Ever dreamed of backpacking through the mountains but did not know where to start? In an effort to raise money for our veteran wilderness therapy program, we would like to help you. This is our level 1 event for our “Beginner to Advanced Backpacking Series”. This is a learning event that features an introduction lecture to backpacking and hiking and an afternoon hike through a local park where we put into action some of the basic skills that we will cover.

The Course
– Your instructor will cover:
– How to get started hiking
– The “10 Essentials of Hiking”
– Basic Backcountry Navigation
– Route Finding Skills

The Day’s Events
We will spend about an hour going over the three topics followed by a 3.0-mile hike through nature where we will reinforce the basics that were covered. A map of the route we will take is provided and you will receive a link to the course notes during the class.

What you will need to bring:
– Baseplate Compass
– Good athletic shoes or hiking boots
– Water or sports drink
– Snacks
– Small pack to keep your hands free
– Something to take notes on

Cost
This is a fundraising event for the AcadianX Warrior Program, and we just ask that you submit a donation of your choice to this charity. The AcadianX Warrior Program is our wilderness therapy program for veterans in the Gulf South whose mission is to improve mental health in our war fighters. You can submit your donation at:

Donate – https://www.facebook.com/AXWarriorProgram
or
Donate – https://axwarrior.org/donate

We will provide you with a link to the course notes and a map in the “Discussion” tab of this event announcement a few days before this event so stay tuned.

Where to Meet
We will meet on the top floor of the Acadiana Park Nature Station. Parking is located at the trailhead of the Nature Station trail near the gate to the campground. Then follow the trial for 1/4 mile to the Nature Station.