Outdoor Skills Workshops - Arizona Climbing and Adventure School

Leave No Trace (LNT) • Backpacking • GPS • Map & Compass
Wilderness First Aid • Adventure Racing Workshops

Our Workshops are held outdoors.
Classes are small (7 or less students per instructor) and fill quickly.
See Schedule at bottom of this site for available dates.

Leave No Trace

We at the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School are dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. The Arizona Climbing and Adventure School is a provider of Leave No Trace workshops, Trainer courses, and Master Educator courses.

Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop
This workshop offers training in ethics, skills and techniques specific to the Southwestern environment. These principles of thought and action are also applied directly to various outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, river travel, rock climbing, mountain biking and more.

• Course Length: 4-8 Hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Cost: $45
• Recommended for: avid hikers, backcountry guides, outing trip leaders, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, and wilderness therapeutic programs.

Leave No Trace Trainer
This course focuses on the development of the Leave No Trace educator, with special attention to influencing changes in outdoor users' attitudes and practices. The course encompasses the history of Leave No Trace, opportunities to teach the LNT principles, philosophical discussions about use and sustainability, awareness exercises, a Leave No Trace service project in the programming area, and the application of an action plan to reach Trainer goals. The entire course takes place in a backcountry setting so that techniques can be practiced specific to the environment and activity.

• Course Length: 2 Days
• Prerequisites: None
• Cost: $115
• Recommended for: backcountry guides, outing trip leaders, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, and wilderness therapeutic programs.

Leave No Trace Master Educator
In addition to the core components of the Leave No Trace curriculum, the Master Educator course provides educator enrichment, as the participant prepares to train the instructors of Leave No Trace. The course aligns participants with the international movement for Leave No Trace education, its research and partnerships.

• Course Length: 4-5 Days
• Prerequisites: None
• Cost: $385
• Recommended for: backcountry guides, outing trip leaders, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, and wilderness therapeutic programs.
This course is only offered several times during the year so call us to schedule

Note: Participants receive training in the skills and ethics of Leave No Trace. Workshop topics include the underlying ethics and seven principles of Leave No Trace:
• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Also visit our LNT site at: http://www.climbingschool.com/LNT.html

Backpacking isn't just a way to get from here to there, it's a process of moving, exploring, taking in the surrounding and working as a team. The end of the trail isn't the "thing" -- the trail is the "thing". Travel too fast and you miss all that you travel for.

Starting with the basics, this workshop provides an opportunity for those novice's who are interested in learning and expanding their backpacking and camping skills. With one night of camping out and three days of instruction we will have plenty of time to cover a fair distance on the trail while also taking time to cover topics such as navigation, backcountry first-aid, backpacking equipment, Leave-No-Trace principles, trip planning and much more. We will balance our travel distance and pace as well as the amount of time spent teaching to fit the desires of the group. The area we will be backpacking through does include some steep and rough terrain, so you should expect a fairly strenuous experience.

	Day 1 (held on a Saturday) will be held at our outdoor classroom the weekend before our two-day backpacking trip. The course will introduce you to understanding concepts of: Purchasing the "right" equipment and where to buy it Proper pack and boot fitting What to pack and how to get organized Clothing for fit and comfort How to use backpacking stoves and water filters Map reading in the outdoors Day 2 & 3 (held on the following weekend) will focus on traveling in the backcountry. Camping, cooking, water treatment and Leave-No-Trace principles. For in-depth information about this workshop, including itinerary and equipment list, please contact us for a Backpacking 101 packet. All trips are tailored to the instructor's discretion with your safety our number one priority! ....Cost: $245 per person (three-day course – two seperate weekends) ....Discounts: REI* Members - $20 Off ....See schedule below for dates. ...recommended reading for this workshop: • NOLS Wilderness Guide (The classic handbook) by Mark Harvey How To Shit In The Woods by Kathleen Meyer These books contain information on how to camp without leaving a trace; how to stay warm and dry in the wilderness; how to cope with a backcountry emergency; and how to effectively lead others through such experiences.

This one day course is an easy-to-understand introduction to using GPS and digital maps. The day is a mixture of classroom activity and practical exercises using GPS with waypoints and routes downloaded from a digital map system. Basic GPS safety techniques will also be considered and you'll learn about Geocaching and GeoTrailing.

Is this course right for you?
You do not have to own a GPS or have any experience of using one. All the jargon and technical features will be explained as we go along and you'll get handouts to refer to when you get home.

Our courses will cover both Magellan® and Garmin® GPS systems. If you do not already own a GPS, we will have a choice of GPS for you to use on the day. Although most of the learning points of the course are simply transferable to other products and brands, please note that there is usually not enough time to address specific product-related questions that are outside the scope of the course

This is not a basic navigation training course. If you join this course it is assumed that you can use a map and compass for basic navigation. We do run a series of Traditional Navigation Days sponsored by Silva™ that will provide you with a excellent set of basic map and compass skills.

	What's the course designed to achieve? The aim of the day is that you will leave the course with the skills to use a GPS confidently and safely at a basic level and understand the advantages in linking it to a digital mapping system. What will I learn? By the end of the day you should be able to: recognize what a GPS and a digital map can and cannot do to help you stay safe out on the hills set up the GPS so it will function properly. understand the meaning of basic GPS & digital map terms. Eg. waypoint, track, route, goto, TracBack etc. mark current position and enter a waypoint and a goto into the GPS appreciate the advantages of using digital maps with your GPS confidently use a GPS by navigating a simple route to locate real waypoints on the ground. take appropriate safeguards to ensure your own safety on the fells when using a GPS understand the use of a GPS in the new leisure sports of Geocaching and Geotrailing. What's in the course? • What is a GPS?: how does it work?; how accurate is it? WAAS and EGNOS enabling Ordnance Survey National Grid and grid references; GPS 10 digit references GPS - buttons & main pages; battery; power; display; etc. Setting up the GPS - position format; map datum; north reference; etc. Finding your position: GPS vs map & compass Waypoints: mark; manually enter; download Finding your destination: Navigating using a GPS ; Goto - get 'lost' and find destination exercise Routes: manually create and delete, navigating a route exercise; creating a tracklog Digital maps: what's available; what they will do; different map views Choosing a GPS to fit user needs Introduction to safety issues when using a GPS ....Cost: $55 per person (one day course) ....Discounts: REI* Members - $20 Off ....See schedule below for dates. ...recommended reading for this workshop: Outdoor Navigation with GPS (Paperback) - by Stephen W. Hinch GPS Mapping - by Rich Owings GPS For Dummies - by Joel McNamar

Attend this newly expanded hands-on workshop to learn the basic components of map and compass skills, or come to brush up on knowledge you may already have. This Fall we will be offering a very challenging two-day Technical Map & Compass Course which will be held near the Grand Canyon. Let us show you how to read guidebooks, orient topographic maps and take compass bearings so you can feel confident when hiking on or off trails.

With a simple compass, an accurate map, and the skills to use them, the deserts and woods are open for you to wander. Even if you feel you lack an internal 'sense of direction,' learning some map and compass skills can make you a confident navigator. This workshop is intended for adults and will be hands-on and include games. We will start with the basics of compass use, then learn to find a bearing and walk on a heading.

Basic Map & Compas Course (1-Day)

• Understanding the nature of a map as a two dimensional plan.
• Understanding map symbols, scales and the underlying principle of the magnetic compass including cardinal points. USGS maps at scales of 1:25,000 and 1:50,000, , specialist maps from the National Forest Service and BLM - or a selection of these can be covered here depending on circumstances and resources. The part played by grid references and magnetic variation will depend on the type of map being used.
• Orientating the map to the ground with and without a compass and using the ‘set’ map to identify features on map and ground, to pinpoint current map position and to make route decisions.
• The use of linear features (e.g. paths and streams) as handrails in simple navigational exercises using the thumb to indicate position on the map.
• The ability to judge approximate distances on both map and ground.
• An appreciation of the relationship between land forms and other distinct objects as indicated on the map. This will involve a basic understanding of the contour system and the ability to match major land forms like hills and valleys to their map images.
• The ability to plan a safe walk or course in wild country in line with set criteria on duration, difficulty, and objectives.
• The application of relevant safety procedures to navigation including simple relocation on paths.

For in-depth information about this workshop, including itinerary and equipment list, please contact us. All trips are tailored to the instructor's discretion with your safety our number one priority!

....Cost: $75 per person (one-day course)
....Discounts: REI* Members - $10 Off
....See schedule below for dates.

Technical Map & Compass Course (2-Day)
• The ability to ‘break down’ a navigational stage into coarse and fine navigation i.e. the coarse section could easily involve easy handrail navigation along a path while the fine section could demand accurate map reading and use of compass to execute a subtle route where no clear linear feature exists.
• The ability to choose an appropriate attack point as an obvious starting point for the fine sections of a stage and to use clear features en route to check that the navigator is on course.
• Understanding the use of navigational strategies, like aiming off to hit a chosen point on a linear feature [e.g. bridge over a stream] or traffic light system [green section-easy: orange section- be careful: red- extreme concentration and care.] to adjust concentration levels to the difficulty of the navigation.
• Understanding the physical and navigational factors affecting the choice of a route e.g. height gain or loss, [as in Naismith’s rule]. Severity of terrain or vegetation, degree of difficulty of map reading and execution, and the ability to decide on an effective route in the light of the experience and navigational experience of the participants.
• The ability to judge distance accurately [e.g. by step-counting between given points.]
• The ability to plan a safe walk or course involving skills and strategies as listed -recording details on a route card. This plan may be used for assessment purposes if appropriate.
• Understanding the practice of simple relocation strategies when lost [e.g. making for the nearest known point for precise location or choosing a safe route to a linear feature].
• The ability to use a compass for accurate bearings and the checking of footpath direction, including an introduction to different types of compasses and their workings.
• Understanding of the effects of fatigue and physical discomfort brought on by navigational activity in open countryside and/or extreme weather conditions, including recognition of the symptoms of hypothermia and hyperthermia and their treatment. Attention should be paid to demands on equipment and effects on decision making as well as basic physiological and psychological considerations.

....Cost: $195 per person (two-day course with campout)
....Discounts: REI* Members - $10 Off
....Coming this Fall.

This course is run by our Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI/NOLS) WFR instructors and recognized as experts in the field and represent the highest levels of quality and experience currently available in this specialized field.

All our trainers are fully at home in the outdoors and understand the issues, dilemmas and judgments required when dealing with incidents in potentially hostile remote environments.
Our first aid courses are distinctive from standard first aid courses in their emphasis on first aid skills in a non-urban context, where well-supplied medical help is not immediately available. Providing first aid in such a context is characterized by the following situations:

• “Help” is far away or non-existent and thus the problem situation must be managed for an extended period of time. The care that would normally take place in the hospital will have to be partially provided by you, and you may need to transport the patient to the “help” rather than having the “help” come to you.

• The environmental problems of heat, cold, wet and altitude can be additional complicating factors which are a reality of work / outdoor pursuits / travel in remote places.

• In such remote settings, you will most likely have to work with limited equipment. Improvisation becomes a necessity in this context.

	What's the course designed to achieve? This one day basic first aid course (minimum 8 hours) which covers the essentials of managing immediate, potentially life threatening incidents in a systematic manner. Ideal for Appointed Persons and anyone who is required to take charge at an incident. No previous first aid experience is required to attend this course. Course Content • Vital signs – breathing, level of consciousness, temperature, colour • Incident management – a systematic approach to managing first aid incidents • Airway Management – causes and treatment of unconscious collapse • Breathing Problems - choking • Circulation Problems – Internal bleeding, external bleeding and treatment for shock • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) • Awareness of current regulations • Safe best practice ....Cost: $80 per person (one day course) ....Discounts: REI* Members - $20 Off ....See schedule below for dates. Extended Wilderness First-Aid This 2 day course is designed for group leaders, outdoor professionals and the outdoor enthusiast who may be away from immediate help for some time. No previous first aid experience is required to attend this course. Course Content • Vital signs – breathing, level of consciousness, temperature, colour • Incident management – a systematic approach to managing first aid incidents • Airway Management – causes and treatment of unconscious collapse • Breathing Problems - choking • Circulation Problems – Internal bleeding, external bleeding and treatment for shock • Damage – treatment of injury: head, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, leg & arm, including remote improvised techniques • Environmental Considerations – hypothermia, hyperthermia and cold injuries • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) • Common Illnesses – asthma, diabetes and epilepsy • Awareness of current regulations • Safe best practice

For in-depth information about this workshop, including itinerary and equipment list, please contact us for a Basic Wilderness First-Aid Course packet. All trips are tailored to the instructor's discretion with your safety our number one priority!

....Cost: $80 (one-day course) or $155 per person (two-day course)
....Discounts: REI* Members - $10 Off
....See schedule below for dates.

In team based Adventure Races you will be mixing the strengths and weaknesses of several people into one unit. The ability of your team to work together will determine how you place or even if you make it to the finish line at all. Recognize your teams strengths and weaknesses and map out a strategy to use them effectively in a race environment.

Teamwork can bring non-elite teams to the finish line and a lack of it can bring elite teams to their knees. It is the great equalizer, get it on your side.

The disciplines of adventure racing are as varied as the races themselves. We spend long days and nights helping you improve and teaching the things you need. These are not 9 to 5 classes.

Navigation/Orienteering
Navigation may be the most important skill in a race when it is all said and done. More races have been won because of superior navigation than by any other component of racing. We include both day and night time navigation training. We start with our classroom basics teaching the skills needed to read and plan using your maps. We move to an outside course to begin practical training and development. Finally, we navigate a different night time course to implement everything you've learned that day. We follow-up with a solid debrief to review and go over any aspect of your navigation training.

Ropes Course
You will receive training and instruction from our AMGA certified top rope manager. You will not only learn the correct way to rappel, ascend and traverse, but you will be given training that you will be able to take with you to continue and practice after you leave the Challenge School. This isn't just one day of training, it's the ground work for solid basics in rope work skills.

This will be an action packed workshop that will have you sweating, cheering, moaning and grinning as you work your way through a series of simulated race situations.
In the process you will be introduced to and practice techniques that will help you reduce down time and move your team to the finish line faster.

This is a very hands on workshop, you will get dirty and wet.

....Cost: $375 per person (two-day course)
....Discounts: REI* Members - $20 Off
....Call us for dates.

....Cost: $155 per person (two-day course)
....Discounts: REI* Members - $10 Off
....Coming this Fall.

	Arizona Climbing and Adventure School is a unique opportunity for individuals to experience the spirit, courage and exploration of the Southwest. It is an initiation into the unexpected, a chance to accomplish something very exciting and to discover strengths you never knew you had. Additionally, the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School provides education in wilderness skills and working effectively with others. To achieve a high learning curve among our students we keep our groups small in size. We consider the impact on the safety and flexibility of the group above all. Everyone knows that large groups and large student-to-instructor ratios are what make money for a guide service. But we feel that groups and ratios compromise the safety, enjoyment and success of individual participants. Better for you and better for us. Having smaller groups also means you receive more attention and guidance from our professionals when you need it the most. The skills you must learn in order to safely and ecologically negotiate the terrain, climate and altitude in which our courses are offered include: • safety skills for travel through rigorous terrain. • how to pack a backpack. • physical fitness • competence with map and compass, gps, route selection, navigation. • rope use and knot tying, bowline, water knot, square knot, clove hitch, half hitch, figure eight • basic first aid so that every student can handle reasonable emergencies and recognizes and aid in treating illness related to altitude, hypothermia, fatigue. • rescue preparedness • rock climbing, belaying, backpacking, canyoneering, rappelling, anchors. • campcraft including minimum impact camping, ecological considerations, wilderness cooking, food selection and nutrition. • water purification, hygiene and sanitation. • care of equipment, ropes, clothing, packs, etc. • environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace (LNT) techniques. • safety from storms, flash floods and lightning.

To sign up for a Workshop call or email us to check availability. If a course is open click on the On-line Application Form or go to our application and map (meeting point) site, print out both the Application (PDF), Map and Waiver. Fill out the application and fax or mail it to us (don't fax the waiver, just bring it the day of your course).

Note: September thru May Workshops start at 8:00 a.m. at the designated pick-up point. Call us the day before your course starts to verify. Bring your own snacks, lunch, water, sunblock and wear appropriate clothing. Camera (disposable), writing pad and pen are recommended.


september 2012	..backpacking 101: 14 plus trip ..map and compass: 14 ..gps training: 14 ..adventure racing: n/a ..wilderness first-aid: 21 & 22 ..leave no trace: 21 ..leave no trace trainer: 21 & 22	january 2013	..backpacking 101: 12 plus trip ..map and compass: 19 ..gps training: 26 ..adventure racing: 26 ..wilderness first-aid: 26 & 37 ..leave no trace: 12 ..leave no trace trainer: 12 & 13
october 2012	..backpacking 101: 11 plus trip ..map and compass: 25 ..gps training: 25 ..adventure racing: n/a ..wilderness first-aid: 25 & 26 ..leave no trace: 18 ..leave no trace trainer: 18 & 19	february 2013	..backpacking 101: 2 plus trip ..map and compass: n/a ..gps training: 23 ..adventure racing: n/a ..wilderness first-aid: 23 & 24 ..leave no trace: 23 ..leave no trace trainer: 23 & 24
november 2012	..backpacking 101: 3 plus trip ..map and compass: 10 ..gps training: 10 ..adventure racing: 10 - 11 ..wilderness first-aid: 24 & 25 ..leave no trace: 17 ..leave no trace trainer: 17 & 18	march 2013	..backpacking 101: 7 plus trip ..map and compass: n/a ..gps training: 14 ..adventure racing: 14 ..wilderness first-aid: 28 & 29 ..leave no trace: 28 ..leave no trace trainer: 28 & 9
december 2012	..backpacking 101: 7 plus trip ..map and compass: 14 ..gps training: 14 ..adventure racing: n/a ..wilderness first-aid: 21 & 22 ..leave no trace: 7 ..leave no trace trainer: 7 & 8	april 2013	..backpacking 101: 4 plus trip ..map and compass: n/a ..gps training: 25 ..adventure racing: n/a ..wilderness first-aid: 25 & 26 ..leave no trace: 25 ..leave no trace trainer: 25 & 26

course cancellations
While it is unlikely, if the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School cancels a course due to insufficient reservations or conditions beyond our control (weather, etc.); alternate dates or refunds will be given as preferred. If you cancel within 14 days prior to your session, rescheduling your course can be expected. There are no refunds on gift certificates. If you fail to show at the designated meeting place at the appointed time you will be charged for the course - there are no exceptions. If you would like to reschedule within 48-hours of the course's starting date, you may do so. To receive a full monetary refund (minus a 20% handling fee), 14 days notice is required (expect a refund within 2 billing cycles or 60-days of your course date). You may also want to purchase travel insurance due to cancellations – click here for more information.

liability
Although we spare no effort to assure a safe program, we can assume no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment. In a sport of this nature an element of risk is inherent and beyond human control. A signed release (waiver) will be required of all participants. A parent or guardian release is required for students under the age of 18. These can be obtained in advance by contacting our office or downloading from our website.

Our select staff are certified outdoor guides and have received extensive training from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound Wilderness (OBW). the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI), Climb Smart! and Leave No Trace (LNT) or are members and partners of the American Alpine Club, Arizona Mountain Group Association, American Safe Climbing Association, Access Fund and follow strict procedural guidelines and safety protocols set by these institutes and by the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School (ACAS).