LEAVE NO TRACE TRAINING STRUCTURE  

 

The following structure has been developed to provide trainers with best practice guidelines to ensure consistent delivery of Leave No Trace training programmes. Leave No Trace Ireland training includes an online Introduction to Leave No Trace, Certified Awareness Courses, Trainer Courses and Advanced Trainer Courses.  

An Online Introduction to Leave No Trace 

This online course introduces participants to the vision and work of Leave No Trace Ireland, including: 

  • how Leave No Trace skills and ethics can help protect our environment and outdoor spaces and promote responsible, sustainable outdoor pursuits and recreation. 
  • the role of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in achieving these goals.  
  • the impact that sporting, recreational and leisure activities can have on our natural environment.  

 

Certified Awareness Course  

Our Certified Awareness Course comprises six hours of training and can be easily adapted for specific audiences, environments, or recreational needs. The one-day course is ideally suited to outdoor educators, teachers, college students, outdoor pursuit and recreation professionals, hiking club members, Tidy Towns Committees, community groups or anyone with an interest in learning more about Leave No Trace vision and skills.  

At the heart of all courses are the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace which provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.  Participants on this course receive introductory training on  

  • how Leave No Trace skills and ethics can help protect our environment and outdoor spaces and promote responsible, sustainable outdoor pursuits and recreation. 
  • the role of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in achieving these goals.  
  • the impact that sporting, recreational and leisure activities can have on our natural environment.  
  • how Leave No Trace skills and practices can help to mitigate and minimise those impacts. 

  

Trainer Course 

The Leave No Trace Trainer course is a comprehensive two-day program designed to build upon the foundational skills acquired in the Awareness Course. Additionally, it equips participants with the proficiency to deliver future Awareness Courses themselves. The primary objective of this course is to furnish participants with a strong foundation of the Leave No Trace principles, enabling them to confidently advocate for and educate the wider public on these practices. 

This course seamlessly blends classroom discussions, informative lectures, practical sessions, and outdoor activities. Its central focus lies in the effective delivery of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the cultivation of outdoor ethics. 

Before commencing the course, each participant is tasked with preparing a learning activity on one of the seven principles, which they will later deliver to their peers. The delivery of each principle will take place outdoors and will last around 15 minutes. These sessions may incorporate elements of short talks, debates, discussions, skill-building sessions, games, role plays, or interactive learning activities, ensuring that each session is active and engaging rather than a one-sided presentation. 

Following each presentation, participants engage in group discussions and offer critiques. This collaborative approach allows for a robust exchange of ideas and insights, enhancing the learning experience. By presenting one principle and actively participating in the delivery of other principles by fellow attendees, each individual hones their skills and gains the confidence needed to successfully conduct an Awareness Course. Furthermore, the course includes an overnight camping component, allowing participants to refine their outdoor competencies and put into practice the principles they are learning.  

With a maximum class size of 15 participants, this course fosters an environment of rich engagement, where every participant contributes their unique insights and experiences. Participants hail from diverse backgrounds, all sharing a deep passion for Leave No Trace, and each brings varying levels of expertise to the table. Consequently, this course provides an invaluable opportunity for mutual learning and growth among its participants. 

Example: Leave No Trace Ireland Trainer Course Programme

Day 1 
  • 09:30-09.45:     Welcome and Introductions  
  • 09.45 -10:00:     Introduction to and review of course agenda and objectives 
  • 10:00 -10:15:     Overview of Leave No Trace Programme, seven principles, available materials and resources, discuss participant assignments, etc.
  • 10:15 -10:30:     Role and Function of Leave No Trace Ireland and Trainers
  • 10:30-10:45:     Teaching Techniques i.e., learning preferences, teaching strategies, tailoring your material; communication styles
  • 10:45-11:00:     Break
  • 11:00-12:30:     Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare
  • 12:30-13:00:     Lunch: Picnic style
  • 13:00-14:30:     Principle 2: Dispose of waste properly
  • 14:30-16:00:     Principle 3: Travel & camp responsibly (including setting up camp)
  • 16:00-16:15:     Coffee break
  • 16:15-18:45:     Principle 4: Protect Nature from Fire (including dinner outdoors)
  • Evening Review of the day’s work, discussions and debate 
Day 2 
  • 08:00-09:30:     Breakfast and strike camp
  • 09:30–11:00:     Principle 5: Respect farm animals and wildlife
                                ‘Authority of the resource’
  • 11.00-11.30:     Coffee break
  • 11.30-13:00:     Principle 6: Leave what you find
  • 13:00-14:00:     Lunch break – Cooking outdoors
  • 14:00-15:30:     Principle 7: Be considerate of others 
  • 15:30-17:00:     Review and feedback; action plans, certificates & badges
  • 17:00:                  Ensure the centre is clean, homeward bound 

 

Advanced Trainer Course 

The five-day Advanced Trainer Course is the highest level of training provided by Leave No Trace Ireland. This course provides participants with a comprehensive training on Leave No Trace skills and principles, taught through practical application during a largely field-based course. Participants learn minimum impact techniques through multiple methods including discussions, scenarios, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.  

On completion of this course, attendees are fully equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to be effective trainers and leaders in the Leave No Trace ethos. The course explores various teaching styles, effective communication techniques and individual and class lesson presentation skills. Successful graduates of the Advanced Trainer Course are qualified to offer both Leave No Trace Trainer Courses and Awareness Courses. Furthermore, Leave No Trace Advanced Trainers work with the organisation to consult and advise on special projects. 

Training

Leave No Trace offers training opportunities across Ireland

CERTIFIED AWARENESS WORKSHOP

Our Certified Awareness Course comprises six hours of training and can be easily adapted for specific audiences, environments, or recreational needs

TRAINER COURSE

Building on the introductory skills developed in the Certified Awareness Course the two-day Leave No Trace Trainer Course is a vital component of the national Leave No Trace Ireland programme.

ADVANCED TRAINER COURSE

The five-day Advanced Trainer Course is the highest level of training provided by Leave No Trace Ireland.