Backpacking Leadership
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Backpacking Leadership Course
Youth Grades 7-12
July 9,10,17 2025
This 3 day course offers students an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of backpacking the trails of PA, as well as gain valuable leadership skills and an understanding of what it takes to lead others into the wild.
We will cover:
1. The physical and emotional benefits of time in nature, learning our own watershed and understanding accessibility to the wild for various groups as well as important certifications and knowledge for leading groups on a trip
2. Understanding trip planning, map reading and understanding trail navigation, equipment options and use, safety procedures and leave -no-trace
3.Hands-on time - students will have this to experience all the aspects of a backpack trip. Each will receive a backpack, tent, sleeping bags and pads. We will assess what makes a good spot to camp, purify water using various purification systems, assess where and how to set up tents, fire safety, hanging a bear bag, learn about camp stoves and food preparation.
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This program is being offered in partnership with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, as part of the PA Wilds Outdoor Industry Exploration Series. It is free for students thanks to generous contributions to PA Wilds Center's youth entrepreneurship program from companies participating in the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
The ‘PA Wilds Outdoor Industry Exploration Series' is geared toward students in the designated Pennsylvania Wilds region who are interested in working in the region’s growing outdoor recreation industry; those interested in professional backpacking, climbing and kayak instruction; or those interested in learning more about local history, geography, health and safety, and ecosystems through a hands-on experience in these disciplines in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Outfitters and guides are linchpin businesses in the outdoor recreation economy. They help visitors safely access and experience the region’s biggest draw – its public lands and waterways – often passing their foot traffic to other businesses such as restaurants, lodges and retail stores, which helps these businesses grow and rural communities thrive. The PA Wilds Outdoor Industry Exploration Series helps support and grow the outfitter and guide sector in the Pennsylvania Wilds by building awareness for the industry among the next generation, who may want to work at, start or one day purchase and operate such a business. Participating students will get a better understanding of the unique role such businesses play in their communities, the importance of safety and preparation on wilderness trips, and stewardship of the natural resources utilized. They will also learn more about the Pennsylvania Wilds as a place and a movement.