The High Adventure Training Team provides specialized training in the High Adventure Programs. The High Adventure Training Team of the Greater Yosemite Council is a group of Scouters with specialized training and experience in the High Adventure Program. The team has prepared a series of courses to develop back-country competency and proficiency among Scout Leaders and Older Scouts for leading treks and activities in the back country. The team supplies training and experiences that develop an awareness of backpacking and wilderness skills so that wilderness travel and sport can be conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The following courses are currently offered.

Basic Backpacking

The Basic Backpacking course objective is to develop back-country competency and proficiency among Scout Leaders and older Scouts for leading treks, both short and long term. The emphasis is on developing an awareness of backpacking and wilderness skills so that wilderness travel can be conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The training is designed for all registered Scouters (adult leaders) and senior Scouts (14 years and older). The clinic is divided into two experiences: an intensive two day indoor, classroom workshop covering a wide range of topics useful to the trek leader and an overnight practical exercise in the field. The objective is for the student to become aware of the broad range of challenges and responsibilities facing trek leaders in BSA and to feel comfortable in fulfilling a leadership role. Though primarily centered around backpacking, much of the material studied is of value to treks afloat, cross country skiing and cycling.

Leave No Trace training is woven into the Basic Backpacking course. The Leave No Trace training will be presented in the hope you will then take this information back to your units and teach your Scouts what you have learned. Leave No Trace is on the afternoon of the second day of the indoor session. Plus on the outdoor weekend there will be an outdoor session where you will present Leave No Trace principles to the whole group.

Included in the indoor session held at Greater Yosemite Council, Service Center, Modesto, CA are the following topics.

The second session is an outdoor weekend held in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At this session you will simulate the fourth day of a back country trek with your trek crew. Additionally you will be tested in the application of the skills learned in the indoor session.

The course is presented in the spring and in the fall.

Climb On Safely

Designed to train BSA leaders to safely manage climbing and rappelling programs and where to find qualified climbing instructors. Climb On Safely is the climbing and rappelling equivalent to the BSA's Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat guidelines for aquatic activities. The eight points of Climb On Safely detailed in this publication are designed to assure that BSA climbing activities are done safely. Adult leaders who complete training in Climb On Safely are entitled to wear the Climb On Safely temporary patch (No. 8631). No. 3206.

Climb on Safely is presented to adult leaders each week during summer camp at Camp John Mensinger. The HAT Team will also present this training at district roundtables and on request from your unit.

Desert Awareness

This course is conducted on one weekend in a high desert environment. Included in the course will be the following:

The course is conducted on Labor Day Weekend: September 4, 5, 6, 2005.

Contact the HAT team for location and departure time.

Winter Awareness

The indoor session seminar is first held at Greater Yosemite Council, Scout Service Center in Modesto, CA. The second is an outdoor session in Yosemite National Park. Included in the course will be the following: Basic Backpacking required.

Rock Climbing Instructor Seminar

Requirements: Limit 12 People

• Minimum age 18 years of age.
• Hold current First Aid and CPR Certifications
• Current BSA Personal Health Record.
• Proficiency in Climbing, Belaying and Rappelling

The indoor session is at 7:00 to 10:00 PM at the Council Office in Modesto CA and includes:
Review BSA philosophy of climbing/rappelling activities,
Responsibilities of BSA Climbing Instructors,
Participant health conditions, Site evaluation, Equipment, and Knots.

The outdoor session is conducted either at Camp John Mensinger or Eureka Valley.
Day 1 - Practical Training - Spotting, Anchoring, Belaying, Climbing, Rappelling and Emergency Rescue.
Day 2 - Instructor candidates will prepare and conduct a climbing/rappelling activity. Treating and evaluation.

Participate completing the course will receive BSA Climbing Instructor Certification which is good for two years.

Climbing and Rappelling Awareness Seminar

Venture Units or Troops that wish to experience a weekend or Climbing and Rappelling can make arrangements for a special weekend between May and October at either Camp John Mensinger or Eureka Valley. Basic Backpacking required.

The indoor session is conducted in advance at the unit includes:

The outdoor session is conducted either at Camp John Mensinger or Eureka Valley will include:

All necessary equipment and certified instructors would be supplied by the HAT Team.
This course would meet the requirements for Venture Mountaineering or Climbing Merit Badge.

Spring 2005 Courses:
May 11, 2005 Climbing Instructor Indoor Session Training
May 14-15, 2005 Climbing Instructor Outdoor Session Training

T.R.A.I.L. Boss

The T.R.A.I.L. Boss program is to teach the specialized skills for training and leading volunteers in meaningful conservation projects, environmental education and greater stewardship of cultural and natural resources. This course is conducted in one weekend near wilderness trail heads in the Sierras. The outdoor classroom session on Saturday is followed by skills practice on the trails and campsites in the Emigrant Wilderness. Included in the course will be the following:

Next course location and time have not been scheduled at this time.
For additional information contact the Greater Yosemite Council office at 209-545-6320.