Workshops

If it’s your first time camping, you need some basic skills to make your trip a success. This workshop will provide you with the most basic information you will need and give you a chance to practice a few skills so that you aren’t trying to learn things as you set up camp. ‍

Do I have what I need to take care of my group if an emergency occurs? This list is meant as a guide. In groups, every individual does not need to have all ten essentials (for example, only a few need to carry navigation essentials) but it needs to be planned out.

This module will begin with a discussion about leadership and will then transition to leading in the outdoors by taking care of yourself, your participants, and the places you visit. Taking care of yourself and others in the outdoors begins with being well-fed, hydrated, and rested; it then extends to establishing physical and emotional safety. Taking care of the places you visit begins with knowing the conditions you’ll encounter and being ready for them and then extends to respecting the plants and wildlife you may find in that place. Taking care of these things can make every trip a success.

The secret to a successful outdoor recreation trip, or adventure, is to have a good plan. A good plan helps you as a leader to put the right people, in the right place, at the right time to have a meaningful experience. The weather can not cooperate, the equipment can break, and people can forget things. With a good plan, these mishaps can become part of a memorable adventure instead of ruining the day. Are you ready to make a good plan?

The secret to a successful outdoor recreation trip, or adventure, is to have a good plan. A good plan helps you as a leader to put the right people, in the right place, at the right time to have the right experience. The weather can not cooperate, the equipment can break, and people can forget things. With a good plan, these mishaps can become part of a memorable adventure instead of ruining the day. Are you ready to make a good plan?

While Las Vegas is famous for its bright lights and casinos, locals know the natural environment is even more impressive. From Lake Mead to Mt. Charleston to Red Rock State Park and beyond, Clark County and surrounding areas are host to amazing locations for hiking, camping, kayaking, boating, and more. Learn about options for getting outside and having fun without having to travel far. There are many fantastic places to go and amazing things to see in Clark County.‍

Accidents and illness are an everyday reality. They happen when you are at home and they happen when you plan outdoor activities. From a small cut or bee sting to broken bones and concussions, you need to be able to handle medical issues on the fly when you lead a group. Having the supplies, information, and a plan to handle these emergencies can keep you and your group safe.‍

Do you rely on a map app to get to where you need to be? Wilderness locations are often poorly mapped and directions are often not available using standard map apps -even when trying to locate a trailhead. The most fail-safe navigation is a simple map and compass. GPS units and apps have their place, but what happens when your battery runs out? Will you be prepared to navigate still?

Are you ready to leave the front country and the crowds behind? Backpacking is a great way to experience nature in more remote settings. In this workshop, you will develop the skills you need to head out on your own and eventually lead a group yourself. We will introduce you to the planning and logistics, various gear options available, how to pack a backpack, and things to do to stay as safe as possible. Remember, backpacking is just camping where you carry your gear. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to be a long hike. This workshop is ideally a short backpacking trip that will give you the chance to experience it all as a learning experience.

Spending a night in the great outdoors can be an incredible bonding experience for groups and families, but there is a lot more gear and coordination involved compared to a day hike or BBQ and often more rules and regulations. Come check out the different types of gear and learn what you should check out when planning a trip. While gear comes in a range of prices, very few people need the most expensive stuff and sometimes the cheapest gear is great. Learn what will work for you and your group and how to care for your gear so that even inexpensive stuff will last you for years. We will also review planning essentials like permits, reservations, campfires, and more so that you can be confident you have planned for a great trip regardless of what the unexpected brings.