Workshops & Excursions

Boy Scout Courses

True North offers a series of workshops and excursions so that you can explore with confidence.

Check out our current list of upcoming events:

1. Lecture:  “But It’s Just a Day-Hike” and Other Famous Last Words.

Join instructors from True North Wilderness Survival School at the Outdoor Discovery Center and its hosts from the Armstrong Center for Community Learning to learn how you can better prepare to protect yourself and others during your next outdoor adventure.  During our talk, you will learn the same approach to survival that is taught in the U.S. military, as well as key priorities, tools, and resources to consider.  It’ll also offer you the opportunity to ask questions that will expand your appreciation of the natural world around you, as well as dispel popular myths and misconceptions.

Taught by experienced professionals who have worked with a diverse array of clients, from hikers, hunters, and paddlers to First Responders, this program is designed to help you to get outside and explore with confidence.

Please note that in order to maximize your learning experience, space is limited.

To register, visit: TBA.

Here are the program details:

  • Date: To be announced
  • Start / End Times: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Fee: TBA
  • Location: Outdoor Discovery Center — 142 Kerr Road, Ford City, Pennsylvania 16226
  • Minimum Age:  13 years old when accompanied by a parent.

2. Workshop: Fire Craft – A Knee-High Fire in Five Minutes in the Pouring Rain

Join instructors from True North Wilderness Survival School at the Outdoor Discovery Center and its hosts from the Armstrong Center for Community Learning to learn how you can quickly and easily build an emergency fire in as little as five minutes, even when it’s raining!  During this hands-on program, you will learn about fire building techniques, gear, and other survival tips that will help to dispel many common myths and misconceptions.

This fun and easy program is intended, not only to help you to better protect yourself and others in the outdoors when help is delayed or unavailable, but to help you to get the most out of your next outdoor adventure.  Better yet, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the Winter afternoon sipping hot cocoa chatting with the True North and Armstrong Center staff.

Please note that in order to maximize your learning experience, space is limited.

  • Date: To be announced
  • Start / End Times: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Fee: TBA
  • Location:  TBA
  • Minimum Age:  13 years old when accompanied by a parent.
  • Group Limit: 15
  • Level of Physical Difficulty:  Easy

3. Workshop:  The Survival Shelter – How to Keep Yourself 98.6°

Join instructors from True North Wilderness Survival School at Hartwood Acres County Park, conveniently located just fifteen minutes North of Downtown Pittsburgh, to learn how you can better deal with emergencies by crafting an emergency shelter, in as little as 30 seconds to as long as 25 minutes, that is both wind-proof, water-proof, and warm.  During this program, you will learn how to tie key knots, how to improvise shelter materials, what gear to consider, plus get a chance to ask questions and dispel common survival misconceptions.

This easy 3-hour program will be a great introduction to gaining the confidence that you need to better protect yourself and others when help is delayed or unavailable.

Please note that in order to maximize your learning experience, space is limited.

To register, just visit our Schedule and click on the listed program date.

  • Date: To be announced
  • Start / End Times: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Fee: $75
  • Location: Hartwood Acres County Park, Indiana Township, Pennsylvania
  • Minimum Age:  15 Years old when accompanied by a parent.
  • Group Limit: 10
  • Level of Physical Difficulty:  Easy

After registering for the course, students will receive a detailed course information sheet that will contain all of the applicable details, including exact location, driving directions, basic gear, etc.

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