Backpacking School

EXPAND THIS SECTION TO SEE ALL DATES AND INFORMATION. 

Registration opens March 1, 2025.

Schedule:

• Wed May 7, 6:30 pm, Gear List Overview, Zoom Call (recorded; not essential to attend)
• Wed June 4, 6:30 pm, Lecture 1, Location TBD
• Wed June 11, 6:30 pm, Lecture 2, Location: Adventure Point
• Sat June 14, 7:30 am - 3 pm, Field Day, Location TBD
• Wed June 18, 6:30 pm, Lecture 3 and Trip Prep, Location Adventure Point
• Sat June 21 - Sun June 22, All Weekend Trip #1, Wilderness Location 
• Sat July 12- Sun July 13, All Weekend Trip #2, Wilderness Location
• Dates TBD, 3-Day Trip, Wilderness Location

3-day Trip dates to be determined by each group and will be completed by Sept. 30. 

Instructors will add dates for trip prep calls before Trips 2 and 3.

Any questions about the school? Please contact the Directors at cmcbackpacker@gmail.com.

Buying Gear for the school?

Remember, CMC Members have access to Pro Deals through Expert Voice, go to this link for more info! https://www.cmc.org/members-volunteers/member-benefits/my-benefits 

Group Structure Overview:

The Backpacking School is broken up into smaller groups to order to give the attention and detail needed for these topics. These groups are between 7-10 students in size with 2-4 Instructors. To organize these groups before the first class a Student Survey will be sent out before the first class.

The Basic Backpacking School topics include:

• Gear and clothing

• Camp craft and skills

• Cooking, nutrition and stoves

• Organizing your: trip, pack, tent and camp

• Navigation

• Basic first aid

• Staying warm

• Leave No Trace principles

• Packing and packing lighter

• Avoiding problems with animals and weather

The CMC Backpacking instructors are passionate and experienced hikers who love the outdoors, enjoy sharing their knowledge, and deeply know their gear and skills.