Level 1 Instructor Courses

Leave No Trace – Canoe Based Level 1 Instructor Course

Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Canoe Trip– a unique way to learn!

At Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC, our Leave No Trace 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 Leave No Trace 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 the lessons in real-time.

We will be paddling on the Susquehanna River near Liverpool, PA. We will be camping on island campsites without modern facilities. Paddling and camping experience is preferred but not required. You must be physically fit enough to paddle about 3 miles each day, carry canoes up to 50 pounds, and carry your gear on your back.

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 and practicing skills such as waste disposal, camp setup, and more.

Required Course Materials:

Leave No Trace Level 1 Course Packet (included in course fee)
- Journal or notebook for notes and reflection (please bring your own)
Canoes, paddles, and safety gear (provided by Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC)
Lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast and lunch on day two (provided by Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC)
- Bring your own snacks and any additional food you may need for an overnight backcountry trip.
Comfortable outdoor clothing and gear for two days on the water (detailed gear list available here)
- Some group gear will be provided. Instructors will reach out with a full list upon registration
- Need gear? We have rentals on a first come first served basis.

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 the 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 learning 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.