Backpacking 101
Hitchcock Nature Center, Pottawattamie County
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Pottawattamie County Conservation and the backpacking experts at
Canfield's Sporting Goods have teamed up to provide a 4-part series of
classes designed for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts with limited backpacking
experience. The series will cover everything from basic skills (e.g. trip
planning and fitness) to more advanced skills (e.g. off-trail travel and
reading the weather) and will benefit even moderately experienced
backpackers. By the end of the series, students will have acquired the knowledge,
skills, and hands-on experience to plan and execute memorable backcountry trips
in a variety of settings. The series will provide a strong foundation upon
which more advanced backpacking skills can be built and will culminate in a
guided overnight backpacking trip at Hitchcock Nature Center's backcountry
campsites.
Students will gain the knowledge and skills related to:
-
Equipment selection, operation,
and repair
- Distance planning and fitness
tips
- Meal planning and cooking
-
Trail etiquette
- Leave No Trace ethics and
principles
- Water treatments
- Bear awareness
- Reading the weather
- The unpredictable
- Finding a bathroom
- And several other valuable skills
Join us for this informative programming series. The first three
classes will be held at the Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 15th - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 29th - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday,
May 13th - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The fourth class in the series will give you a chance to put
what you have learned to the test with an overnight stay in the backwoods at
Hitchcock Nature Center.
- Saturday, May 27th - Time TBD
The total cost for the entire 4-part series is
$30.00 per student. Your paid fee for the class includes all instruction, park admission, & the camping fee for your overnight stay.
Participants will need to provide their own equipment. Pre-registration is required for this programming series & no walk in
participants will be admitted. Please register online for this brand new
program or call 712-545-3283 for more information.
