Backpacking can give Scouts opportunities to explore new places, practice outdoor skills, and grow through shared challenges. For adult leaders, those adventures begin with thoughtful planning and the right preparation.
This September, the Orange County Council High Adventure Team is offering two training opportunities for adult leaders: Basic Backpacking and Desert Backpacking. Both courses combine practical instruction with time on the trail.
Adult Leader Basic Backpacking Course
New to leading backpacking trips? This course introduces the equipment, planning, and outdoor skills adult leaders need to begin bringing high-adventure experiences to their units.
Training begins with an outdoor classroom session at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center:
- Friday, September 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants will explore backpacks, tents, clothing, footwear, sleeping systems, cooking equipment, food, water treatment, navigation, wildlife considerations, food protection, wilderness electronics, and trip planning with Scouts.
The course continues with a day hike on Sunday, September 27, including hands-on map and compass practice. Participants will also complete an instructor-supported weekend backpacking trip during October or November. Those dates will be announced by September 1.
Course fee: $95
Capacity: 35 participants
Food, equipment, transportation, and other costs connected with the overnight trip are not included in the course fee.
Register for Basic Backpacking:
https://scoutingevent.com/039-115932
Questions? Contact Course Director Donovan Anderson at DandersonBSA@yahoo.com.
Adult Leader Desert Backpacking Course
California and the Southwest offer incredible possibilities for cooler-season backpacking. They also require leaders to prepare for limited water, changing temperatures, flash floods, exposed terrain, and desert wildlife.
This course builds on the skills taught in the Basic Backpacking Course. Previous completion of Basic Backpacking is required.
The classroom session will be held Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. Topics include:
- Choosing an appropriate desert route
- Seasonal planning
- Clothing and equipment
- Water availability and management
- Lightweight packing
- Desert weather and terrain
- Wildlife and other trail hazards
Participants will also complete a six-mile round-trip overnight backpacking experience in Joshua Tree National Park. The available overnight dates are October 17–18, 2026, or March 20–21, 2027. The final route will be selected during the course.
Course fee: $40
Capacity: 10 participants
Food and transportation are additional. Depending on the selected trailhead, a Joshua Tree National Park vehicle entrance fee may also apply. Water-carrying equipment and wildlife-resistant food-storage bags will be supplied.
Register for Desert Backpacking:
https://scoutingevent.com/039-115933
Questions? Contact Course Director John Welton at jwelton2012@gmail.com.
Find the Right Course for Your Next Adventure
Choose Basic Backpacking if you want a practical foundation for planning and leading backpacking experiences. If you have already completed that course, Desert Backpacking can help you prepare for adventures in a very different environment.
Additional course information is available from the Orange County Council High Adventure Team at https://occhat.org.
