Are you interested in sleeping in the outdoors but not sure where, when or what is required?
This women's only class (co-ed classes available) will teach basic camping skills:
How to choose a site, proper tent setup and basic sleeping elements to make sure you have a comfortable night's rest. Tipi Tent, Four-Person Tent and Hammock Tent options.
We will discuss basic first aid kits and the principles of Leave No Trace.
Camp fire building, fire safety, including understanding burn bans in Virginia.
Campfire cooking over an open flame and proper use of a camping cook stove. Proper food storage for car camping in bear country.
Basic camping hygiene, keeping you and your site clean.
Tentative Schedule:
Arrival and Introductions: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Tent Setup: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Snacks and Basic First Aid and LNT Discussions: 4:00-4:15
Know your surroundings: Exploration Time. Take a walk on a trail, visit the farm store, sit by our pond or come meet the animals on a farm tour! 4:15-5:30
Campfire Setup and Outdoor Kitchen Prep and Cooking: 5:30-6:30
Dinner: Herbivore, Omnivore and Carnivore options
Cleanup and Basic camping hygiene discussion
Free time to take an after dinner walk around the farm or walk over to the brewery/winery and listen to some local music and enjoy a local beverage.
Sunset and Smores: 9:00 PM
Enjoy the rest of the evening making friends, telling campfire stories, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a beverage of your choice.
Breakfast: 730-9AM
Camp Clean up: How to properly leave a campsite and store gear.
10AM: Say our Goodbyes!
Optional day hike to the lower falls of White Oak Canyon (15-minute drive and Shenandoah National Park pass required or fee to be paid onsite) or enjoy the banks of our river property (5-minute drive).
Your Instructor, Jennifer, is the owner and operator of The Farm Store at Watercress and Landon Farm, a Certified Animal Welfare Approved farm, in Madison County, Virginia. She is an avid hiker, backpacker and world traveler with a degree in Environmental Science and Outdoor Recreation. She has held certifications, such as a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace and an Instructor of the American Canoe Association.
The class is $30 per person plus the following options:
Tipi Tent:
A large tent with a queen size air mattress, all linens and pillows, included. This is considered Glamping! It is suitable for Double Occupancy. The $50 fee secures this tent as single occupancy. If you would like to bring a friend, please have the additional guest register for the class and food option.
4-Person Tent:
A medium size pop up tent with sleeping pads and sleeping bags. Bring your favorite pillow and your own sleeping bag, if you would like. We have them available for use, please let us know in advanced. This tent is suitable for Double Occupancy. The $30 fee secures this tent as single occupancy. If you would like to bring a friend, please have the additional guest register for the class and food option.
Hammock Tent:
A single hammock tent and sleeping back. Bring your favorite sleeping bag and pillow or use ours. Single Occupancy only $15
If you would like to bring your own tent and test it out. Feel free to do so. There is no charge.
Food Options: This includes a group campfire dinner and breakfast using foods from our farm, when available.
Herbivore $12 per person
Omnivore $15 per person, Herbivore plus meat option
Carnivore $18 per person (double meat)
Once you sign up you will receive a complete list of what to bring but here is a sample:
Clothes: Change of clothes, including a long sleeve jacket or sweatshirt, bathing suit (if you'd like to swim at the river or in the falls), water shoes, hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes.
Personal Items: Medications, bug spray, day pack, a refillable water bottle, book, head lamp or flashlight, snacks and this is a BYOB event. We do not have a problem if you would like to enjoy a beer, glass of wine or your favorite beverage by the fire.
Birdsong Camp is equipped with a small outdoor kitchen, flushing toilet, using rainwater collection and a solar shower with changing area. It is located on a 120- working farm near Shenandoah National Park.
The max occupancy for this class is 10 persons.
Coed and backpacking options are available on the farm. Please see our events schedule or contact Jennifer at the Farm Store. Book directly by calling Jennifer.
