Wilderness Hiking & Backpacking
Great outdoor adventures for girls and adults!
The Program—
Designed for individuals, our three-step wilderness progression safely takes girls and adults out of the campground and into the woods. Wilderness Hiking lays a strong foundation of outdoor skills and knowledge, Basic Backpacking builds new knowledge and self-sufficiency in backcountry travel, and Advanced Backpacking trips (three nights or more) give participants the opportunity to extend their outdoor skills to the highest level. Please use
Individual Registration Form to register by mail or fax. These are NOT troop programs.
Wilderness Hiking ($15)
Grade 6 and older
First in the outdoor progression, this one-day training teaches adults and girls (6th grade and up) the essential skills and knowledge necessary for exciting wilderness exploration. Our emphasis includes safety, proper gear and equipment, the Leave No Trace ethic, building independence in girls, and laying a strong foundation for more extraordinary adventures, such as backpacking. All wilderness hiking classes take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
| Date | Location | Instructor |
| Feb. 25, 2012 | North Coastal and Elfin Forest | Karen Haubrich |
| Mar. 3, 2012 | North Coastal and Elfin Forest | Marilyn Sedlund |
| Mar. 25, 2012 | Balboa Campus and Mission Trails | Valerie Ross |
| Apr. 14, 2012 | Balboa Campus and Mission Trails | Sharmaine Hamilton |
Basic Backpacking Training ($10 each for 2 part class)
Grade 7 and older
We teach you everything you need to know to begin a true multi-night wilderness adventure. We give you the knowledge and skills necessary to make important decisions about gear, clothing, and trip planning, so that you can hit the trail feeling confident and self-sufficient. In order to receive credit for the training, participants must complete both a classroom training and a training trip. Additional fees may be added based on trip expenses such as transportation, camping fees, and food. Cost of equipment rental/purchase not included. Carpooling is encouraged.
Wilderness Hiking.
New Options for Basic Trainings – For your convenience, our basic backpack training is no longer linked to a specific trip. You can now select any basic backpack training, then follow up with the backpack trip of your choice. A mandatory day-hike and pre-trip meeting is associated with each trip. Please select one Classroom Training and one Training Trip. If you have previously completed Basic Backpack Training, you may register for a Training Trip only.
Classroom Training
| Class Location | Class Date | Instructor |
| North Coastal Service Center | Mar. 17, 2012 | Karen Haubrich |
| Balboa Campus | Apr. 28, 2012 | Valerie Ross and Marilyn Sedlund |
Training Trips
| Trip Location: | Day Hike: | Trip Date: | Instructor: |
| Laguna Mtns (Easy) | Apr. 14, 2012 |
Apr. 28-29, 2012 | Anna Iadevaia |
| Mt. San Jacinto (Easy-Moderate) | Apr. 29, 2012 |
Jun. 22-24, 2012 | Marilyn Sedlund and Val Ross |
Special Session: Basic Backpacking at Camp Winacka
Saturday-Friday, July 23-29 (Session WIN-5)
For girls (entering grades 8-12) only. Adult leadership will be provided by council backpacking trainers and camp staff.
Registration will be through the
resident camp system.
Participants will train and practice at Camp Winacka, then set out on a trip at the end of their stay. Trip location TBD.
Wilderness Hiking is NOT a prerequisite for this trip only, due to the extensive preparation at camp before the trip. Wilderness Hiking curriculum will be covered at camp.
>> Click here for advanced backpacking trips >>
