Wilderness Skills - Backpacking
University of New Orleans - Metro College
October 8th - November 16th, 2008

The course offered by the University of New Orleans Metro College consists of eight sessions - six Wednesday evening classes from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Lakefront campus, a one day map and compass class and a weekend overnight backpack on a national forest trail located in Mississippi. All the individual camping equipment - tents, sleeping bags and backpacks - and group gear - stoves, tarps, first aid, etc. are furnished by the instructor, Byron Almquist.

The $95 tuition covers instruction and use of camping equipment. Gas and food expenses will be shared by the students. To register with a credit card, call UNO's Metro College at 504 280-7100 or go on line www.metro.uno.edu, click on “Course Guide” and scroll down.

Wednesday, Oct. 8th - Overview of the course - Introduction of instructors and students. Review of resources available for a New Orleans backpacker with detailed information on where to backpack locally and out of state. Demonstration of where and how camping equipment, outdoor clothing , miscellaneous items and lightweight food are stored in the backpack.

Wednesday, Oct. 15th - How to use a compass - Students will learn how to read a compass as they navigate around the campus.

Wednesday, Oct. 22nd - How to read and use a topo map - Students will learn how to interpret the details of a topo map. By taking imaginary hikes while still in the classroom, students will practice their new navigational skills.

Sunday, Oct.26th - A day in the woods - Students will practice their cross country skills by combining a compass and topo map to learn how to navigate while off the trail. Teams of students will locate a series of objectives by using their navigational skills.

Wednesday, Oct. 29th - Equipment for backpacking - Students will set up and study different types of tents and learn about all the components of various sleeping systems. Equipment will be reviewed for weight and bulk as to suitability for backpacking.

Wednesday, Nov. 5th - Outdoor cooking - Students, in small groups, will prepare a meal on one burner stoves. After dinner will be a discussion on planning and preparation of outdoor meals and how to minimize the impact on the environment at a campsite.

Wedneday, Nov. 12th - Preparation for the weekend - The class will select a trail and trailhead, review what to bring and not to bring in the backpacks, plan the weekend meals, set up tents and in general prepare for the coming weekend backpack.

Friday evening to Sunday afternoon Nov 14th, 15th and 16th - A backpack in a national forest - Students will spend the weekend backpacking in a national forest while applying all the knowledge that has been gained in the previous six weeks. Everyone will pack their backpack, practice their navigational skills while on a trail, prepare outdoor meals, practice minimum impact, select a campsite and tentsite, improvise a tarp shelter and learn how to start a fire no matter what the weather.