FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

What does it mean when "enrollment is closed" for a course?

Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Courses can have a maximum of 12 participants. Once a course reaches this maximum number, it is closed to additional enrollment. If the course you are interested in is closed, you can request to be added to the course waiting list by emailing info@sawtoothoutdooreducation.org. If a spot becomes available you will be notified and will have the option to enroll. 

Is participation in all synchronous (Zoom) sessions required?

All course participants are expected to complete all synchronous and asynchronous course assignments, and must fully participate in all Zoom sessions. Additionally, each participant must teach a Leave No Trace lesson. 

Upon successful completion of a Leave No Trace Virtual Level 1 Instructor Course, each participant will become a certified Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor. Successful completion of the course requires participation in all course activities and teaching exercises. Those who complete the Virtual Level 1 Instructor Course are certified and equipped to: 

  • Offer Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Leave No Trace Workshops

  • Understand, demonstrate, and teach state-of-the-art minimum impact techniques for friends, family, or community groups

  • Lead a discussion on outdoor ethics and help others explore their own personal outdoor ethic

How much homework (asynchronous) homework is there?

There are homework assignments due each day of the course. In general, the homework required for course completion takes most course participants 6-8 hours to complete. Upon course registration, course participants have immediate access to the required homework assignments.

Who is eligible and how many people are in each course?

Course participants must be 18 years of age or older to participate, though some exceptions are possible. Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Courses are open to anyone who desires to:

1) Become a Certified Level 1 Instructor;

2) Learn about the, skills, ethics, and science of Leave No Trace;

3) Share the knowledge with others.

This course is particularly well-suited for outdoor instructors, guides, outdoor industry employees, teachers, Scout leaders, professors, land managers, youth leaders, or outdoor enthusiasts. Both US-based and international participants are eligible to participate in our courses. 

Sawtooth Outdoor Education does allow participants under the age of 18 on a case-by-case basis with parental/guardian consent. For more information, please contact info@sawtoothoutdooreducation.org

Note: If a student under the age of 18 enrolls in a course and has not explicitly been granted permission from Sawtooth Outdoor Education to attend, that student will be removed from the course. Funds paid are non-refundable, and course registrations are non-transferable.

The minimum number of participants is six (6) and the maximum number of participants allowed is twelve (12), which helps to ensure a quality educational experience for all participants.

What is the course cancellation policy?

Course Cancellation/Course Transfer:

  • 30 days before the course starts, cancel for a full refund or request a one-time registration transfer to another future course (based on course availability).

  • 15-29 days before the course starts, cancel for full credit to the student account. Funds in the student account can be applied towards a future course. Funds must be applied to a course within one year of the original course registration. If the participant fails to participate in the rescheduled course, all funds paid are forfeited. Students can also request a one-time registration transfer to another future course (based on course availability).

  • 14 days or less before the course starts, funds paid are non-refundable and course registrations are non-transferable.

Low Enrollment: If a course is canceled due to low enrollment, all funds paid will be refunded or can be applied towards a future course. 

Illness: If a student initiates a course and then cannot complete it due to illness or emergency, they may be able to schedule an opportunity to complete the remainder of their course at another time, within an approved timeline (varies by course, course availability,  and circumstances). There are no refunds.

If a student cannot start a course due to illness, Sawtooth Outdoor Education may extend a one-time penalty-free transfer to a future course (based on course availability). There are no refunds.

Self-withdrawal: Any participant choosing to withdraw from the course before course completion accepts that no refunds will be offered.

When do I need to register for a course?

Courses fill up very quickly and often times have a wait list, the sooner you register the better your chances are to attend the course you want. We recommend registering at least 30 days before the course starts.

How long is my training good for?

Successful completion of a Virtual Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course results in certification which is awarded by the Leave No Trace organization. There is a required recertification process which must be completed once every two years after completing your original Level 1 Instructor Course. We strongly recommend that you become a member of Leave No Trace so you can stay informed about updates, changes, and new Leave No Trace recommendations. 

How can I sponsor/host/schedule a Sawtooth Outdoor Education course?

Contact Ben Lawhon, Executive Director, Ben@sawtoothoutdooreducation.org for course scheduling needs. 

How can I contact Sawtooth Outdoor Education?

Email: Info@sawtoothoutdooreducation.org

Phone: 303.819.2393

Mailing address: 
P.O. Box 496
Lyons, CO 80540