What is a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course with Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC?

Our Level 1 Instructor Course teaches essential Leave No Trace (LNT) skills, ethics, and techniques for educating others about responsible outdoor practices. Participants learn through a combination of virtual sessions or immersive outdoor experiences, depending on the course type.

• Virtual courses: Participants engage in live Zoom sessions and asynchronous assignments, with more than half of the learning applied in local outdoor environments.
• Backpacking courses (Pennsylvania): Fully guided 2-day, 1-night trips on the South Loop of the Pinchot Trail. Participants hike about 10 miles over two days, practice campsite selection, backcountry kitchen setup, food storage, and low-impact living. All group gear is provided, meals are included, and optional camping gear rentals are available.
• Canoe-based courses (Pennsylvania): 2-day paddling trips along the Susquehanna River, including island camping. Participants gain hands-on experience paddling, camping, and applying LNT principles. All boats, paddles, PFDs, and group gear are provided. Meals are included, and optional camping gear is available for rent.

Upon completion, graduates are prepared to lead Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops in a variety of settings, empowering them to teach outdoor ethics and sustainable practices to others. Participants may also serve as co-instructors on Level 1 and Level 2 courses and issue completion certificates for LNT Skills Courses and Workshops.

---

Course Structure and Requirements

Virtual courses:

• 16 hours of experiential learning, with a mix of 10 hours synchronous (live Zoom) and 6 hours asynchronous instruction

In-person courses (backpacking and canoe-based in Pennsylvania):

• 16 hours fully in-person hands-on instruction integrated into hiking, camping, and paddling activities
• All participants receive instruction on Leave No Trace techniques directly in the field

Required Course Materials:

• Virtual courses: Digital Level 1 Instructor Course Packet
• In-person courses: Physical Level 1 Instructor Course Packet included

Required Equipment:

• Computer, laptop, or tablet with stable internet (virtual courses only)
• Forward-facing camera and recording device for teaching demonstrations (virtual courses only)
• Backpacking or paddling gear provided for in-person courses; optional camping gear rentals available

---

Participant Expectations

All participants are required to:

• Attend all live Zoom sessions (virtual courses only)
  NOTE: You MUST remain on camera for virtual courses
• Complete all course assignments, both synchronous and asynchronous (virtual courses only)
• Teach a Leave No Trace lesson as part of the course
• Participants under 18 must have signed parent/guardian permission

In-person course expectations:

• Complete all course assignments
• Teach a Leave No Trace lesson as part of the course
• Follow instructor guidance during outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and paddling activities
• Practice Leave No Trace principles during all field-based activities

---

Course Registration and Pre-Course Work

After registration, participants receive instructions, pre-course assignments, course materials, and Zoom links (virtual courses only). Pre-course assignments may be required before the first session or completed during the course. Participants may begin pre-course work at any time after registration.

---

Certification and Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants receive Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor certification, valid for two years. Graduates will be prepared to:

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

---

Please Note:
Virtual course times are in the EASTERN TIMEZONE (UTC/GMT -5 during standard time, UTC/GMT -4 during daylight saving time). Participants should review times carefully when registering.