Madhu Chikkaraju
Local Outreach Program
This 21-day trip leader course is for Indians and those from neighboring countries.
The goal is to provide a wilderness-based, hands-on experience in the intricacies of leading others in the outdoors. The course is designed for outdoor professionals, aspiring outdoor leaders, educators and those with a keen interest in leadership. The course will use the Kumaon region of the Himalaya as the classroom with a focus on the NOLS core curriculum and teaching techniques.
In true NOLS tradition, this course will trek approximately 100 km over a period of 19 days. This is a self-contained expedition with very little external support. Instructors and participants carry their tents, rations, and fuel and cook their own meals. There is a porter/mule supported resupply of rations and fuel on two occasions. Students are divided into tent groups and each tent group cooks their own food.
Initially, classes will include basic camping (staying warm and dry), cooking, map reading, and hiking/travel techniques. As participants get comfortable with this, the topics that will be addressed include natural and human history of the area, Leave No Trace (minimum impact camping and traveling) techniques, judgment and decision-making, leadership and group dynamics, etc. There will be classes on wilderness first-aid and outdoor teaching techniques as well as group discussions on environmental issues that are pertinent to the area you travel in.
Participants should be prepared for hard travel days, as backpacks will weigh at least 18-20 kilos. On hiking days, the route may involve between 5-8 hours of hiking. Non-hiking days are busy with classes, learning the finer aspects of baking, and catching up on rest. Being physically fit will dramatically enhance this experience of a lifetime!
On completion, each participant gets a written evaluation and a NOLS diploma.