PRKM 252 - Winter Camping

Credit Hours: 1
Lecture Hours: 0
Laboratory (or Other) Hours: 2

Prerequisite(s): PEDH 128 or PEDH 129
Corequisite(s): None
Restriction(s): Restricted to Adventure Recreation - AAS, Park and Outdoor Recreation - AAS, and Physical Education Studies - AS majors only.

This course is an introduction to four-season camping and backpacking. The course will expand upon the three-season backpacking course with discussion and practice of winter camping and hiking equipment, leave-no-trace ethics, winter travel skills and techniques, safety and first aid, meal planning and cooking, and route finding skills and leadership. Students will participate in a three-day winter backpacking trip in the Catskills.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

The student will properly select and utilize appropriate equipment (including skis, snowshoes, and traction devices), and supplies (including menu planning) required for a winter backpacking trip
The student will be able to hike in mountainous terrain for sustained periods with up to 30-40% of his/her body weight in a pack. The student will be able to develop an appropriate fitness program for backpacking
The student will be able to describe and follow leave no trace principles
The student will be able to demonstrate proper navigational skills while utilizing a map and compass
The student will follow proper land use policies in the New York State forest preserve and other regions
The student will follow individual and group health and safety guidelines on a backpacking trip and have the skills to facilitate a safe backpacking trip