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A family cooking marshmallows over a fire while camping by a lake and learning how to camp.
Photo credit: Brooks Rice

Camping Basics

Discipline: Camping Stream: Skills Development

Camping Basics is an introduction to campcraft skills course and perfect for those wanting to learn how to camp.

The intention of this 8-hour program is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and skills necessary to safely enjoy camping in a campground or slightly remote setting. A short overnight camping trip is optional.

Upon completion of this course, the student will have basic knowledge of gear and outdoor skills required to plan and execute their own safe camping trip with a group of peers having similar knowledge in a non-wilderness or frontcounty setting (e.g. National or Provincial park).

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Course Overview

Typical Course Length

A minimum of 8 hours of instruction and may include an overnight.

Course Topics

Kitchen and Cooking
  • Kitchen Set-up and Safety
  • Cooking in the Outdoors
  • Portable Stove Use
  • Campfires
  • Safe Knife Use
  • Safe Drinking Water
  • Menu Planning
  • Food Preparation and Storage
  • Hygiene
Campsite & Gear
  • Campsite Set-up
  • Tent and Tarp Set-up
  • Choosing Camping Gear and Clothing
  • Knots
Theory
  • Trip Planning
  • Impact of Camping on the Environment
  • Risk Awareness & Management
  • Introduction to Weather
  • Heat and Cold Issues
  • Camping Locations and Resources
  • Respect for Wildlife
  • First Aid Training Awareness
  • Camping Comfort
  • Sun Sense
Course Prerequisites
  • Certification
    • None
  • Camping Experience
    • None