It is crazy to think I now have the skills and confidence to go backpacking with friends and family on my own!
~ InspireOut trekker
Activities
In our advanced program, participants will be challenged to prepare meals, plan hiking routes (within specific boundaries provided by guides), and lead our trail hikes after we initially review our backcountry skills. In addition, we will learn and/or advanced our skills in areas such as fire-building, orienteering & navigation, knot-tying, fishing, campsite selection, keeping equipment dry, equipment repairs, first aid & evacuation concepts, proper use of a knife, ultra-light hiking, and situational awareness.
Trekkers are provided an InspireOut journal used for learning about plants, animals, and patterns observed in the outdoors as well as for personal reflection.
Your trekker will be ready to become a junior leader for InspireOut by the end of this program.
Food:
We strive to provide healthy, square meals & snacks in the backcountry with options so that all trekkers can enjoy. Most dietary needs can be accounted for.
Food is cooked in small, pre-determined food groups with an instructor overseeing preparation.
Towards the start of program, guides take a backseat to food preparation. Trekkers eat out of their own food bowls and are responsible for clean-up.
Please bring a packed lunch for first day. All meals and snacks are provided, beginning with dinner the first day of program and ending with lunch the last day of program.
Transportation:
Transportation by InspireOut could be provided if COVID risks reduce by summer. If this option becomes possible, we will reach out with a given place and time to meet for pick up in your community. If transportation must be provided by parents, we will provide detailed directions and a specific time to meet at the trailhead. Note this drive can be between 2-2.5 hours each way.
Gear
A gear checklist will be sent to you in your InspireOut Trekker Guide (PDF). If you have any questions or need assistance in finding/renting gear, let us know and we can help!
BELOW ARE MANDATORY GEAR ITEMS:
- Outdoor Backpack with hip belt [Please contact us if help needed with finding a pack!]
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Sneakers with tread or hiking boots
- Wool socks (preferably a thin pair and thick pair)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket (if possible, down)
NOTE: Tents and stove/cookware are provided for by InspireOut. Participants are divided into same gender tent groups.
In addition, our naturalist Buckeye shares some important gear examples and tips in the following 16 minute video:
Password: inspireout
InspireOut Backpacking Gear 101 from InspireOut on Vimeo.