Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course- Virtual

At Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC, our Level 1 Instructor Course is designed to teach participants the essential Leave No Trace (LNT) skills, ethics, and techniques for educating others about responsible outdoor practices. Over the course of two consecutive days, participants engage in more than half of their training outdoors, putting theory into practice in real-world environments.

Upon completion, graduates are equipped to lead Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops within their communities, empowering them to share this vital knowledge with others. This course is especially valuable for staff members of organizations who are responsible for teaching Leave No Trace principles to the public, as well as outdoor educators and guides. In essence, you’ll be prepared to conduct your own LNT courses and workshops, spreading sustainable outdoor practices far and wide.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive certification from Leave No Trace (LNT) and must re-certify every two years. As a certified Level 1 Instructor, you’ll also have the opportunity to serve as a co-instructor on both Level 1 and Level 2 courses and issue completion certificates for LNT Skills Courses and Workshops.

Course Structure and Requirements

The Level 1 Instructor Course includes 16 total hours of experiential learning, with a mix of synchronous (live, interactive) and asynchronous (self-paced) instruction. Specifically, there are a minimum of 10 hours of synchronous instruction via Zoom and no more than 6 hours of asynchronous instruction. This structure ensures an engaging and effective experience for all participants.

Required Course Materials:

• Digital Level 1 Instructor Course Packet (Available for free online)
• Physical Course Packet (Optional purchase available if desired- this is not required)

Required Equipment:

• A computer, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection
• A forward-facing camera
• A recording device (such as a smartphone) for presentation.

Participant Expectations

To successfully complete the course, participants are required to:

• Attend all synchronous Zoom sessions
• Complete all course assignments, both synchronous and asynchronous
• Teach a Leave No Trace lesson as part of the course

Participants must be 18 years or older to enroll. This course is open to anyone passionate about Leave No Trace, especially outdoor instructors, guides, educators, Scout leaders, land managers, and nature enthusiasts. Both US-based and international participants are welcome.

Course Registration and Pre-Course Work

Once registered, participants will receive instructions, pre-course assignments, course materials, and Zoom session links. Some assignments must be completed before the first Zoom session, while others are due by the end of the course. Participants can begin their pre-course work at any time after registration.

Certification and Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will become certified Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructors. This certification prepares you to:

• Demonstrate and teach Leave No Trace techniques to friends, family, and community groups
• Lead discussions on outdoor ethics and help others develop their personal outdoor ethics
• Lead Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops in a variety of settings

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• If you cancel more than two weeks before the course begins, you will receive a full refund, minus processing fees.
• Cancellations made more than one week before the course will receive a 50% refund.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within one week of the course start date.

If unforeseen circumstances require Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC to cancel the course, you will receive a full refund.

Minimum and Maximum Enrollment:
We require a minimum of 4 participants to run the course, with a maximum class size of 10. If the course doesn’t meet the minimum enrollment, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Join Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC for this amazing experience that will empower you to teach Leave No Trace principles and make a lasting impact on the way people experience and protect the outdoors!