Backcountry Navigation and Orienteering

Is the red in the shed? What does that mean? Did I just find True North, or Magnetic North? What’s the declination again? Is this thing on?

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Is the backcountry calling your name, but your navigation skills are holding you back? Look no further, in this introduction to backcountry navigation and orienteering, we will learn the basics of map reading and route planning, as well as how to use a compass, take a bearing, and find your way should you step off the trail and get lost.  Join us in a guided environment, for a program that includes a blend of online and field learning sessions. The bulk of this course will be spent outdoors in beautiful Thacker Mountain Regional Park.  Led by Anders Hopperstead and supported by Moon Pruvost, your trip leaders will show you the ropes so you can enjoy the outdoors while being fully prepared for your next adventure!

ITINERARY

Thursday,  April 4, 2024

7-8 pm online ZOOM session In this 1-hour zoom session, trip leaders will introduce themselves and lay out the itinerary for the field day. We will learn to plan a route and add it to the GPS app of your choice. All skills that are curated to demonstrate the typical trip preparation all seasoned hikers should apply before heading into the backcountry.

If you're unable to attend the Zoom, a recording of the meeting can be sent to you to watch before the in-person course on April 13. 

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Saturday, April 13, 2024

• 09:00am – Gather in Hope at the Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope) check-in, sign waivers,

Participants must arrange their own transportation.

• 09:30am – Convoy to Thacker Mountain Trail see MAP
• 09:40am – Arrive at Trail Head
• 09:50am – 12:00pm – Course Content
• 12:00pm – 12:30pm – Lunch break
• 12:30pm – 2:30pm – Course Content
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm – Return to trailhead for post-field session
• 4:00pm – Course ends

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Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc.

 

PRICE INCLUDES 

• Pre-field 1-hour zoom session 
• Course and materials
• Post-field session
• First aid and guide support

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Thacker Mountain is a 5km loop with about 150 m elevation. Most of the day will be spent on the trail, participants should be in good health and adequate physical fitness.

WHAT TO BRING

Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials. At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing:

• A Compass
• Personal phone – with GPS app of choice
• Battery pack for cell phone or GPS
• Two poles per-person – optional, but greatly improves stability
• Lunch and high-energy snack food
• Water – at least 2 litre per-person
• Good footwear – hiking shoes or trail running shoes with good thread
• Appropriate clothing and rain gear
• Backpack to carry all your gear

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Anders Hopperstead 

Anders feels very fortunate to have parlayed his childhood passion for maps and exploration into a 27-year career as a digital cartographer and geographic information systems (GIS) specialist. He has hiked and mapped hundreds of miles of trails across North America. Anders has shared his love of topographic maps, compasses and GPS units through Hope Mountain Centre backcountry navigation courses since 2010.He lives with his wife, daughter (age 8) and son (age 5) in Mission B.C.

Moon Pruvost

Moon is Hope Mountain Centre’s Program Director. She is an experienced educator and backcountry mountain guide. Her passion for the natural world and grizzly bears led her to study Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Skills Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator and has experience as a bush craft/survival instructor. Moon loves to share her knowledge and love of the outdoors with people of all ages! When she is not guiding, you can usually find her exploring the outdoors with her puppy, Kenai.

Nate Brown

CANCELLATIONS

Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone.

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A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Liability Waiver

Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions.

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Informed Consent Form 

Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.