Planning | Navigation | Field Operations | Risk Management

Field Course

Starts: December 21, 2026

Fundamentals of Desert Guiding

Apply for December 2026

70 Academic Hours: One week of online instruction and one week of field training in the Judean Desert.

Dates: December 21, 2026 – January 2, 2027

Professional Knowledge: Principles of route planning and movement in desert terrain.

Academic Foundation: Combining research-informed academic and practical knowledge in exercise science and human performance.

Limited Enrollment

About the Course

This intensive two-week field course, the first of its kind in Israel, introduces participants to the core principles of guiding trips and routes in the desert. Combining concepts from exercise physiology, navigation, and risk management, the program integrates one week of online learning with a concentrated field week in the Judean Desert, allowing participants to acquire theoretical knowledge and apply it through practical exercises in route planning and group guiding.

Course Objectives

Understanding movement in desert terrain, with a focus on the Israeli desert
Principles of planning routes in desert environments
Fundamental knowledge of exercise physiology in desert conditions
Tools for risk management in the field
Introduction to group leadership and group dynamics during movement
Understanding the relationship between nature, well-being, and mental resilience

Structure & Curriculum

70 Academic Hours

Week 1 – Online Instruction | 30 Hours

Week 2 – Field Training Workshop | 40 Hours

Planning & Navigation: Introduction to the landscapes and route types of the Israeli desert, route planning based on season, group characteristics, and terrain conditions, map reading, and the use of digital navigation tools.

Physiology & Movement: Exercise in desert environments, water management, nutrition and energy needs on the trail, efficient movement, and pace management throughout a full day of hiking.

Safety & Risk Management: Identifying common hazards in the field, decision-making in changing conditions, and the fundamentals of outdoor safety.

Logistics & Planning: Personal equipment and route gear, preparation for a day of desert travel, time planning, and resource management.

The practical component of the course takes place in the Judean Desert, providing participants with the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the program in a real-world setting. During the field week, participants gain hands-on experience in basic navigation, route planning, pace management, and movement across a variety of desert terrain.

Alongside daily field exercises, participants learn the fundamentals of desert route planning, including water management, daylight considerations, basic logistics, equipment selection, and safe movement practices in desert conditions. The course also covers terrain reading, route selection, decision-making in changing conditions, estimating distance and travel times, and managing effort throughout a full day of movement in the field.

The program places a strong emphasis on developing confidence and independence in desert travel, understanding the challenges of the desert environment, and building the ability to plan and complete routes safely, efficiently, and responsibly.

December 2026 Course Schedule

Program Start Date: December 21, 2026

Program End Date: January 2, 2027

The course is delivered in an intensive two-week format, with no activities on Fridays or Saturdays.

The first week consists of online instruction delivered via Zoom, with daily sessions held from 16:00 to 21:00.

The second week is dedicated to practical field training in the Judean Desert. During this week, participants will be based at a desert camp and take part in a combination of hiking days and practical exercises designed to apply the principles of movement, navigation, and route planning introduced during the online component of the course.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for experienced hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, trail runners, educators, aspiring guides, and anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of Israel's desert landscapes while acquiring practical skills for planning and undertaking desert routes.

The program is suitable for participants with a basic level of hiking fitness and an interest in outdoor activities. No prior experience in navigation or guiding is required. Through a combination of online instruction and field-based training, participants gain practical knowledge in desert travel, navigation, logistics, and safe movement in remote terrain, while developing a deeper familiarity with the landscapes and challenges of the Israeli desert.

International Academic Background

Field-based courses focusing on outdoor movement, navigation, and risk management are offered at universities around the world as part of disciplines such as Outdoor Education, Environmental Studies, and Public Health. These programs combine academic instruction with practical field experience, providing students with a hands-on understanding of physical activity in natural environments, route planning, and risk management.

The course presented here is inspired by similar international models and adapted to the unique challenges and opportunities of the Israeli desert.

Examples of related fields taught at universities worldwide include Outdoor Leadership, Wilderness Education, and Outdoor Recreation Field Courses.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Fundamentals of Desert Guiding issued by Midbar Academy.