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 do have special events such as Community Night or our Swap Meet which take place prior to the lectures starting. We do our very best to adhere to the class schedule. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

sample class Schedule from 2020

Week 1 Jan 14: 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 21: Car Camp Leader Q & A
Car Camp overviews by leaders and car camp sign-up
Lecture Topics: Warm Climate Clothing, Backpacking Equipment
Week 3 Jan 28: Equipment Swap Meet
Car Camp planning meeting with your leaders and group
Lecture Topics: Fitness and Conditioning, Food and Nutrition, Topographic Maps, Backcountry Hygiene
Week 4 Feb 4: 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 11: 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 18: 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 Feb 25: Community Organization Night
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 3: Snow Camp Leader Q & A
Snow Camp overviews by leaders, trip sign‐up and planning session
Lecture Topics: Environmental Illness
Week 9 Mar 10: Sierra Club Sections Night
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 17: 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

Outings Schedule

Jan 18 or 19: Day Hike / Choose Saturday or Sunday
Feb 1 - 2: Car Camp
Feb 8 - 9: Alternate Weekend*
Feb 15 - 16: Mountain/Desert Backpack
Feb 22 - 23: Alternate Weekend*
Feb 29 - Mar 1: Land Navigation Backpack
Mar 7 - 8: Alternate Weekend*
Mar 13 - 15: Snow Camp (Choice of Mammoth Lakes Area on March 13 - 15 or Local Mountains on March 14 - 15)
Mar 21 - 22: Alternate Weekend*
Mar 28 - 29: Make Up Outings
Apr 4 - 5: Make Up Outings

Special Events

Oct 24: Information Presentation on WBC 2020
Adventure 16 San Diego, 6-8:30pm
Jan 28: Equipment Swap Meet, Prior to Class, 6-7pm
Jun 6-7: Graduation Ceremony and Reunion

*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.