Course Info

This experiential course is designed for students with prior backpacking experience. Involves discussions, demonstrations, and activities that teach students wilderness skills, safety and judgment, leadership and teamwork, and environmental ethics. Topics covered include basic wilderness first-aid, hazard evaluation, emergency procedures, expedition behavior, self awareness, judgment and decision making, campsite selection, shelter and stove use, fire building, sanitation and hygiene, cooking, nutrition and rationing, equipment care and selection, staying warm and dry, route finding and navigation, Leave No Trace backpacking, weather, natural history, and wilderness ethics. Application of these skills will occur during the 14-day offtrail backpacking trip in a remote wilderness area. Not only will students practice these wilderness skills, but they will also develop leadership abilities by working in a collaborative team environment. Offered by School of Sport/Rec/Tour Mgmt. Limited to three attempts.