After a three-year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, the ever-popular Wilderness Basics Course is back to give you the skills and knowledge to confidently go hiking and backpacking.
As important is the fun and camaraderie that can literally change a person’s life and outlook as we enjoy our local trails and camps.
“I'm so thankful for the return of WBC, I missed it so much. WBC is back, Woooohoooo!!!” wrote Alisse Fisher who’s been there from the start in 2008.
Dates are from Feb. 15 through April 5, 2023, consisting of eight classes Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30 pm, held at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd., Ventura, 93003, overlooking the city and ocean.
Students will gain experience by participating in several outings including day hikes, a car camp, and backpacking trips in our local mountains. All outings offer students a choice of difficulties ranging from low-moderate to strenuous with multiple trip options.
You will learn and enjoy new skills with a dedicated volunteer staff and meet new friends interested in the outdoors. The course is presented by the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter of the Sierra Club and more details and registration are here:
The class lectures (presented by local experts in the field) will demonstrate backpacking equipment, wilderness ethics, wilderness first aid & safety, weather, water filtration, cooking, map & compass instruction, backcountry clothing, and many other topics.
Speakers typically include Search and Rescue, fitness instructors, outdoor book authors, first aid and trained hike leaders.
Class outings are scheduled on weekends for the following dates in 2023:
- Feb. 18: Conditioning hike
- March 4-5: Car Camp (overnight)
- March 18-19: Backpack Trip 1 (overnight)
- April 1-2: Backpack Trip 2 (overnight)
There are some restrictions due to Covid that you are agreeing to follow when you sign up for the class, they are:
- For class indoors, face masks covering the mouth and nose will be required. Lecturers will be unmasked and socially distanced while presenting.
- Vaccine or tests are not required for the course, but note you will be potentially on a trip with individuals vaccinated and unvaccinated.
- Please stay at home if you are sick or experiencing any possible Covid symptoms.
- These Covid policies are set by the Sierra Club nation-wide. They will be reviewed for possible changes January 31, 2023.
Early Bird Registration Prices last through January 31, so sign up now!
Discounts are available for Sierra Club members and for students (ID required).
Couples enrollment options can be applied to any two people signing up together for additional savings.
Please note that a service fee applies for each electronic purchase. Students are expected to provide and use their own equipment for outings (backpacks, hiking footwear, tents, etc.), though WBC does have some equipment for loan in limited supply and rentals are available through local outdoor stores.