Hike Description

This 10-day program includes one day of travel to our basecamp, followed by two days of orientation. During orientation, participants will review backpacking fundamentals, develop advanced field skills, and explore leadership techniques to prepare for leading their peers in the backcountry. The heart of the program is a 5-day backpacking expedition through remote wilderness. Each participant will have the opportunity to serve as “Leader of the Day,” with guidance from experienced instructors, and will practice skills such as backcountry navigation, route planning, conflict resolution, and group facilitation. The program concludes with a day of debriefing, where we’ll reflect on our experiences, celebrate growth, and discuss next steps and future opportunities.

In addition, the four Zoom meetings will cover key professional and technical skills. Participants will practice using Google Workspace tools and create backpacking routes with digital navigation tools such as CalTopo and Gaia GPS. By the end of the program, you will have a completed 1-page resume, a USAJobs resume, or a CalCareers resume—preparing you to apply for positions in the private sector as well as state and federal agencies. Upon completion, you will receive a leadership training certificate from the CCC Foundation and become eligible for a professional reference.

You will be hiking with heavy packs in a variety of weather conditions and you may be exposed to the following adverse environmental conditions: rain, snow, extreme heat and cold, dry weather, lightning, high amounts of dust, camp and fire smoke, and high elevations.