Overview — Course No. 9702

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a cautious indoors dweller, this course equips you with practical skills and knowledge for safe and enjoyable adventures in nature. Taught by expert wilderness guide Professor Elizabeth K. Andre, you’ll discover what gear to pack, fire building techniques, navigation basics, wilderness first aid, how to pick campsites, and how to make smart decisions in the wild. Packed with adventure stories and field-tested advice, these 24 lectures are your complete guide for transforming the “rough” of the outdoors into a “smooth” and memorable experience.

Video Lessons

01: The Call of the Wild

Rethink “roughing it”—discover the many reasons to venture outside and how to approach the outdoors with ease and enjoyment.

Duration: 31 min

02: Backpacking and Trip Planning

Plan ahead for backpacking, from staying hydrated and nourished to protecting your feet; learn tips for group travel.

Duration: 29 min

03: Canoe or Sea-Kayak Camping

Explore the serenity and safety essentials of paddling on lakes, rivers, or the sea, including managing waves and weather.

Duration: 30 min

04: Campcraft: Selecting and Organizing Gear

Select essential gear, balance weight vs. convenience, and start building your personalized system for a great trip.

Duration: 28 min

05: Clothing and Footwear for Outdoor Adventure

Master layers, fabrics, and choosing clothing and footwear to maintain comfort and protection in any environment.

Duration: 25 min

06: Basics for Wilderness Safety

Identify and prepare for natural risks, from bears and mountain lions to snakes and stinging insects.

Duration: 26 min

07: Weather Forecasting and Moon Phases

Interpret clouds and weather patterns, and learn to forecast storms; survive lightning, floods, and more.

Duration: 26 min

08: Introduction to Navigation

Build mental maps using your senses, and measure time and distance on the trail without relying on GPS.

Duration: 26 min

09: Navigating with Topographic Maps

Read topo maps, use a compass, and practice skills for worry-free travel in wild places.

Duration: 29 min

10: Assessing and Managing Risk in the Outdoors

Assess hazards, understand cognitive biases, and make safer decisions in the field.

Duration: 26 min

11: How Emotions Affect Your Decision Making

Recognize the emotional factors that influence your choices and learn to make better decisions outdoors.

Duration: 27 min

12: Selecting a Campsite and Pitching Shelter

Identify ideal campsites, pitch tarps/tents, and learn essential knots for shelter security.

Duration: 34 min

13: Outdoor Kitchen Setup and Safety

Set up a safe and efficient outdoor kitchen, manage cooking gear, and keep your meals safe and delicious.

Duration: 25 min

14: Building a Campfire

Master fire building, from gathering tinder to creating coals, and enjoy safe and enjoyable campfires.

Duration: 26 min

15: Safe Drinking Water in the Wilderness

Treat water for safe drinking—boiling, filtering, and chemical options explained.

Duration: 27 min

16: Outdoor Menu Planning and Cooking

Plan calorie-smart, weight-efficient, and tasty meals for outdoor adventures.

Duration: 28 min

17: Minimizing Your Impact on the Wilderness

Become a responsible adventurer with principles for leave-no-trace wilderness ethics.

Duration: 27 min

18: Hygiene on a Camping Trip

Keep clean and healthy, prevent illness, and use the right gear for campsite hygiene.

Duration: 26 min

19: Wilderness First Aid: Handling Emergencies

Learn first aid for circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems—crucial skills for self-reliance in the backcountry.

Duration: 32 min

20: Wilderness First Aid: Nonemergency Care

Care for wounds, burns, sprains, and make smart decisions about evacuation or medical help.

Duration: 29 min

21: Navigating with a Compass

Navigate off-trail or over water using a compass and build confidence with real-world practice.

Duration: 27 min

22: What to Do When You’re Lost

Best practices for staying safe if you get lost outdoors—including signaling, shelter, and decision-making.

Duration: 28 min

23: Maintaining and Repairing Your Gear

Ensure your equipment lasts and performs well through proven care and maintenance strategies.

Duration: 26 min

24: Connecting to the Wild within You

Find personal meaning and exhilaration in outdoor adventures—and prepare for your next memorable journey.

Duration: 31 min