited, so call early in advance! Please contact the Community Programs Coordinator by e-mail at dmcintyre@hfparks.com or by phone at 708.481.2330 ext. 208 to make reservations and for more information.
The Overnight Experience: Irons Oaks staff member could lead your group in a campfire with stories; an outdoor skill listed below; play cooperative games; or teach a program to satisfy a scouting requirement. We will create a customized event just for you. You will have use of one of our multi-purpose rooms for overnight accommodations or bring your own tents and sleep in our meadow. Irons Oaks Patches are also available.
Length: 6:30 pm - 9:00 am
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Fee: $25 per scout ($250 min.)
No fee for adults/chaperones |
Winter Overnight Experience: An Irons Oaks staff member will lead your group through various (weather permitting) activities that cover preparation & stamina for a winter trip and the unexpected winter accident. We can sleep indoors or you can bring your own tents and brave the elements! No food is provided by Irons Oaks (except the s'mores ingredients, if you wish), but a list of groceries to bring will be provided if the group wishes to discuss open fire cooking.
All food, personal gear, and scout awards are the responsibility of the group. Irons Oaks provides staff (for the entire time) and all materials to lead the chosen programming. Each scout will earn an Irons Oaks patch.
Length: 5:00 pm - 9:00 am
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Fee: $25 per scout ($250 min.)
No fee for adults/chaperones |
Knots and Lashing: Learn basic knots and lashing techniques that can be applied while in the outdoors.
Length: 1.75 - 2 hrs
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Fee: $50 for up to 10 participants
and $2 for each additional participant up to 15 |
Fire Building:Learn the different types of wood necessary for creating a successful fire, while following all fire safety rules. Build a personal A-frame and log-cabin style fire. Then, create an extended A-frame for cooking so we can celebrate our new knowledge over toasted marshmallows!
Length: 1.75 - 2 hrs
Fee: $50 for up to 10 participants and $2 for each additional participant up to 15 |
Tents 101: Set up and take down a tent safely and efficiently. We'll learn how to find a good site, pitch our tents, discuss some minimal impact camping techniques, then clean and take down the tents. We will provide standard 4-person Eureka tents.
Length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $45 for up to 10 participants
and $2 for each additional participant up to 15 |
 Shelter Building:
Lost in the woods and nowhere to sleep? We will learn how to build a shelter from branches and leaves, just like the squirrels and a simple tarp shelter.
Length: 1.5 hrs
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Fee: $45 for up to 10 participants
and $2 for each additional participant up to 15 |
Papermaking: Make unique paper for cards, stationary, or other craft projects out of scraps. Personalize your creation with leaf imprints or bring in dried flowers to press into your paper.
Length: 1.5 - 2 hrs
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Fee: $50 for up to 10 participants
and $2 for each additional participant up to 15 |
Tracking and Stalking: Discover the art of reading animal tracks in the wild. We will learn who's prints belong to which animals, along with what they mean. Practice the technique of stalking through a game and hike.
Length: 1.5 - 2 hrs
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Fee: $50 for up to 10 participants
and $2 for each additional participant up to 15 |
Orienteering: Using a compass can be a necessity in the outdoors. A staff person will guide you through the parts of a compass and how to use it. Learn pacing and how to "orient" yourself with a map. If you're game, try your hand at our orienteering course.
Length: 1.5 - 2 hrs
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Fee: $50 for up to 10 participants
and $2 for each additional participant up to 15 |
Night Hike: On this "flashlight-free" hike, you will experience Irons Oaks with all 5 of your senses! Learning about resident nocturnal creatures is also a part of the unique program.
Length: 1 hr
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Fee: $40 for up to 10 participants
and $2 for each additional participant up to 20 |
Cross-Country Skiing: Learn the basics: dress, gear, downhill and uphill techniques, turning, stopping, and the diagonal stride. 4" of base snow is required, so please call in advance for trail conditions, registration, length, and fees.
Climbing Tower, Teams, High Ropes, and Adventure Trips: These activities are also available. Contact the Adventure Department at (708) 481-2330 and ask for Caryn at Ext. 203 for more information.
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