Hey there! So, guess what? I took the plunge and became a certified Leave No Trace (LNT) trainer back in June this year, and let me tell you—it was a wild ride. What started as a simple love for the mountains and a desire to keep them pristine turned into a journey of self-discovery and resilience. This adventure took me to the breathtaking trails of Benguet, where the challenges were as intense as the views were awe-inspiring. If you’re curious about what it’s like to mix a little adventure with a lot of learning, stick around—I’m spilling all the details.
So, here’s how it all started. One day, I stumbled upon an ad that basically called out to my soul: “If you are passionate about the outdoors and love teaching, then this is for you.” And just like that, I was hooked. I mean, I’ve always been that person who loves hiking and sharing what I know about nature, so becoming an LNT trainer seemed like the natural next step.
Of course, I had my doubts. Was I ready? Could I really commit the time? Would I actually make a difference? But then, I thought about why I love the outdoors—the untouched trails, the peace that comes from being surrounded by nature, and the joy of sharing these wonders with others. Teaching people how to respect and protect these spaces just felt right, so I pushed those doubts aside and jumped in headfirst.
The Preparation: Physical and Mental Conditioning
Physical Preparation
Now, let’s talk about getting ready for Benguet’s rugged terrain. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy. I knew I had to up my game, so here’s what I did:
- Endurance Training: I started running every day, gradually increasing my distance to build the stamina I’d need for those long hikes.
- Strength Training: Twice a week, I focused on strengthening my legs and core. Squats, lunges, and planks became my best friends—or maybe frenemies.
- Hiking Practice: Weekends were all about hitting the trails. I picked different ones with varying difficulties to simulate what I’d face in Benguet.
Mental Preparation
But here’s the thing—being physically fit is just half the battle. The other half? It’s all mental. I knew I had to get my head in the game:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Daily meditation helped me stay calm and focused, reminding me to enjoy the journey and not just race to the destination.
- Leave No Trace Principles: I immersed myself in the seven LNT principles, making sure I understood them inside and out. After all, I’d soon be teaching them!
The Journey to Benguet
Arrival and Acclimatization
When I arrived in Benguet, the cool mountain air hit me like a breath of fresh life—quite literally. It was such a refreshing break from the city’s chaos. The towering peaks were stunning but also kind of intimidating if I’m being honest. And get this—the specific mountain venue was kept a secret for safety and crowd management reasons, which added a whole new layer of mystery and excitement. Our adventure started with a thorough briefing that covered everything from safety protocols to what we could expect on the trail.
The Harsh Reality: The Ascent
I walked into this hike thinking, “Yeah, I’ve got this.” Within the first 30 minutes, the mountain was like, “Nope, think again.” The trail’s unforgiving incline hit me harder than I ever imagined. Every step felt like I was lifting an elephant; my legs shook, my back ached, and I was gasping for air like I’d just run a marathon. It was brutal—my pack seemed to get heavier with every step, and I honestly thought about quitting more than once.
Benguet’s terrain wasn’t just tough; it was relentless. My confidence took a serious hit, and I realized that all the prep in the world couldn’t fully prepare me for this. The mountain demanded respect, and I had to dig deeper than I ever had before to keep going.
The Training
The training itself was nothing short of immersive. We weren’t just sitting around talking theory—we were out there, living it. Every single thing we did, from setting up low-impact campsites to disposing of waste properly, was scrutinized and perfected. The trainers pushed us to think critically about our environmental impact and how we could minimize it. It wasn’t just about following rules—it was about truly understanding why they mattered.
The Certification
Finally, the moment of truth: the certification test. It was like the final boss battle in a video game. We were taking a certification to be an Outdoor Educator, and the ultimate test to have the license to teach the LNT principles, was to demonstrate our knowledge by facilitating a training course. Each one of us were given a podium spotlight to present a topic and relate the principle in a real-life outdoor setting.
Reflection at the Summit
Reaching the summit was like that epic moment in a movie where the hero finally triumphs. As I stood there, looking out at the horizon, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey—both the physical one up the mountain and the emotional one that led me to become an LNT trainer. The certification wasn’t just a piece of paper; it was a commitment. A commitment to protect the places I love and to inspire others to do the same.
The Life Lesson
Here’s the biggest lesson I took away from this whole experience: no matter how much you prepare, life will always find a way to push you beyond your limits. That brutal ascent? It was a reminder that real growth happens outside your comfort zone. It’s in those moments when you’re struggling the most that you discover what you’re truly made of. The mountains don’t just reveal their beauty—they reveal your inner strength.
Becoming a certified LNT trainer in Benguet was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It taught me the importance of preparation, the power of resilience, and the profound impact education can have on conservation. As I made my way back down the mountain, I wasn’t just carrying a certificate—I was carrying a mission. A mission to inspire others to tread lightly and protect the wilderness we all cherish.
Photo Credits: Sir Eric Santos, MJ Bolos, Alex Galang Navoa
The mountains of Benguet will always hold a special place in my heart—not just for their beauty, but for the lessons they taught me. If you’re a passionate hiker, I encourage you to take this journey, not just for yourself, but for the sake of our planet and future generations of adventurers.
So, what do you say? Ready to take on the challenge? Let’s do this—for the love of the outdoors and the world we want to leave behind.
Happy hiking, and remember—leave only footprints, take only memories!
