4-H Volunteer Outdoor Recreation Instructor Training

This two-day instructor training prepares volunteers and educators to teach safe, ethical, and engaging outdoor skills to youth. The course focuses on survival and preparedness fundamentals, including planning, navigation, risk management, and decision‑making in outdoor settings.

Participants will explore a variety of hunting and fishing approaches, including techniques for different species and the use of tools such as trail cameras and wildlife observation. Hands‑on learning and instructional best practices will help instructors deliver inclusive, youth‑centered programs that promote conservation, responsibility, and confidence in the outdoors.

Food will be provided (breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and a light lunch on Sunday). Individuals with dietary restrictions should contact Shannon MacKay to discuss options.

Dress for the weather.  

Participants may bring a camper or stay in a camp cabin at Barry Conservation Camp. When registering for this event, you will be asked to specify your lodging preference and duration (Saturday night only, or both Friday and Saturday nights).

Participants should plan to bring:

• Lodging accommodations: sheets and blankets/fitted sheet and sleeping bag, pillow, bath towel, personal toiletries
• Rain coat
• Fly and tick repellant, sunscreen

Register via ZSuite by June 3, 2026. 

Cost is $75, non-refundable. (A fee is charged for this Extension program to cover costs. A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals unable to pay.)

Saturday, June 13, 2026, Schedule:

• 7:00-8:00am Breakfast
• 8:00-8:30am Welcome and Introductions
• 8:30-11:15am Instruction
• 11:15-11:30am Return to main campus & wash up
• 11:30-12:30pm Lunch
• 12:30-4:30pm Instruction
• 5:00-6:00pm Dinner
• 6:00-9:00pm Campfire & Music, STEM Activities for your clubs

Sunday, June 14, 2026, Schedule:

• 7:00-8:00am Breakfast
• 8:00-11:00am Instruction
• 11:00-11:30am Clean up & Return to Main Campus
• 11:30-12:30pm Lunch 
• 12:30-3:30pm (Optional) Volunteer to Help Build Barry Conservation Camp Shotgun Booths 

If you need an accommodation to participate in our programming, please contact Shannon MacKay, shannon.mackay@unh.edu or 603-259-6566 prior to the event. Given ample time, we will make any reasonable effort to meet your needs, including language access services if requested, which will be provided free of charge.

The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and New Hampshire counties cooperating. Direct inquiries to unh.civilrights@unh.edu.