Health insurance is required to participate in the program.

The Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course (formerly known as a Trainer Course) will be held at ADK’s Education Yurt Village. This two-day, yurt-based course assists participants in learning more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace and techniques for disseminating these low-impact skills. These courses are designed for educators, guides, agency employees, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Successful graduates of the Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course gain skills to teach Leave No Trace techniques and ethics to their clients, friends, and family.

Participants learn the framework of Leave No Trace and prepare to teach Leave No Trace curriculum in a variety of settings - such as schools, camps, parks, wilderness and front country areas. Workshop topics include Wildland Ethics, the Authority of the Resource technique, and the seven principles of Leave No Trace. The course will be led by two of ADK’s Education Department staff, who are Leave No Trace Level 3 Instructors, NYS Licensed Guides, and professional outdoor educators.

While the instructors will lead discussions and provide the research behind every topic, every participant will teach a 15-minute lesson on one of the assigned Leave No Trace principles. Students will be contacted 2-weeks in advance with their assigned topic. We will cover each topic as we hike approximately 3 miles to a backcountry destination. Come prepared to hike in unpredictable conditions. Day 1 will conclude at the Yurt Village. On Day 2, after we complete all lessons on the agenda, we will debrief and wrap-up the course by 4pm.