Shannon Givens
Venture deep into Yellowstone National Park on your own two feet. On this course for adults, you’ll join a group of your peers for a week of backpacking in the remote corners of Yellowstone. Challenge yourself as you climb steep ridges and high peaks. Wake up early to see elk or moose wander through open meadows. Learn about local ecology as you explore the area’s thermal features and move through different ecosystems. As you hike, you’ll start with the basics like setting up camp, navigating with a compass, and Leave No Trace principles, then move to more advanced skills. Whether you’re a first-time camper or already have experience, you’ll find plenty to challenge you and bring to your next backpacking trip.
Leadership will be a key focus of this course. Deciding how to navigate a steep ridge becomes a lesson in decision making and risk management. Living in a small community becomes a chance for you to develop self awareness and communication. You’ll fill a different leadership role each day, refining your own style and how you can use it to serve your community at home. You’ll walk away with lifelong leadership and outdoor skills to keep exploring long after your course ends.