About Expedition and Program Planning
Planning makes the difference between a successful wilderness expedition and one that struggles to meet its goals. In this course, you’ll learn how to design expeditions and programs that are safe, efficient, and purposeful. You’ll cover everything from setting goals and objectives to preparing travel plans, managing equipment and resources, planning food and medical needs, and developing comprehensive safety and emergency protocols.
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This course is ideal for anyone looking to lead backcountry trips, multi-day expeditions, or structured outdoor programs. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on planning exercises, you’ll gain the skills to anticipate challenges, make informed decisions, and ensure your group experiences run smoothly.
Students begin by learning the fundamentals of expedition leadership, group communication, and backcountry logistics. From there, they progressively build skills in planning, risk management, and program design. Each module introduces new challenges, from route planning and resource management to emergency preparedness and sustainability considerations, while reinforcing core leadership and problem-solving skills. By the end of the course, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how to organize and lead safe, effective, and well-planned wilderness expeditions.
We meet students where they are. Each level builds on the last.
Course Format & Time Commitment
This course combines classroom instruction with hands-on planning exercises to develop practical expedition and program management skills. Students learn to design, organize, and evaluate wilderness trips, building competency in logistics, leadership, risk management, and sustainability through guided activities, reflection, and progressively complex planning scenarios.
Course length: Quarter​​
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What to Expect
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Learn the steps of the expedition and program planning process
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Develop SMART and ABCDM objectives that achieve expedition goals
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Prepare short trips and long expedition plans with detailed logistics
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Collaborate with peers to solve real-world planning challenges
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Integrate considerations for sustainability, safety, and participant management
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Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
These courses are hands-on and field-based. You won’t just talk about skills you’ll be able practice them in real time.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll build practical backcountry skills including:
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Setting clear expedition and program goals and objectives
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Conducting participant assessments to account for skills, experience, and motivation
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Planning travel, access, permits, and site logistics
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Creating budgets, sourcing equipment, and managing resources
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Designing menus, rationing systems, and packing plans
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Preparing emergency, medical, and evacuation plans
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Applying sustainability strategies to reduce environmental impact
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
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CA Residents = $46.50
Non-CA Residents = $460.50​
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Additional Course Fees:
None
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When you enroll in an expedition and program planning course, you’re getting more than instruction time.
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Materials You'll Receive:​​​
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WEOL Chapstick
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WEOL Mini Sunscreen
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Mini Hand Sanitizer
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Rite in the Rain Notebook & Mini Pencil
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LNT Student Packet
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WAG Bag​​​
Transportation & Logistics
When the course leaves campus for field activities, WEOL provides transportation to trailheads and activity sites whenever possible. Our vehicles safely shuttle students and gear, minimizing impact on parking areas and recreation sites.
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This allows you to focus on learning, practicing skills, and enjoying the outdoors while we handle logistics responsibly.
Nature
Lovers
Who it’s for
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Outdoor Educators
Mountain Climbers
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructor
Name & preferred pronouns: Brian Turk (he/him)
Favorite outdoor activities: Rock and ice climbing, backpacking, trail running, snowboarding, camping
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
Favorite outdoor meal: Peanut Noodles
Advisory​
WLD 103 or equivalent. A working knowledge of word processing (e.g., Word, etc.) and spreadsheets (e.g., Excel, etc.).
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. Do I need prior outdoor experience to take this course?
No previous expedition experience is required. This course is designed to teach planning and leadership skills from the ground up.
2. Will we create real trip plans?
Yes, students develop both short-trip and multi-day expedition plans, including logistics, safety protocols, and resource management.
3. What planning frameworks are used in this course?
You’ll use the PREPARE process along with SMART and ABCDM methods for setting clear, actionable goals and objectives.
4. Does this course cover safety and emergency planning?
Yes, you’ll learn to anticipate risks, create emergency procedures, and design evacuation and medical plans for wilderness expeditions.
5. Will sustainability and environmental stewardship be part of the course?
Yes, planning strategies include sustainability considerations and low-impact practices to protect natural resources.
Start Planning Your Next Adventure
Take the lead in designing safe, effective, and unforgettable wilderness expeditions. Enroll in Expedition and Program Planning today and gain the skills to turn your outdoor vision into reality.