This course covers the skills and knowledge for planning and leading a safe and enjoyable backpacking trek. Course topics include: trek planning, leadership and risk management, wilderness first aid, evacuation, food planning and preparation, nutrition, wilderness navigation, feminine hygiene on the trail, Leave No Trace camping, equipment, stoves & fuels, and weather. The course consists of 2 modules: a 1-hr Zoom prep meeting on May 2nd to align all attendees on expectations, agenda, logistics, and gear, and a full weekend experience at Camp Herms May 18th-19th.

To participants that graduate, the Faculty will offer an optional guided Backpacking Adventure on May 31st – June 2nd (additional fees to be collected prior to the outing). The outdoor session at Camp Herms (May 18th-19th, 2024) simulates a backpacking experience and begins early Saturday morning at 7:00am on May 18th, and ends at 2pm on Sunday 19th. You will be sleeping in your own tent Saturday night.

The course requires Annual Health and Medical Record parts A/B/C and is limited to the first 20 BSA-registered Adults (age 18 and up) who sign up.

• Completion of the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is recommended.
• Registration opens on now open ($175 fee) and closes on May 3, 2024. 
• It includes all training materials and food.
• A $25 late fee will be applied for registrations received after April 27, 2024.
• The course requires Annual Health and Medical Record parts A/B/C
• Completion of the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is recommended.
• The course is limited to the first 20 who sign up.

Don’t let this opportunity to train leaders for 5 to 50 milers pass you at the trailhead.

A HAT (High Adventure Team) number and a course completion card/certificate will be issued upon completion of this course along with our new GGAC HAT patch and Basic Backpacking rocker.

More information . . . questions? Email Course Director Fil de Cal

Rancho Los Mochos does not have cellular reception.