Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course- Canoe Trip

Description

Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Canoe Trip- a unique way to learn.

At Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC, our Leave No Trace (LNT) Level 1 Instructor Canoe Trip is designed to teach participants the essential Leave No Trace skills, ethics, and techniques for educating others about responsible outdoor practices, all while immersed in nature. Over the course of two consecutive days on the water, participants will put LNT principles into practice, gaining hands-on experience in real-world environments.

During this guided canoe trip, you’ll learn how to minimize your impact while enjoying the outdoors and teach others how to do the same. The trip includes a mix of paddling and outdoor education, with all of the instruction taking place in the field, where you can apply LNT principles in real time.

Upon completion, graduates will be 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 particularly valuable for outdoor educators, guides, scout leaders, and anyone responsible for teaching Leave No Trace principles to the public. As a certified Level 1 Instructor, 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.

We will be paddling on the Susquehanna River near Liverpool, PA. We will be primitive camping overnight on island campsites with not modern facilities available. Paddling and camping experience is preferred, but not required. You must be physically fit enough to paddle ~3 miles each day, carry canoes up to 50lbs, and carrying your gear on your back.

For those traveling in for the course, primitive car camping is available HERE if you need to come in a day early.

Course Structure and Requirements

This course includes 16 total hours of experiential learning, with a majority of the training taking place outdoors. During the two-day canoe trip, you’ll learn LNT principles while actively engaging with the environment, practicing skills such as waste disposal, camp setup, and more.

Required Course Materials:

• Canoe, paddles, and safety gear (provided by Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC)
• Comfortable outdoor clothing and gear for two days on the water (click here for a full gear list)
  • Lunch and dinner on day one as well as breakfast and lunch on day two will be provided. Bring your own snacks and any additional food you may need.
  • Some group gear will be available including water filtration, but it is recommended that you bring your own gear and some required gear will not be provided.
  • Need gear? We have rentals on a first come first served basis HERE.
• Leave No Trace Level 1 Corse Packet (included in price)
• A journal or notebook for notes and reflection

Participant Expectations

To successfully complete the course, participants are required to:

• Attend and participate in the full two-day canoe trip
• Engage in hands-on activities applying Leave No Trace principles
• Lead a brief Leave No Trace lesson during the trip
• Be prepared for moderate physical activity, including paddling and camping

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.

Course Registration and Pre-Trip Work

Once registered, participants will receive instructions, pre-trip assignments, and detailed packing lists. Some pre-trip work will be required, including reviewing Leave No Trace materials and preparing for the trip.

Certification and Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be certified as 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 various settings

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Due to the logistics involved, the following applies to canoe based courses:

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

If unforeseen circumstances require Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC to cancel the trip, 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 trip doesn’t meet the minimum enrollment, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.