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The Trainer Course is a vital component of the nationwide Leave No Trace program. It is a shortened version of the Master course. Participants receive introductory training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics in a condensed two-day format. The Trainer Course assists the student participants in learning more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace and techniques for disseminating these low impact skills.
Trainer courses are designed for educators, guides, agency employees, and other outdoor professionals. Successful graduates of the Trainer Course gain the skills to teach Leave No Trace techniques and ethics to their clients, friends and family.
Participants learn the concepts of Leave No Trace and prepare to teach Leave No Trace curriculum in a variety of settings-schools, camps, parks, wilderness and front country areas. Workshop topics include the underlying ethics and seven principles of Leave No Trace:
Master Educators that are interested in running Trainer Courses should visit the Educational Resources page for a list of documents to review and submit to the Center prior to the course. Please contact the Center with questions.
Master Educators that are interested in posting a Trainer Course on the Leave No Trace website can do so by emailing the Education Department with the following information or using this form:
Below is an example of an active Trainer Course listing. To help route inquiries, Trainer Courses are now posted on their State's Community Page.
When: Saturday, April 10 – Sunday, April 11
Where: Shenandoah National Park, VA
Who: Adults (18+) with some camping and/or backpacking experience.
Description: The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club’s Trail Patrol is offering this two-day, low-mileage backpacking format course designed to enhance your understanding of Leave No Trace practices and ethics and to increase your level of expertise and confidence in teaching Leave No Trace skills. Through focused activities, hands-on field experience and both formal and informal discussions, you will be introduced to concepts and methods that will advance your knowledge of Leave No Trace issues, expand your repertoire of low-impact skills and increase your effectiveness in teaching these important skills to others. Participants should be experienced campers or backpackers. Instruction will concentrate on the incorporation of low impact techniques in camping and backpacking settings, but we will not be teaching basic camping skills. This is a fun course where all participants have a part in demonstrating the choices that can be made to minimize our impact on the land and our resources. On completion of this course, participants will be registered as Leave No Trace Trainers with the national Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and will receive a certificate of course completion as well as their Leave No Trace Trainer lapel pin.
Gear: Personal backpacking gear. All group gear, such as stoves, cooking equipment and water treatment will be supplied. Participants should pack a trail lunch for Saturday and Sunday; all other meals will be provided. At the time of registration participants will receive a planning packet that will include a detailed packing list.
Instructors: Instructors are members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club’s Trail Patrol who are also Leave No Trace Master Educators.
Cost: $45.00 for PATC Members, $65.00 for Non-PATC members (Join PATC at the time of registration and get the member price!) The cost covers course materials and meals with the exception of lunch for Saturday and Sunday, which the participant should bring.
Contact: For more information and a registration form please visit http://potomacappalachian.org/ and following the Training link, or contact Cindy Kelly.
Individuals interested in finding a Trainer Course in their area can do so by following these steps:
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