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Discover the fundamentals of backpacking

Backpacking 101

Description
Rates & Booking
FAQ

Backpacking 101

Discover the fundamentals of backpacking in the wilderness

Program Description

The Backpacking 101 Program can be booked from September to mid-October and during the months of May and June.

This program is offered in two formats:

  • 2 days / 1 night
  • 3 days / 2 nights

In this program, the student will be introduced to the fundamentals of backpacking. They will hike to the designated campground while carrying their personal gear, giving them a hands-on experience of backcountry travel. The location for this program allows us to provide additional support gear to enhance comfort and ease logistics. This is a perfect way to ensure a positive experience, especially for a group embarking on their first backpacking adventure.

At the campground, students will develop essential wilderness camping and survival skills  under the guidance of our experienced guides. Participants will learn how to stay safe in bear country, including how to recognize and avoid hazardous situations. Throughout the experience, students will also learn about the ecoregions, wildlife and habitats of the area all while enjoying a variety of fun activities and games.

The 3-day, 2 night version of this program allows us to dig deeper into navigation skills. Students will apply what they learned in an advanced orienteering activity that challenges them to work in small groups to navigate through the surrounding forest. This experience is supervised by our guides to ensure safety and support.

- Grades 7 to 12

- Mountain Travel
- Certified Guides

Activity Choices

Choose 2 from the following

1. Fire Lighting

In this activity station, the students will learn about the key ingredients of fire and experiment with Ferro Rods. They’ll put their new skills to the test in a friendly competition where they will need to combine strategy and technique to light a fire.

2. Orientation

In this activity station, students will become familiar with the different parts of a compass and how to take and follow bearings. In small groups, they’ll create and navigate a course using a sequence of bearings. 

3. Bear Hangs

This activity station will deepen students’ understanding of being bear aware. They’ll learn how to store scented items by setting up a proper bear hang, an essential skill for backcountry travel.

4. Shelter building

In this activity station, students will learn the necessary knots and techniques for setting up a tarp shelter. They’ll explore and practice with various shelter styles, gaining an understanding of the advantages and limitations of each setup.

Itinerary

Times displayed are flexible

Location

Click here to view location of the trailhead

Click here to view location of the campground

Inquire for other locations.

teacher and volunteer expectations
  • Teachers will provide lead guide with any medical and behavioural concerns among group members
  • Teachers are expected to be present at all activities and during meal times
  • Teachers are expected to ride on the bus with the students
  • Teachers are expected to organize transportation to and from program location
  • Teachers will be required to arrange for volunteers to comply with standards
  • Transportation and costs associated with it, to and from the program location, are the Teachers responsibility.
  • Teachers are not expected to pay program fees 
  • Teachers and volunteers are also included in the program fee, as long as they do not exceed a 1:10 ratio. If more volunteers are being included they will be charged the student program fee 
  • Volunteers will be expected to comply with this list of expectations
  • Teachers will be responsible for any behavioral discipline during the trip
  • COA guides are not responsible for any additional discipline action required beyond scheduled activities
  • COA cannot be relied on to meet female and male ratios for adults vs. students
  • COA guides must be informed of any incidents or medical concerns during trip
  • COA reserves the right to cancel a scheduled activity/program due to any safety or unresolved discipline issues
  • COA reserves the right to deny student participation in an activity due to safety concerns, therefore students are expected to have the adequate gear and clothing for participation in the prevailing weather conditions
  • Programming will be discussed ahead of time
  • COA reserves the right to cancel or alter any scheduled activity/program due to any safety or unresolved discipline issues.  This includes students that arrive with inadequate gear, which may present a risk to their personal safety
  • Programming will be discussed ahead of time
        What is included in the program

        Your program fee includes all equipment for games and COA educational sessions, and COA guides of a 1:14 ratio.  Guides will carry a first aid kit, 2-way radios, bear spray, communication device, maps of the area, and guide tarps.

        Your program fee also includes campground fees, emergency sleeping bags, tents, spare sleeping pads, on site emergency vehicle, potable water, group cooking utensils (i.e. can opener, spatulas, knives etc.) pots, griddles, serving bowls, washing soap and dish towels (note: students will be responsible for their own eating utensils which need to be reusable), two 2 burner propane stoves, propane, recycling bin and a whole lot of fun!

        What is not included in the program

        COA does not provide food!

        COA does not provide transportation!

        Groups are responsible for personal gear and all meals. 

        Students personal gear should include (REQUIRED!):

        PLEASE DO NOT PACK ANY COTTON HOODIES OR PANTS.

        • Warm sleeping bag
        • Inflatable sleeping pad
        • Water bottle
        • Hat
        • Sunscreen
        • Bug Spray
        • Sunglasses
        • Reusable bowl, plate, cup and utensils
        • Flashlight/Headlamp
        • Backpack Large enough to carry all gear. 45-70 litres
        • Food

          Clothing (required) - NO cotton or Jeans!

          • Long underwear
          • Other layers of clothing
          • Wool, fleece or hiking pants.
          • Underwear
          • Socks
          • Fleece or wool jacket/sweater
          • Toque & mitts or gloves
          • Rain jacket
          • Rain pants or wind pants
          • Sturdy hiking boots
          • Toiletries

            Optional Items

            • Bandana
            • Compass
            • Camera
            • Camp Shoes

            Please do not pack bear spray, knives or fire starters. COA guides will provide them if needed.

            Rates & Availability

            • 2 Days 1 Night: $160 / Student
            • 3 Days 2 Nights: $200 / Student
            • Teachers and Parent Volunteers are free
            • Minimum 20 participants, Maximum 45
            • Program does not include transportation

            Contact our Youth Program Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions about our program.

            Cancellation Policy

            • Notice of cancellation is required no later than 45 calendar days prior to the program start date. Cancellations after this deadline will result in forfeiture of a $400 cancellation fee, plus any campground fees incurred. 
            • There is a NO REFUND policy on camping fees 45 Days prior to your outing. If canceling your trip after 45 days it will result in a fee specific to each campground and length of trip. 

            Please confirm your final group size at least 14 days prior to your program date so that we can make sure enough guides are on hand for your group. The minimum number you will be charged for is the number of confirmed participants. Decreases of 10% will be permitted up to 24 hours prior to the departure date.

            Book Here

            CLICK HERE TO FILL IN OUR BOOKING FORM

            Frequently Asked Questions

            What training do your guides have to have?
            Our guides are your adventure specialists and are trained to competently and confidently make your experience a fun and safe success. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid (80 hrs) in order to respond to any situation that might crop up. Our professional outdoor leadership skills will mitigate many of the risks that are inherent to playing in the mountains. All of our guides have university degrees in outdoor leadership and ecotourism as well as accreditation with the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) or the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Guides are also certified and registered interpreters through the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA), giving you access to knowledge about topics like glaciers and geology, local floral and fauna, and regionally history to further enrich your adventure. Check out our guide profiles to learn more about our amazing staff!
            What is COA’s safety policy? How will participants be safe on a program?
            Our number one goal here at COA has been and always will be your safety. No matter which program you attend our guide team will ensure yours and your student’s safety. While there are certain risks involved in some of the activities you may choose to participate in our guides are certified advanced adventure medics, so you know you are in good hands. All COA staff have been trained with our emergency plans. All guides carry a group sized first aid kit, tarp, bear spray and high frequency radio for communication. On top of this, all lead guides carry a satellite phone if needed.
            Who supplies meals during COA programs?
            Food is to be supplied by the teacher or students. COA is not responsible for providing or cooking food for clients. COA supplies kitchen needs such as stoves,cooking and cleaning equipment.
            I don’t see any programs that suit my needs. Can I book a custom program with COA?

            Of course! We’d love to design the perfect educational program for you and your group. The sky is virtually the limit! Please contact us directly to discuss and create your custom adventure today!

            This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.