The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled its training academies for candidates interested in serving as instructors for the off-road vehicle safety education program.

The academies now will be conducted in July and August, as opposed to the originally announced dates of April and June. Training locations are unchanged.

This volunteer opportunity allows ORV enthusiasts to pass along their love and knowledge of the sport to new riders, while teaching them safe and responsible ORV operating skills for an enjoyable riding experience.

All instructors must attend a three-day academy to learn policies and procedures, classroom management and teaching concepts. Instructors will have the chance to experience various aspects of ORV operation, including basic hands-on operational skills on off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles and winching recovery equipment.

Current instructors also are encouraged to attend and brush up on their knowledge and skills, and to become familiar with changes in equipment.

There are two instructor academies and each class is limited to 24 students. While attendance at the academies is mandatory, there is no charge for instructor candidates. Enrollment is first-come, first-served. Locations and updated dates are:

• Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 22, at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. The deadline to apply for this academy is Friday, July 13.
• Friday, Aug. 24, through Sunday, Aug. 26, at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. The deadline to apply for this academy is Friday, Aug. 17.

Anyone interested in becoming a certified ORV instructor must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a high-school graduate or possess a graduate equivalency diploma.
• Possess a current, valid driver’s license.
• Have no felony convictions.
• Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years.
• Have no convictions that resulted in the revocation of ORV privileges within the last five years. Other convictions of natural resource law violations are subject to review and may result in the rejection of any application.
• Maintain a high moral, ethical and mental character.

Applications are available by calling 517-284-6055. A background check will be conducted once a completed application is submitted. Successful applicants then will be contacted to schedule their attendance at one of the mandatory instructor academies.