Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course
Teach the Outdoors. Protect What Matters
Learn how to minimize outdoor recreation impacts and help other make responsible decisions in the outdoors. Choose from virtual, backpacking, and paddling based course options.
16 hours of instruction
Level 1 Instructor
Certification Valid for 2 Years
Starting at $165 per person
Our Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Courses go beyond learning the seven principles.
Led by skilled outdoor professionals with extensive field experience, our courses combine engaging instruction, hands-on learning, and practical application to prepare you to teach others responsible outdoor practices.
With unique learning options ranging from flexible virtual courses to immersive backpacking and canoe-based experiences in Pennsylvania, you can choose the format that best fits your interests and learning style.
Build your knowledge, develop your teaching skills, and gain the confidence to educate others about outdoor ethics, environmental stewardship, and protecting the places we explore.
Course Information
Everything you need to know before choosing your course.
Our Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Courses offer flexible learning options for participants with different schedules and interests. Choose from virtual instruction or a hands-on outdoor experience in Pennsylvania.
How long is the course?
All courses include 16 hours of instruction. Virtual courses offer a choice of 2-day or 3-day formats, combining 10 hours of live Zoom instruction with 6 hours of independent assignments. In-person courses include 16 hours of hands-on outdoor instruction plus the the additional time required for the trip
Where is is the course held?
Virtual courses take place online through Zoom. In-person courses are held at Pinchot State Forest in Pennsylvania for backpacking and along the Susquehanna River near Liverpool, PA for paddling trip based instruction.
Who is it for?
This course is open to anyone passionate about Leave No Trace, including outdoor instructors, guides, educators, Scout leaders, land managers, and nature enthusiasts. Both US-based and international participants are welcome.
Age requirements.
Virtual courses are open to participants ages 14 and older. Those under 18 must have signed parent or guardian permission. In-person backpacking and canoe courses are open to adults ages 18 and older.
Requirements & Certification
Know what is expected and what you’ll earn before registering.
Becoming a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor involves more than attending the course. Participants must complete the required assignments, participate in all instruction, and demonstrate their ability to teach Leave No Trace principles.
Course Participation
All participants must attend the full course, complete required assignments, and prepare and teach an assigned Leave No Trace lesson.
In-person participants must follow instructor guidance and practice Leave No Trace principles throughout outdoor activities.
Virtual participants must attend all live Zoom sessions, remain on camera, and have a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet access and a forward-facing camera for teaching demonstrations.
Pre-Course Preparation
After registration, you’ll receive course materials, preparation instructions, assignments, and Zoom links when applicable. Some assignments may need to be completed before the first session, while others are completed during the course.
Instructor Certification
Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants earn Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor certification, valid for two years. Graduates are prepared to lead Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops, teach outdoor ethics, and serve as co-instructors on Level 1 and Level 2 courses.
What’s Included
The instruction, materials, and equipment you need to participate.
We provide the course materials and shared equipment needed for your selected format. In-person courses also include meals and a guided outdoor experience, so you can focus on learning and putting Leave No Trace principles into practice.
Virtual Courses
Virtual registration includes live instructor-led Zoom sessions, a digital Level 1 Instructor Course Packet, and access to all required course assignments and teaching activities.
In-Person Courses
Backpacking and paddling trip courses include professional instruction, a physical course packet, shared group equipment, and meals. Paddling courses also include canoes/kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices (PFDs).
You don’t need to own everything to participate.
We offer affordable gear rentals from quality brands for participants who need equipment for the trip. This allows you to try backpacking without having to purchase hundreds or thousands of dollars of equipment before you’ve decided whether it’s something you enjoy.
Backpacks | Tents | Sleeping Bags | Sleeping Pads | Hammocks | Stoves | Cook Pots | Trekking Poles | Camp Chairs | Camp Stools
Gear rentals are available as optional add-ons.
Still not sure which course is right for you? Check out our FAQs below.
Our Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Courses
2-Day Virtual Course
Learn from anywhere through live, instructor-led Zoom sessions and independent coursework, combining interactive instruction with practical assignments and teaching activities. Split over 2 days.
3-Day Virtual Course
Learn from anywhere through live, instructor-led Zoom sessions and independent coursework, combining interactive instruction with practical assignments and teaching activities. Split over 3 days.
Backpacking Trip Course
Put Leave No Trace principles into practice during a guided 2-day, 1-night backpacking experience on the South Loop of Pennsylvania’s Pinchot Trail. A unique way to learn and practice
Paddling Trip Course
Learn low-impact paddling and camping techniques during a guided 2-day canoe and kayak trip on the Susquehanna River, including overnight island camping.
Virtual Course Times are Listed in Eastern Time
All virtual course times are listed in Eastern Time (ET), the local time in Pennsylvania. Eastern time changes throughout the year: EST (UTC -5) and EDT (UTC -4). If you’re joining from another time zone, confirm your time before the course.
Upcoming Courses
LNT Level 1 Instructor
November 12-13, 2026
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Sold Out
LNT Level 1 Instructor
December 14-15, 2026
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Sold Out
LNT Level 1 Instructor
February 18-19, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
March 11-12, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
April 12-13, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
Outdoor Educator Clinic
April 24-29, 2027
6 Days
BACKPACKING TRIP
Coming Soon
LNT Level 1 Instructor
May 20-21, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
June 24-25, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
July 19-21, 2027
3 Days | 5pm-8pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
July 16-18, 2026
3 Days/ 2 Nights
PADDLING TRIP
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
August 30-31, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
September 20-21, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
October 14-15, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
November 15-16, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
LNT Level 1 Instructor
December 13-14, 2027
2 Days | 10am-3pm
VIRTUAL
Registration Open
FAQs
Do I need previous Leave No Trace experience to take this course?
No. You do not need previous instructor experience or formal Leave No Trace training to participate. The course covers the principles, techniques, and teaching methods needed to become a Level 1 Instructor.
What is Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor certification?
Level 1 Instructor certification prepares you to teach Leave No Trace principles through Skills Courses and Workshops. Certified instructors can educate individuals and groups about responsible outdoor recreation, serve as co-instructors on Level 1 and Level 2 courses, and issue completion certificates for Skills Courses and Workshops. Certification is valid for two years.
Do I need to complete anything before the course?
Yes. Participants receive preparation instructions, course materials, and assignments after registration. Some assignments may need to be completed before the first session. Additional instructions will be provided by your instructor.
Are virtual courses completely online?
Yes. Virtual courses take place entirely online through Zoom. They combine 10 hours of live instruction with 6 hours of independent coursework. Participants need a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet access, a forward-facing camera, and recording capability for teaching demonstrations. Cameras must remain on during live instruction.
What is the difference between the 2-day and 3-day virtual courses?
Both formats provide the same 16 hours of instruction and certification requirements. The difference is how the 10 hours of live Zoom instruction are scheduled. The 2-Day course is two equal days from 10am-3pm ET daily. The 3-Day course is three equal days from 5pm-8pm ET daily. The remaining 6 hours consist of independent assignments.
What should I expect during the backpacking course?
The backpacking course is a guided 2-night experience from Friday evening thru Sunday Afternoon on the South Loop of the Pinchot Trail in Pennsylvania. Participants hike approximately 10 miles over total while practicing low-impact camping, campsite selection, food storage, and other backcountry skills. Group equipment and meals are provided, and optional personal camping gear rentals are available.
What should I expect during the paddling course?
The paddling course is a guided 2-night paddling and camping experience on the Susquehanna River, including overnight island camping. The program runs from Friday evening thru Sunday Afternoon. Canoes, paddles, PFDs, group equipment, and meals are provided. Optional personal camping gear rentals are also available.
Have Quetions?
Reach out to learn more about our courses or get help choosing the right adventure for you.