Wilderness Basics Course North County Group

The Wilderness Basics Course (WBC) is an 11-week program designed to equip participants with essential skills for safe and enjoyable hiking, camping, and backpacking. The course features comprehensive classroom lectures with demonstrations, covering topics such as map reading, navigation, equipment selection, outdoor ethics, safety, and first aid. In addition to the classroom sessions, participants will engage in four overnight outings that offer hands-on experience, including desert car camping, desert backpacking, mountain backpacking, and snow backpacking or flower car camping. These outings provide opportunities to practice newly learned techniques and test equipment in real wilderness settings.

Upon completion, graduates receive a certificate and a patch, signifying their preparedness for future backpacking adventures.

Instruction includes in-class sessions and four overnight outings totaling approximately 140 hours.

Additional Requirements:

• Participants must be in good physical condition, and capable of hiking with approximately 40 pounds of gear. This course, and all outings, are conducted in English and leaders must be able to communicate with all participants in spoken English. Neither the WBC or the Sierra Club will provide any interpreter or special accommodations for participants. If leaders are unable to communicate with participants it may be considered a safety concern, and participation may be limited at the leaders sole discretion.
• Must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 18.
• This course provides a course handbook "Wilderness Basics", a compass, topographic maps for signed-up trips, and special discounts at participating stores.
• Aside from the provided, students must bring their own equipment; participants are encouraged, but not required, to share equipment, including tents. You do not need the equipment prior to the start of class, and participants will learn about equipment and what is needed prior to any outing.
• Liability releases for the four outings.

2026 Schedule