The Anvil

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The Anvil; Comprehensive outdoor guide or adventure trip leader training program.

The Anvil is a new concept in guide training programs that focuses on preparing outdoor educators and trip leaders to lead advanced level courses. This isn’t a semester of talking about your feelings, we teach you hard skills we expect you to progress in your skills, your physical abilities and your teaching ability. This is an intensive program without the restrictive atmosphere of a full immersive course. A totally new concept in training and certification, this isn’t our “in house program” nor do you get a “course completion” you have the opportunity to earn national recognized standard certification with daily training sessions to help you prepare for them! You’re not taking a course you are training to become a guide!
This 90 day course runs in the fall and spring “semester” Sept 15-Dec 15 and Jan 15-April 15 leaving the summer “money” season open to guide! As a result you can still earn money during the regular guiding season while progressing in your career. The training days are Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm daily, except during the mountaineering expedition and some parts of the Wilderness First Responder course. During your “off” time you are free to work, train, take care of personal business, take other classes, etc… the possibilities are endless. We also rarely have course days over the weekend so you can guide locally.
Included in the course fee are all the certification courses, instructors, materials, group travel from the house to sites, etc…. food is NOT included but housing and utilities are included. You will live and train together with other like minded outdoor enthusiasts who are equally interested in guiding.
If you are motivated and pass all the assessments you will have the opportunity to become certified in the following areas: (working on the final details as to what wil be offered Fall 2022).
American Mountain Guides Association

-Single Pitch Instructor

-Wilderness First Responder
American Canoe Association
Mountain Bike Guide or Instructor
Backpacking Trip Leader
We are currently enrolling for the Fall Semester 2015 –The Texas Hill Country Course. September 15-December 15, 2015 $8000.00 At first glance the course may seem a bit expensive but please consider ALL the courses below are included as well and housing and utilities!! It really is a great deal, throw in opportunities 5 days a week to progress your skills and this truly is a sememester to advance your career.