WBC Schedule
The Wilderness Basics Course starts in January and runs for 10 weeks. Lectures take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. On occaision class will end at 9:30pm. We look forward to being able to offer the course in 2022. Please note that depending on COVID restrictions, this could change. Currently, our plan is to hold the first classroom session on January 18, 2022 with the final classroom session being on March 22, 2022 We do our very best to adhere to the class schedule. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Class Schedule
- Week 1
Jan 18 - Arrive early to pick up your registration packet. Meet and greet staff.
Day Hike instructions and sign‐up
Lecture Topics: Introduction to WBC Staff & Class Procedures, Footwear, Ten Essentials
Be Prepared! Do some conditioning hikes. Come ready to enjoy and explore! - Week 2
Jan 25 - Car Camp Leader Q & A
Car Camp overviews by leaders and car camp sign-up
Lecture Topics: Warm Climate Clothing, Backpacking Equipment - Week 3
Feb 1 - Car Camp planning meeting with your leaders and group
Lecture Topics: Fitness and Conditioning, Food and Nutrition, Topographic Maps, Backcountry Hygiene - Week 4
Feb 8 - Mountain/Desert Backpack Leader Q & A
Mountain/Desert Backpack overviews by leaders and trip sign‐up
Lecture Topics: Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics, First Aid, Animal Encounters - Week 5
Feb 15 - Backpack Demos
Mountain/Desert Backpack planning meeting with your leaders and group
Lecture Topics: Desert Flora and Fauna, Compass Skills, Water Treatment - Week 6
Feb 22 - Land Navigation Backpack Leader Q & A
Trip Planning Land Navigation Backpack: Overviews by Leaders and Trip Sign‐Up
Lecture Topics: Emergency Sheltering and Fire Building, Weather, Smartphone GPS - Week 7
Mar 1 - Land Navigation Backpack planning meeting with your leaders and group
Lecture Topics: Snow Camp Information, Planning Your Own Outing, Winter Clothing and Equipment - Week 8
Mar 8 - Snow Camp Leader Q & A
Snow Camp overviews by leaders, trip sign‐up and planning session
Lecture Topics: Environmental Illness - Week 9
Mar 15 - Sierra Club Sections
Make Up Outings Leader Q & A
Snow Camp Logistics and Equipment Check. Be Prepared Bring your Snow Camp Equipment and Clothing.
Make Up Outings overviews by leaders and trip sign‐up.
Lecture Topics: Lighten Your Load, Sierra Club Sections Night - Week 10
Mar 22 - Make Up Outing planning meeting with your leaders and group
Lecture Topics: Bus and Ski Trips, Provisioning for Multi‐Day Trips
Photo Contest Winners
Final Exam
Last Class Bash
2022 Outings Schedule
- Jan 22 or 23
- Day Hike / Choose Saturday or Sunday
- Feb 5 - 6
- Car Camp
- Feb 12 - 13
- Alternate Weekend*
- Feb 19 - 20
- Mountain/Desert Backpack
- Feb 26 - 27
- Alternate Weekend*
- Mar 5 - 6
- Land Navigation Backpack
- Mar 12 - 13
- Alternate Weekend*
- Mar 18 - 20
- Snow Camp (Tentative Choice of Mammoth Lakes Area on March 18 - 20 or Local Mountains on March 19 - 20)
- Mar 26 - 27
- Alternate Weekend* (Tentative)
- Apr 2 - 3
- Make Up Outings
- Apr 9 - 10
- Make Up Outings
*All students are encouraged to participate on the main weekend of an outing. We understand that it may not always be possible and we offer a very limited number of trips on the Alternate Weekend.
Special Events
- July 1-4
- Graduation Ceremony and Reunion