Backpacking 101
Hitchcock Nature Center, Pottawattamie County
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Join experienced educator Laura Friesell & Pottawattamie County Conservation for a 4-part series of classes designed for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts with limited backpacking experience.
This program will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Thursday, September 5th - Classroom session at Hitchcock Nature Center
Thursday, September 12th - Gear demonstration at Backwoods, Omaha
Thursday, September 19th - Classroom session at Hitchcock Nature Center
Following the three instruction sessions program participants will head in to the field on Friday, September 27th for a guided overnight to test their skills. We will meet at Hitchcock Nature Center at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night & break camp on Saturday morning at approximately 11:00 a.m.
This program is being presented as part of our adult education program, participants must be age 15 & over to participate. By the end of the series, students will have acquired the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to plan and execute memorable backcountry trips.
This series will provide a 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.This series will focus on 4-season backpacking (including cold-weather backpacking) covering skills including:
- Leave No Trace Principles
- The 10 Essentials
- Campsite Set-Up & Preparation
- Plants & Animals
- Gear Overview - Tech & Specs
- Understanding Body Heat & Layering
- Meal Planning & Cooking& More!
The cost for the entire 4-part series is $65.00 per student. Online pre-registration is required for this program as space is limited. For more information please call 712-545-3283, registration will not be taken over the phone.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Guests may cancel their reservation for a full refund up to 1 week (7 days) prior to the first program date by calling 712-545-3283 ext. 5834 & speaking with staff directly. Cancellations less than 1 week (7 days) in advance will not be refunded. Fees for programs cancelled by PCC due to weather or other circumstances will be refunded. Please note, if minimum registration numbers are not reached by September 2nd this program will be cancelled & all fees refunded.
Participants are asked to provide their own backpacking equipment for use during this program. A limited amount of equipment will be available for students to borrow from Pottawattamie County Conservation. Students may also rent equipment from UNO's Outdoor Venture Center or purchase equipment from Backwoods Omaha with the assistance of our program instructor. Click here for a list of necessary & suggested gear for this program.
Dates are subject to change, weather permitting.
The Pottawattamie County Conservation Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status in its employment, programs, & activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Human Resources Director, 227 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501.
