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 occasion class will end at 9:30pm. We look forward to being able to offer the course in 2023. 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 17: 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 24: 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 31: Car Camp planning meeting with your leaders and group
Lecture Topics: Fitness and Conditioning, Food and Nutrition, Topographic Maps, Backcountry Hygiene
Week 4 Feb 7: 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 14: 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 21: 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 28: 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 7: Snow Camp Leader Q & A
Snow Camp overviews by leaders, trip sign‐up and planning session
Lecture Topics: Environmental Illness
Week 9 Mar 14: 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 21: 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

2023 Outings Schedule

Jan 21 or 22: Day Hike / Choose Saturday or Sunday
Feb 4 - 5: Car Camp
Feb 11 - 12: Alternate Weekend*
Feb 18 - 19: Mountain/Desert Backpack
Feb 25 - 26: Alternate Weekend*
Mar 4 - 5: Land Navigation Backpack
Mar 11 - 12: Alternate Weekend*
Mar 17 - 19: Snow Camp (Tentative Choice of Mammoth Lakes Area on March 17 - 19 or Local Mountains on March 18 - 19)
Mar 25 - 26: Alternate Weekend* (Tentative)
Apr TBD: Make Up Outings
Apr TBD: 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

June 30 - July 2: Graduation Ceremony and Reunion in the Laguna Mountains