The Sierra Club, Los Padres Chapter, is offering comprehensive training for people at all levels of fitness who want to enjoy and explore the wilderness.  A dedicated staff of experienced leaders will demonstrate and teach students the skills to enjoy the wilderness in eight classroom sessions and conduct several exciting outings over the course of the class.

The lecture course will be held once per week, in the evening from 7 - 9:30 p.m. in downtown Ventura, for eight weeks during February through March 2010.  The lectures will demonstrate backpacking equipment, wilderness ethics, wilderness first aid & safety, weather, water filtration, cooking, map & compass, backcountry clothing

and other topics. Students will gain experience by participating in several outings including day hikes, car camps and backpacking trips in our local mountains.

During the course, you will be given a compass, a book called “Wilderness Basics,” edited by Kristi Anderson and Arlene Tavernier and handouts about the topics we cover.  Each time you go on an outing, you will be given a topographical map of the area. Participants must supply their own equipment which may be purchased , borrowed, or rented from a sporting goods store.  Persons 18 years of age and in reasonable health are eligible to take the course.  To help participants get in shape, instructors will lead students on physical conditioning hikes in the local mountains.

Prices are $155 for Sierra Club members, and $170 for non-members, for registrations received until December 10.  After December 10, prices are $170 for members and $185 for non-members.