Participants have FREE access to the Virtual Level 1 Instructor Course Packet, which is all that's necessary for this course. If a physical course packet is desired, it can be purchased from Leave No Trace.  

For those participants who will be actively teaching others about Leave No Trace should consider purchasing a Leave No Trace Educator Toolkit. 

Having the necessary technology will ensure the best learning experience, and will allow you to fully participate in the course. 

• Laptop, desktop, pad, or tablet 

• Built-in or external (USB) camera (so you can be seen by others on Zoom) and microphone

• Smartphone or digital camera to create a short teaching video on your own and then upload it for fellow classmates to view

Course participants must be 18 years of age or older to participate though some exceptions are possible with parent/guardian consent. This course is open to anyone who desires to learn about Leave No Trace and share the knowledge with others. It 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 this course. 

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.

Each participant will receive the following: 

• Three 3-hour Zoom sessions facilitated by a Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor

• Participation in a safe and comfortable learning environment with others who are passionate about Leave No Trace 

• Successful completion of the course will result in a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Certification (recertification required every two years)

• Skills and tools necessary to offer effective and engaging Leave No Trace Workshops (any Leave No Trace training that is 1-day or shorter), Leave No Trace Skills Courses, or to simply teach others informally about Leave No Trace skills and ethics

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 equipped to: 

• 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

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

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.