Invite

Support BAWT with 10% back toward us when you use our invite to exclusive shopping at the Columbia Employee Store in October!

Everything Included

Course materials, outdoor equipment, food, and transportation are all included in course price.

Realistic and practical

Role-playing exercises offer a realistic backcountry leadership experience. 

For all skill levels

No previous experience necessary. Learn by doing in a safe, friendly, entry-level setting with your peers. 

Course consists of a pre-trip meeting, gear orientation,
and a one-day course in Tahoe National Forest. 

Things you will learn:

Snowshoe Skills

  • equipment use
  • clothing requirements
  • staying warm

Safety & Navigation

  • snow safety
  • map reading and navigation
  • risk management

Leadership

  • leadership styles
  • group dynamics
  • cultural relevancy through outdoor experiences

Benefits for completing training

Experiences in nature can be educational, healing, community building, empowering.

Gain access to gear library

Alumni may borrow backpacking gear, tents, boots, outdoor wear and more for cheap or free  from the gear libraries.

Get Minigrants

Alumni are eligible to apply for $250 mini grants to support their first trip.

Earn University Credit

Teachers may earn three graduate-level semester units.

Mission Registration

$60

Meets criteria:

More than 80% of the youth attending the school or served by the organization identify as youth of color

More than 40% of the youth attending the school or served by the organization qualify for free or reduced lunch programs

General Registration

$120

Does not meet criteria:

Less than 80% of the youth attending the school or served by the organization identify as youth of color

Less than 40% of the youth attending the school or served by the organization qualify for free or reduced lunch programs

Please check with your school administrator or nonprofit director to determine if your school or organization meet at least one of the criteria.
If you don’t know if your school meets these criteria you can run a report on the California Department of Education site here.
If you have questions about which registration type you qualify for please email info@bawt.org or call 510-452-2298 extension 301
Limited resources? Find out more about our Summit Scholarship.

Apply for Scholarship

2023 Courses:

Stay tuned for future course dates!

Facts & Questions

I've never been snowshoeing. Can I take the Snowshoe course?

Yes! We will give you the skills you need to take  your youth out snowshoeing.  From using our equipment to tips on how to manage youth while in the snow, we have you covered!

Do I need to be fit? What kind of people take this course?

A wide array of folks take this course.  Whether you are sedentary, active, or very active, we will accomodate to the needs of the group.

Do I need to bring anything?

We will send you a packing list and what you don’t have, we can likely provide because that’s what we do!


What if I can't afford it?

We offer a two tiered pricing for all of our courses and if that is still out of budget, we have a few scholarships for each course.  Go ahead and apply!



What about first aid training?

Get your  Wilderness First Aid training . Before you can lead backpacking trips you will also need to complete and keep current your Wilderness First Aid certification. You can take the course with us or with many other companies. Foster Calm, Ready SF, NOLS, Wilderness Medical Associates, and many more.


What if I want to lead a camping trip?

If you want to take youth camping or backpacking, please sign up for our Frontcountry Leadership Course  or Wilderness Leadership Course .


What if I don't work for a school or organization?

Our courses are designed and reserved for youth workers.  If you work with a group of youth at any capacity, feel free to register for our courses!  If you would like to get involved in another way, check out our volunteer  Gear Corps  which happens every second Wednesday of the month!


Other Courses

Hiking Leadership Training

1-day course for novice and experienced hikers provides leadership and facilitation skills for planning, organizing and leading fun and safe hikes with youth.

Learn More
Wilderness First Aid

WFA is a highly experiential 2-day class for everyone who wants to learn how to handle medical situations in the backcountry. You’ll gain the confidence and the skills to handle a first aid emergency.

Learn More
Frontcountry
Leadership Training

Our FLT is an entry-level “car camping” course that covers all the basic skills and resources needed to take youth safely and successfully on overnight trips.

Learn More

10,870

Youth Served in 2019

361

Youth trips in 2018

240

Leaders trained in 2018

18

Training courses in 2018