REI Outdoor School > Virginia and Maryland > Essential Camping Skills (Outing)

Virginia and Maryland REI Outdoor School

Essential Camping Skills (Outing)

Camping is the foundation of most of our outdoor activities. No matter what sport you pursue, it all comes back to a pack, stove, tent and warm sleeping bag. Join the REI Outdoor School instructors as we teach you how to make a comfortable home for yourself in the wild. We will leave the trailhead for a day hike with all our gear until we find that little patch of ground we can call home. Then, we will set up a model campsite using proper Leave-No-Trace skills. Our instructors will show you where to position your kitchen area, your “bathroom facilities", and your tent site for maximum safety and comfort. Food storage and wildlife safety will also be covered. Our goal is to teach practical camping skills for use in every situation from car camping to long-distance backpacking.

Trip operates rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. Trip leaders will make any weather-related decisions on the day of the trip.

Advance registration is required. Call or visit any DC area REI to sign up.

Time:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: Member: $35, Non-Member: $55

Where To Meet:

Meet at the location or REI store listed below. If the program meets at a location other than a REI store, a member of the Outdoor School staff will contact you to coordinate directions.

May 11th Timonium REI
May 17th Baileys Crossroads REI
July 12th Baileys Crossroads REI
August 16th College Park REI
August 17th Fairfax REI
September 7th Timonium REI

WHAT TO BRING:

Your backpack and equipment (in the pack of course) that you anticipate using for an overnight outing.
Quick-dry shirt and hiking pants. If the forecast is for cool temperatures, bring along a fleece jacket or windproof shell too.
Water-resistant or waterproof jacket/anorak in case of rain.
Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots, with moisture-wicking socks.
A water bottle, such as a bicycle style or Nalgene, filled with drinking water, juice, etc.
Sun protection (sunscreen and wide brim hats w/ retainers) and sunglasses with retainers.
Bag lunch and snacks.

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROVIDES:

A selection of stoves and tents will be available for participants to set up.
Transportation between REI and trailhead, except when outing meets at venue.
All park entry fees for riders in the REI Outdoor School van.
Group medical supplies and area maps.

REI Outdoor School Cancellation Policy

To be courteous to all customers, we request you notify REI Outdoor School at least 48 hours prior to the trip if you intend to cancel; late cancellations will not be refunded. Class or Outing cancellations on the part of REI Outdoor School will be refunded in full, regardless of timeframe. Inclement weather does not necessarily cancel an event; REI Outdoor School will contact you in the event of a cancellation.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

REI Outdoor School strives to provide the best outdoor education programs possible. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures that our classes and outings at REI Outdoor School meet your high standards - or we will gladly offer your choice of a refund or a chance to re-take the class/outing.

Waitlists

In order to keep our instruction personable, space on our classes and outings is limited. If you are interested in an activity that has filled, we would be happy to place you on a waitlist for that event. If space opens, we will contact the list in the order you signed up, but we are unable to hold that spot if we're unable to speak with you directly. Providing us with your best contact information increases your chances of joining us.

Availability

Classes and outings are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Should a program be cancelled or a rescheduled, all registered participants will be notified.