Backpacking Courses

Introduction to Backpacking - Middle School

Olympic Coast Backpacking

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Our Introduction to Backpacking course is a five day beginner’s course for middle schoolers. It includes a day of instruction followed by three days of backpacking along the wild coast of Olympic National Park. Participants will learn beginner backpacking skills and spend the final day debriefing at a relaxing front country campground.
This week-long trip builds personal confidence through development of backcountry exploration and technical outdoor skills.
Each day of this educational course is filled with hands-on experiences in critical decision making, teamwork, and practical skills development.


Experience Level:  Beginner - Little to no overnight camping in the wilderness
Location: Olympic National Park
Length: 5 Days
Date:  August 9 - 13
Cost:  $500

Required Forms:
Waiver
Medical Information
What you will learn:
  • Trail Etiquette and trail impact
  • Navigation: Map reading, route selection, compass navigation
  • Gear Management: Personal equipment and Group equipment
  • Site selection and responsible backcountry camping techniques
  • Food Preparation and water purification
  • Caring for the environment and Leave No Trace
  • Backcountry Sanitation
  • Basic First Aid
  • Risk assessment

All gear and meals for camping and backpacking is included. Transportation can be provided from the Peak 7 Seattle location. We will be aligning with the current CDC guidelines for the Covid-19 pandemic at the time of the trip, including mask wearing, social distancing, and sanitation protocols.



Introduction to Alpine Backpacking

Alpine Backpacking

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Our Introduction to Alpine Backpacking course is a five day beginner’s course for high schoolers. It includes four days of backpacking through the lush Olympic National Park or magnificent North Cascades National Park. Participants will learn beginner backpacking skills in a remote high alpine setting and spend the final day debriefing at a relaxing front country campground.
This week-long trip builds personal confidence through development of backcountry exploration and technical outdoor skills.
Each day of this educational course is filled with hands-on experiences in critical decision making, teamwork, and practical skills development.
 
Experience Level: Beginner - Little to no overnight camping in the wilderness
Location: North Cascades
Length: 5 Days
Recommended Ages: 13 - 18
Dates: July 5 -9
Cost: $700

Required Forms:
Waiver
Medical Information
What you will learn:
  • Trail Etiquette and trail impact
  • Navigation: Map reading, route selection, compass navigation
  • Gear Management: Personal equipment and Group equipment
  • Site selection and responsible backcountry camping techniques
  • Food Preparation and water purification
  • Caring for the environment and Leave No Trace
  • Backcountry Sanitation
  • Basic First Aid
  • Risk assessment
  • Snow travel with an ice ax
  • Snow skills


All gear and meals for camping and backpacking is included. Transportation can be provided from the Peak 7 Seattle location. We will be aligning with the current CDC guidelines for the Covid-19 pandemic at the time of the trip, including mask wearing, social distancing, and sanitation protocols.