Wilderness Skills Course (WSC)
Multi-day backcountry training in the Sierra Nevada
The Wilderness Skills Course teaches cadets to operate safely and confidently in the backcountry. Cadets train in land navigation, expedition planning, knot-tying, shelter construction, water sourcing, and Leave No Trace ethics.
Skills Taught
Map & Compass Navigation
Expedition Planning
Knots & Rope Work
Shelter Construction
Water Sourcing & Purification
Leave No Trace
Follow the call of the wild and sign up now for this unique experience.
Picture unzipping your tent on a crisp morning, taking in the fresh air and preparing for an immersive training day. Learn vital wilderness skills from knowledgeable instructors, including shelter-building, fire-starting, and water purification. You'll bond with fellow cadets while cooking meals on camp-stoves and camp-fires. This remote course, with limited enrollment for 8th-12th graders, includes hikes to locate resources and provides all necessary items.
Event Information
Wilderness Skills Media
In the event all spots are filled, the order of precedence
1) Order that complete applications are received
2) Current grade-level
3) Essay submittal
Write a 500+ word essay explaining your comprehension of the seven Leave No Trace principles, expressing your expectations from the course, and how outdoor experiences may impact you. Submit essays to survival@cacadets.org with the subject line "WSC Essay - Cadet Last Name, Cadet First Name".
4) Letter of recommendaton
Submit a brief letter of recommendation for a cadet's accomplishment or attitude to survival@cacadets.com with the subject line "WSC LOR - Cadet Last Name, Cadet First Name".