Beginning Backpacking Workshop (Multi-Day workshop Apr 3, 5, 11-13; May 2-4)

DATES: April 3, 5*, 11-13; Backpacking Practical Trip, May 2-4 (This is a Friday-Sunday)
Workshop Fee**: $110 (Solar Outdoors members paying via cash/venmo/check); $120 (Solar Outdoors members paying via meetup) includes textbook, Workshop handbook (available online), camping fees for the workshop and the practical and Saturday dinner at our Brighton Recreation Area Workshop. Sign up on Meetup or at the January-March Solar Outdoors general meetings.

Sign up deadline is: March 18, 2025.

One of the most popular workshops offered by Solar Outdoors members, the Beginning Backpacking Workshop teaches trip planning, equipment, food, and other topics to get you ready for the backcountry.
If you a) have never backpacked and have always wanted to try it; b) are new to the club and want to make friends and meet people; or c) want a refresher or just need an excuse to backpack - this is the workshop for you!
Workshop #1 date: Thursday, April 3 – 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
LOCATION: St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 27475 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154
*Gear Pick Up -Participants(Must be Solar Members): Saturday April 5 – 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Clover Self Storage, 28900 Schoolcraft, Livonia, MI 48150
Workshop #2: Weekend workshop Friday, April 11 (7:00 PM) – Sunday, April 13 (1:00 PM)
LOCATION: Brighton Recreation Area/Migizi (Frontier) Cabin (A Michigan State Recreation Passport is needed to enter Brighton Recreation Area). This will be a camping weekend.
Practical: Friday, May 2 (11:00 AM) – Sunday, May 4
LOCATION: Pinckney State Recreation Area (to ensure participants are ready for this Practical, participant must attend the Workshops at St. John’s Presbyterian Church and Brighton Recreation Area). Hike approximately 15 miles over 3 days. (A Michigan State Recreation Passport is needed to enter Pinckney Recreation Area).

• Host: Krisanne Schmidt - Please text me directly with questions at
• 248-761-2297.

Club membership is required to participate in our activities and workshops posted on our Meetup site. Annual dues are $15 for individuals. Select this link to become a member https://square.link/u/YpuCsZIT

Solar Outdoors Members – The Club gear is available to borrow. An annual rental fee of $35 is due at time of gear distribution along with a deposit check (this check is returned uncashed when you return gear clean, dry, undamaged). Gear available to borrow: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, water filter; a complete list of gear available to borrow can be found on the Solar Outdoors website at: https://www.solaroutdoors.org/gear/). Items not available to borrow: clothing, hiking boots, rain gear, compass, food for the practical (exception is the Workshop dinner on Saturday at Brighton Recreation Area).