Backcountry Training Institute
Outdoor Professional Training and Certifications
Our mission is to train and certify outdoor guides and leaders seeking to improve their skills and knowledge, so that they may run safer, more professional programs.
History
Camp Carolina has a long history of Outdoor Professional Training. The American Red Cross held the National Aquatic School at Camp Carolina beginning in 1932. In 1994 Wilderness Medical Associates taught the first of many Wilderness First Responder courses at Camp Carolina. Backcountry Institute was established in 2000. Now we run a big range of courses for our staff and other camps staff. We aim to provide high quality courses to develop well trained outdoor professionals.
Location
We do our trainings at Camp Carolina in a rustic outdoor setting, outside the comfort zones that most educational institutions provide. The food is sumptuous but the classrooms and accommodations are rustic, with many classes held in the field, on the rivers, on the lake, or along the trails. This is outdoor experiential education at its finest! We believe in hands on scenario based training. Putting the wings you learn into practice is the best way to have them stick.
2026 Course Registration is now open!
Available Courses
Sierra Rescue International - Wilderness First Responder Recertification
Dates: May 1st-3rd
Cost: $375
Rescue 3 - River Rescue Certificate for Professionals
Dates: May 18-20
Cost: $415
NRA Range Safety officer - Camp Riflery Instructor
Dates: May 25-26
Cost: $300
National Archery Association - Level 1 Instructor
Date: May 28
Cost: $175
Rock Climbing Instructor Training
Dates: May 13-15
Cost: $400
Mountain Bike Trip Leader Training
Dates: May 24-26
Cost: $450
Sea Kayaking Trip Leader Training
Dates: May 24-26
Cost: $400
Caving Trip Leader Training
Dates: May 21-23
Cost: $400
Wilderness Adventure Leadership Training
Dates: May 13-16
Cost: $450
BI Basic Kayak Instructor
Date: May 29
Cost: $180
Tennis Instructor Course
Date: May 29
Cost: $125
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