Leave No Trace Trainer Course – BSA

WHEN: Friday/Saturday/Sunday, February 24-26, 2023

WHERE: Harry S. Frazier Jr. Scout Reservation, Leadership Development Center 37.898172, -85.662052 or 950 Terry Drive, Shepherdsville, Kentucky 40165 (1/2 hour S of Louisville, KY; 2 hours S of Indianapolis, IN/Cincinnati, OH)

DESCRIPTION: Are you minimizing your outdoor impacts when recreating outdoors? Does your Scout unit practice and promote outdoor ethics? This course will allow participants to learn and practice in an outdoor setting the skills to practice the Principles of Leave No Trace (the core pillar of the BSA Outdoor Ethics commitment) and prepare those individuals to act as Leave No Trace-recognized Trainers from Leave No Trace (www.lnt.org). Recommended for Scout leaders, Scouts, outdoor enthusiast, or anyone who wants to learn easy and effective ways to minimize our recreational impacts. The training includes 16 hours of hands-on instruction and overnight camping. The first night camping (Friday) will be conducted in a frontcountry impacted site and the second night camping (Saturday) will be conducted in a pristine backcountry setting. Participants will need to hike a short distance to the backcountry site carrying their equipment (those with special needs will be accommodated). As part of the Trainer Course curriculum, participants are required to lead a 10-15 minute discussion or presentation on one of the Leave No Trace principles or other impact topic. Assignments, details, and resources will be provided after registration.

WHO: Any individual adult or youth at least age 14 interested in learning and practicing the 7 Principles Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics. Typical attendees include backpackers, paddlers, Scouts, Venturers, Scout leaders, camp counselors, guides, outdoor groups/clubs, specialty outdoor retail associates and trip leaders. Every Scouting unit, outdoor organization or club should have at least one Leave No Trace Trainer.

COST: $65.00 per person if paid 21 days in advance, $75 otherwise. The fee covers all food, snacks and beverages, group equipment, camp fees, training equipment, training materials, a LNT Trainer’s Kit, certificate, and extensive educational support to conduct your own Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops.

GEAR: Participants need to bring their own personal camping equipment (a list is provided upon registration).

COURSE TIMES: The course begins with registration and camp set up at 6:00 pm on Friday with the program starting at 7:00 pm. The course will conclude by 11:00 am on Sunday.

YOUTH MEMBERS: To support the addition of Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace elements to the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA program, or other programs, youth (at least age 14) are encouraged to attend. A parent (or registered adult leader who are trained and comply with their respective program’s youth protection policies) is required to attend with the youth and may do so at a reduced fee if not already taking the course.

CONTACT: Please reserve your spot by registering at least three weeks prior to the session you wish to attend. This allows us time to have adequate quantities of materials for the course, and participants to prepare their presentation. We recommend an earlier registration if possible. You may register by emailing or calling Course Director Douglas Wagoner at [email protected] by calling 812-725- 4001.

After registration, you will receive more details concerning packing list, directions, presentation information, etc.