2022 beginner backpacking school wraps up

The Sierra Club Miami Group’s final Beginner Backpacking School event took place at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in October. The participants enjoyed near-perfect weather and beautiful fall vistas over the three-day weekend. Previous school events included an all-day training session at the Isaac Walton League lodge in Loveland, followed by a practice overnight camp at Shimp’s Hollow in Georgetown. Big South Fork was the “real deal” graduation trip, where participants carried full packs 14 miles with over 1,700 feet of elevation gain.
 
In the words of one of our students, “This was a fantastic experience. Friendships were formed and lessons learned. I hope we will all continue to love the outdoors and take care of this beautiful place we are fortunate to call home.”

Many thanks to Outings Leaders Amelia Mengon, Becky Van Damme, Holly Gage, Denise Tingle, Chris Curran, and 2020 graduate Kevin Ernst, for making this year’s school a huge success.