Courses and Workshops 2013
Notice what a great discount LCMM Members receive on courses & workshops? Become a Member today!
LCMM is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Lake Champlain. With this mission in mind we have brought you some of the finest instructors offering an incredible range of learning opportunities. Courses in:
Boatbuilding | Photography | Blacksmithing | Field Trips & Natural History | Native American Crafts | Maritime & Wilderness Skills | Chart Your Own Course
Build a Boat in a Weekend
Build your own Bevin's Skiff rowboat in one weekend! Grab your friends or family and build the boat together. Guided by expert boatbuilders from the Maritime Museum, you will finish your boat by Sunday afternoon in time for a maiden launch on Lake Champlain (weather permitting). Each team departs with their own boat. $1100 per team (usually $1400). (Check out a short video of the process on YouTube!)
To sign up: Call (802) 475-2022 and we'll take your information. Once the student minimum number is met, we'll contact everyone and make it happen. Don't wait, space is limited - get your name on the list now!
Especially for Kids - Summer Programs for Kids
We offer a whole range of summer programs for kids: Read about them all here.
- Champlain Discovery
- Boy Scout Archaeology Merit Badge
- Wind, Oar and Explore (with the Community Sailing Center)
- and more!
Champlain Discovery (For Teens)
LCMM Staff
This exciting co-educational program will give ten individuals, age 13–16, the opportunity to build a 17' sea kayak, then launch their newly built boats and embark on a 11-day paddling and camping exploration of Lake Champlain. Students own the kayak they build upon completion of the program.
Building the kayaks.
Boat Building The first three weeks will be a day-program (students are responsible for transportation during this part of the program) held at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. During this segment students will build their kayaks as well as learn kayaking and wilderness skills. Students also choose, and take part in, a variety of sports and group activities. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Kayaking and Camping This 12-day kayaking adventure will launch from Whitehall, NY and head north on Lake Champlain, to Burlington, VT. Paddling and camping will be interspersed with visits to sites of historical and ecological significance. Champlain Discovery is a challenging program, offering an opportunity for great personal growth. We will be living outdoors for the 11-day trip, whatever the weather. We may paddle many miles in a day, with winds that may or may not cooperate. Everyone will share responsibility for cooking, cleaning, personal and group safety. Champlain Discovery strives to create a challenging and supportive environment.
Read More about Champlain Discovery & watch the video!
Dates:
June 17 – July 20, 2013
Cost Full tuition is $2,950, which includes all instruction, kayak materials, food and use of major camping equipment during the kayaking and camping portion of the program.
LCMM offers scholarships for qualified students with financial need. Email or Print & Mail the 2013 Application to Nick Patch:
nickp@lcmm.org
LCMM,
4472 Basin Harbor Rd,
Vergennes, VT 05491
Digital Photography, Introduction to Intermediate Kris Jarrett
This two day course starts with a morning in the classroom to cover the basics of exposure, composition, mechanics, gear, and how to capture the image you see in your mind. Classroom instruction will be followed by an afternoon shooting on the campus of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Those interested may stay to learn the basics of astrophotography (weather permitting). Day two will focus on post production and software using the images captured on day one. The remainder of day two will be spent on a nature walk to Button Bay State Park concentrating on wildlife and scenic photography. Kris Jarrett has been a professional photographer and graphic design artist for 13 years, using his digital photography skills to capture portraits, still-lifes, candid shots, landscapes, and macros.
Date: May 25-26; 9:00 – 5:00 Cost $175 ($157 Members)
Read about all our Blacksmithing Opportunities: facilities, Hammer-In Event, Blacksmithing Guild, and more.
Blacksmith Hammer-In - May 25
This year's featured demonstrator, Peter Happny of Portsmouth, NH, is an extremely talented blacksmith with 40 years of experience. Read more about Peter and see his gallery of exceptional work online at www.peterhappny.com. Registration required.
Date May 25, 2013, 9am - 4pm
Fee $35 ($25 Members); includes lunch
Teen Basic Blacksmithing Robert Wetzel
Teens ages 14-17 will learn management of a traditional blacksmiths forge and the techniques of shaping hot iron into useful or decorative items. No previous experience required.
Dates: July 20-21; Cost: $165.00 ($148 Members)
Teen Advanced Blacksmithing Projects Robert Wetzel
This is an advanced projects workshop for teenage students with previous blacksmithing experience. Enhance your design and forgery skills.
Dates: August 10-11; Cost: $165.00 ($148 Members)
Basic Blacksmithing Peter Wells Open to students with no previous metalworking experience, these workshops cover basic iron working skills including coal forge management, tools and materials of the trade and basic forging techniques. 2 or 3 day classes.
2 Day July 13-14; Cost $215.00 ($193 Members)
3 Day July 26-28; Cost $280.00 ($252 Members)
Blacksmithing Projects Peter Wells
Design and produce your own projects while strengthening basic forging skills and exploring advanced techniques. Choose 2 or 3 day classes.
2 Day August 3-4, 9:30-4:30 Cost $215 ($193 Members)
3 Day August 16-18, 9:30-4:30 Cost $280 ($252 Members)
Basic Bladesmithing Robert Bordeaux
This two-day course will teach students how to forge a hidden tang knife blade including the basics of how to heat treat and temper blades. Each student goes home with a complete knife. 9:30am – 4:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Offered four times this season!
Select from these Dates June 8-9; or July 6-7; or August 24-25; or September 21-22
Cost $175 ($157 Members)
Bronzecasting 101
Bronze Casting 101 Richard Butz
Ever wanted to make objects in bronze? During this two-day, hands-on workshop you will learn how to
assemble or make the equipment necessary to operate a small foundry using the sand casting method. Limited to 6 participants – a great opportunity for a parent-child (12+) experience.
Date July 13-14; Cost $175 ($157 Members)
Blacksmithing Guild
Open only to LCMM Members, the Blacksmithing Guild opens access to our 1,800-square-foot Rinehart Blacksmithing Arts Center to experienced blacksmiths for their individual projects. Read more about the Blacksmithing Guild and how to participate.
Community Rowing
Ages 18 and up. The Community Rowing Club offers adult rowing every week May through October. Community members sign up to experience the beauty of Lake Champlain while getting a great physical work-out. Adult community teams also participate in regional rowing competitions. Learn about all our Rowing Opportunities. Only Members of LCMM are eligible to participate in Community Rowing. Your $35 Rowing Club fee allows you to join any of our weekly rows for the whole season.
Not sure if it's right for you? Just join us for a row!
Contact Karen Gallott at (802) 475-2022, ext 121 or kareng@lcmm.org
Paddle to Prehistory Matt Witten and Ben Mayock
Come paddle back in time and visit an ancient Native American village near the confluence of Dead Creek and Otter Creek – an area that was at one time one of the most prized and active Native American campsites and settlements in all of Vermont. We will canoe a short distance on Otter Creek (known to early European settlers as “The Indian Road”), explore the marshes of Dead Creek, and take out at a spot that shows ample evidence of Native American habitation. Matt Witten and Ben Mayock are experienced on-water guides, and are enthusiastic to share their knowledge of wildlife, ecology, and history.
Date June 23, 9:30- 12:30 Cost $25 Adults; $15 Youth ($22/13 Members)
Wind, Oar and Explore
Ages 12 - 16. We are excited to partner with the Community Sailing Center in Burlington, VT for a week-long daycamp for kids ages 12-16, offering adventure and excitement throughout Burlington Bay. Participants will challenge their strength by rowing hand-built, wooden pilot gigs like the early explorers did on Lake Champlain. Participants may adventure to neighboring islands and beaches and spend the other half of their day learning the fundamental skills of sailing small boats on Lake Champlain. For session I, campers should be dropped off at the Community Sailing Center and picked up at Perkins Pier. For session II, campers should be dropped off at Perkins Pier and picked up at the Community Sailing Center. To sign up for this program, head to the Community Sailing Center!
Dates
Session I June 24 - 28, 2013, 9am - 4pm
Session II July 22 - 26, 2013, 9am - 4pm
Cost $335 for either session, (sorry no Members discount on this course). Register at the Community Sailing Center.
Two-Row Wampum Bracelet
with instructor Linda Longtoe Sheehan, Elnu Abenaki Tribe
Learn the historical significance of wampum. See samples of finished wampum belts and a demonstration of wampum weaving. Then make your own glass wampum bracelet with step-by- step verbal instructions. All materials included. 4 hours.
Date June 27, 5pm-9pm Cost $60 ($54 Members)
Introduction to Twining
with instructor Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Elnu Abenaki Tribe
Twined baskets, bags and containers pre-date the ash splint baskets that the Wabanaki people are known for. It is the oldest method of basket making known in the North Eastern United States. In this beginner level class, learn to twine by making a small project, such as an ipod or cellphone holder, which you get to bring home. These skills can then be applied toward making a belt or strap. 3-4 hours.
Date June 29, 10am-4pm Cost $90 ($54 Members)
SOLO Wilderness First Aid Afloat Certification (WFAA)
Andrea Kane
This two-day SOLO certification course is designed for boaters, outdoor enthusiasts, trip leaders, park rangers, outdoor educators and mountain and river guides. Our "hands-on" approach trains you to act competently in the kind of emergencies you are most likely to encounter and to teach you the basics of back-country care.
You will be introduced to wilderness crisis and response methods that could save your life or someone else's in an emergency situation in the wilderness. The course includes Universal Safety Precautions, Patient Assessment System, Soft Tissue Injuries, Basic Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System, Injuries and Stabilization (including head, neck and spine), Preventing, Recognizing and Treating Heat and Cold-Related Emergencies, Getting Help: Rescue Plans, and Epinephrine and First Aid Kits.
Instructor Andrea Kane holds certifications as a SOLO WEMT, Vermont EMT-I, AHA BLS Instructor, PHTLS, PEPP, and Ice Rescue Technician. For more information about SOLO and this course please visit www.soloschools.com.
Dates Saturday June 1 (Noon to 5pm) and Sunday June 2 (8:30am - 6:30pm)
Optional AHA Heartsaver Plus CPR course Saturday night 6-8pm - see below.
Cost $160 (sorry, no Members discount on this course)
American Heart Association Heartsaver Plus CPR Certification
Andrea Kane
A hands-on course certifying you in the current standard of Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation. Learn how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies - skills that may save the life of someone you love.
Date June 1 6pm-8pm
Cost $40 (sorry, no Members discount on this course)
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is expanding its roster of courses and workshops – and helping you fit them into your busy life! No more cancelled classes or inconvenient times. How does this work? When you find a program below that interests you, call 802 475-2022 to be placed on the class list. When the minimum number of people has registered, LCMM will work with the instructor to determine a mutually convenient time and cost for the program.
Build…an Abenaki Crooked Knife, a Birch Bark Container, a Six Board Chest, a Shaker Bench, a Windsor Work Stool, a miniature Bark Canoe, a Market Basket, a Brown Ash Pack Basket, an Adirondack Pack Basket etc.
Learn…basic sailboat handling, boat restoration, bronze casting, colonial crafts, digital photography and digital “darkroom” skills, paddle making, letter carving, lofting, seamanship, snorkeling, basic first aid, timber framing etc.
Don’t see what you want? This list of courses is a starting point. When you visit the museum, you will meet staff members, guest speakers and presenters at Special Events who offer learning opportunities on the spot – or you can sign up for a more in-depth class, workshop or lecture in the future. Check our “Daily Specials” and new postings.
Course Registration
You are registered for a class when we receive your registration fee. You can enroll by calling Chris McClain at 802-475-2022, ext 101, between 9:00–4:30, M–F. We accept Master Card, Visa, check or money order.
Setting
Unless otherwise noted, our courses are offered at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's campus at Basin Harbor. Classroom space is available for slide presentations, lectures and discussions. Bring clothes suitable to your course and the weather. Foul weather gear and sun protection are a necessity for on-water activities. Work clothes are appropriate for shop activities. Parking is available at all sites. Bring a lunch and water bottle each day.
Qualifications
All courses are co-educational and are open to both novices and advanced students. The main requirement is a desire to learn. We keep our courses small so that there is plenty of one-on-one time with instructors. A basic knowledge of hand tools is helpful for boat building courses but is not essential. If you have specific questions about a course, please call 802-475-2022 or e-mail info@lcmm.org and we would be happy to connect you with the instructor.
Cancellation and Refunds
We consider that you are registered for a course or workshop when we receive your registration deposit. You may enroll by calling us at (802) 475-2022 during regular office hours. A deposit of 50% of the tuition is required upon registration and the balance is due 30 days prior to the start date of the course. If you would like us to automatically bill your MasterCard or Visa for the balance, we can make that arrangement with you. Any additional fee, such as a materials fee, is due before the start of the course.