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.

sample 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 21 or 22: 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

TBD: Graduation Ceremony and Reunion