Sierra Club Offers Wilderness Basics Program

The course offers expert guidance to both casual and experienced hikers who want to learn tips or brush up on outdoor skills. Various levels of physical condition are taken into account for all hikes so that no one is left behind.

Over the course of eight classes and four weekend outings, the WBC leaders teach how to select and use outdoor equipment, along with other skills such as navigation, basic wilderness first aid, safety, weather monitoring and trip planning. The text, “Walking Softly in the Wilderness,” is used and is part of the cost.

The training begins with a conditioning hike and car camp and culminates in two backpacking trips. Cost is $155 single or $279 couples for Sierra Club members; non-members $170 single or $306 couples.

For more information, call (805) 746-6030, email lospadresWBC@gmail.com or log on to: www.lospadres.sierraclub.org/wbc.