Class meets Sat and Sunday from 8:30-6:00pm at Rock Cut State Park
Fee: $250 - includes breakfast and lunch, two days of instruction, and transportation to hiking locations AND the Garden of the Gods Backpacking Trip

Schedule

*Please note that the hiking segment consists of drive time to the hiking location as well.  We will be hiking for approx 4 hours on Sat, and 4 on Sunday, packs varied in weight.
Day 1

Group Leadership and Trip planning

1. What are our goals
2. What do we need to achieve them?
3. Are we really willing to put through the effort required?

Gear

1. What do you need for the class?
2. What do you need for a multi day trip into the backcountry?
3. Logistics
   1. where to shop
   2. what to pay
   3. quality and safety issues

Backpacking fundamentals

1. Proper fit/loading of your pack
2. What extras to take (books, camera equipment)
3. How much weight should you be carrying?
4. How far will you be able to go?
5. How to pick a camp site
6. What to do about water

Fear and your imagination

1. Should you be afraid of the dark?
2. Real versus perceived danger
3. Preventative measures
4. Don’t Panic

Safety

1. What should you have in your first aid kit?
2. How do you use it?
3. What logical steps to take in the event of an emergency
4.  Bear proof camps and Bear safety

Cooking/Trail Diet

1. What are your minimum food requirements out in the wilderness?
2. Weather proofing your meals
3. To cook or not to cook
4. How to use a camp stove and not lose your eyelashes
5. What to do about water?
   
   Day 2

Backcountry Etiquette

1. Leave no trace
2. Special circumstances for women

 Putting it together

1. Setting up your tent
2. Packing your pack
3. Hiking as a group

 In depth - Group Leadership

1. How to pick your leader
2. Worksheet (yes, that means homework)

 Group trip to Garden of the Gods, Southern IL April 11,12,13 2008

Hike with full pack - length to be determined.

 Cost: $250
 

This site was last updated 09/15/09