Weekend Basics of Camping Course
This two-day, hands-on course is built for beginners and anyone looking to strengthen their foundational outdoor skills. Rooted in practical, real-world experience, this class focuses on competence, safety, and confidence in the outdoors—without overcomplicating the process.
You’ll spend the weekend learning by doing, building the skills that make camping comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable in real conditions.
What You’ll Learn
Fire Building Fundamentals
Learn how to safely and effectively build fires in various conditions. We’ll cover fire lays, selecting and processing firewood, finding and preparing natural tinder, and maintaining a sustainable cooking or warming fire.
Essential Knots & Campcraft
Master practical knots you’ll actually use, including the taut-line hitch, bowline, trucker’s hitch, and sheet bend. You’ll apply them to tarp setups, gear organization, and shelter building.
Campsite Selection
Understand how to choose a safe, comfortable, and environmentally responsible campsite. We’ll cover terrain evaluation, weather considerations, drainage, wind patterns, and site impact.
Camp Cooking Basics
Learn simple, efficient backcountry cooking methods using basic equipment. We’ll focus on meal planning, fire-based cooking techniques, stove use, and food safety in the field.
Leave No Trace Principles
Develop habits that protect the places we enjoy. We’ll break down the core principles of Leave No Trace and discuss how to minimize your footprint in a variety of camping environments.
Waste Disposal & Sanitation
Proper human waste disposal, gray water management, and trash control are critical skills. You’ll learn practical techniques for maintaining hygiene and protecting water sources while camping.
Who This Course Is For
First-time campers
Families wanting solid fundamentals
Outdoors enthusiasts who want to refine core skills
Anyone looking to build confidence before larger adventures
By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the systems that make camping work—how to stay comfortable, organized, and responsible outdoors.
At Orrock Outdoors, we don’t chase extremes. We build skill, confidence, and capability—one solid weekend at a time.