Great Outdoors Trip Leader Virtual Workshop

Ready to sharpen your outdoor leadership skills or curious about becoming a trip leader for Great Outdoors? Join us for our Trip Leader Virtual Workshop on Zoom! This session is designed for everyone—from our seasoned leaders looking for a valuable refresher to those new to leadership roles. With now being the perfect time to start planning for 2026 outings, anyone who wants to build skills for leading safe, fun, and memorable group events will benefit. All are welcome, and we can't wait to see you there!

• Quick Check-in & Expectations
• • Briefly review poll results.
  • "What's one topic you're hoping to refresh on or get clarity on today?" (Enter your responses in chat).

II.  Trip Planning & Logistics Refresher (45 minutes)

Review of GO's Trip Planning Process.

Prepare for All Chapter Conference in October. Set up a Trip Planning meeting with your Chapter.

Comprehensive Trip Planning (40 minutes)

• 10 min: Defining Your Trip Profile & Location
• • Defining Trip Profile (target audience, activity level, trip type).
  • Campground Identification and Considerations (amenities, group size, local regulations).
  • Discussion Point: What's one key consideration for choosing a campground in Southern California?
• 10 min: Scouting for Success
• • Importance of Scouting (why it's crucial for safety and success).
  • Key elements of a Scouting Checklist.
  • Discussion Point: Share a quick tip or a lesson learned from a recent scouting trip.
• 10 min: Financial Fundamentals
• • Finances and Budget (overview of common Expenses).
  • Registration Fees (Ticket Type) - setting appropriate fees and what they cover.
  • Key Reminder: GO's financial policies, especially for trips over $1,000 or international trips (no direct collection of payments by GO or leaders).
• 10 min: Reservations & Logistics
• • Making Reservations (process, timing, securing group sites).
  • Discussion Point: Any recent changes or challenges with making group reservations?

III. Communicating & Promoting Your Trip (20 minutes)

• 10 min: Crafting Effective Trip Notes & Resources
• • Importance of clear, comprehensive Trip Notes (GO standards, what must be included).
  • Including essential References: Maps, Books, Websites.
  • Discussion Point: What's one piece of information you always ensure is in your trip notes?
• 10 min: Cancellations, Refunds & Promotion
• • Review GO's Cancellations & Refunds policy.
  • Brief overview of Event Posting on GO Website (WA) - registration setup.
  • Effective Promotion strategies for your trip.

IV. Leading Your Trip & On-Site Management (40 minutes)

• 10 min: Pre-Trip & Arrival Logistics
• • Essential Pre-trip emails to participants (final details, reminders).
  • Leader's Pre-trip preparation (gear, documents, final checks).
  • Arriving at camp and efficient Set up of the camp area.
• 15 min: Camp Management & Group Engagement
• • Effective Camp management (rules, logistics, assigning basic participant roles). Extra parking, group site gathering location
  • Meet and greet tips (fostering community, setting expectations).
  • Potluck tips (organization, managing dietary needs).
  • Identifying and organizing camp activities, hikes, road trips, museums.
  • Discussion Point: Your best tip for creating a positive camp atmosphere.
• 15 min: On-Site Risk Management & Safety
• • Brief review of common on-site risks and mitigation:
  • • Camp safety (fire safety, proper food storage, tent placement).
    • Environmental hazards (heat/cold exposure, sun protection, water sources).
    • Wildlife awareness at camp (bears, raccoons, snakes).
    • Basic first aid kit availability and knowing when to escalate.
  • Emphasis on the leader's role in continuous monitoring of group well-being and making real-time safety decisions.
  • Quick reminder of emergency contact procedures and communication strategies in remote areas.
  • Quick Scenario: A participant feels unwell at camp – what's your immediate action? (Brief, quick answers in chat or verbal).

V. Post-Trip & Wrap-up (10 minutes)

• 5 min: After Your Trip
• • Post-trip follow-up with participants (photo sharing, feedback requests).
  • Financial reconciliation and submitting trip reports.
• 5 min:  Conclusion: Open Q&A & Resources
• • Open Q&A (brief, final questions).
  • Highlight key GO resources for Trip Leaders (online manuals,, forms, emergency contacts, contacts).

• Contact : Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

• 
  

Queer Lens: A History of Photography

Since the mid-19th century, photography has served as a powerful tool for examining concepts of gender, sexuality, and self-expression. The immediacy and accessibility of the medium has played a transformative role in the gradual proliferation of homosocial, homoerotic, and homosexual imagery. Despite periods of severe homophobia, when many photographs depicting queer life were suppressed or destroyed, this exhibition brings together a variety of evidence to explore the medium’s profound role in shaping and affirming the vibrant tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Date: tbd
• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Visit Details
• • Location:  1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
  • Parking: $25 per car or motorcycle. 
  • • Carpooling is highly recommended. Click here to Add or Join a Carpool
    • See Parking and Transportation details here
  • Admission:  Free to the public. 7 digit group reservation number will be emailed to you prior to the event. 
  • Download the GettyGuide and bring your earphones 

$3 Bill: Evidence of Queer Lives

$3 Bill celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists in the last century. From pioneers who explored sexual and gender identity in the first half of the 20th century, through the liberation movements and the horrors of the HIV/AIDS epidemics, to today’s more inclusive and expansive understanding of gender, $3 Bill presents a journey of resilience, pride, and beauty.

Agenda: Given the size of the group, we will be splitting into two groups. The initial group will see the Queer Lens while the second group will see $3 Bill and visa-versa. 

Trip Leader:  John Butta, [email protected], 213-200-7843

How to create  and manage events on GO WildApricot website.

We will review how to set up and manage events, including registration categories, registration form options, emails, waitlist settings, tags, and registrant contact management. Get tips for setting up and managing. Bring your questions. 

Great Outdoors Event Manager Manual: Click Here

This is for all WildApricot Event Managers with administrative access and any members who plan to have access and would like to learn the process.

Zoom meeting access link will be in confirmation and reminder emails.

Contact: Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

California Great Outdoors - Board Meeting

And Optional Summer Pool Party / Dinner

Saturday, July 26, 2025, 10 AM -  Board Meeting

3 PM Pool Party / Dinner

10:AM Great Outdoors Board meeting. Location: The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262, Room 4. It will also be on Zoom.

When you register for the Corporate Board Meeting,  you will receive the Zoom link in the confirmation email. 

All GO Board Members and Chapter Representatives attending this meeting will need to register for this event. 

All GO members are welcome to attend.

July Board Meeting Agenda To be sent later.

April Board Meetings Minutes 

If you have any questions, please contact Peter Emond-Worline via email - [email protected].

3:00 PM  Everyone attending is invited to PS Summer Pool Party and Catered Dinner at a members residence. If you can stay for the pool party and dinner please RSVP and register for the event: Click Here

              

12:00 PM: Start gathering and setting up your picnic table, blanket and chairs:  

Bring some yummy picnic items to chow down on, drinks, your own reusable plates and utensils (we love mother nature so let's do our best to help her!), tables and don't forget your chair, towel and/or blanket. Maybe a canopy too for some shade.

Also if you have them, bring some games (frisbee, twister, football), music, rainbow flags and whatever else for fun activities.

Include the whole family - bring the kids too.  

The kids say, "Take me too!"

2:00 PM:  The esteemed John Blasco will lead a hike (stroll) from the picnic area down to the beach.  This walk includes spectacular views of the Long Beach shoreline including the Port of Long Beach and the fabulous Queen Mary.  The world famous rainbow Pride Lifeguard Tower will be visited along with options to dip in the water whether it be your toes or immersion of your body (bring a swimsuit!)

4:00 PM:  Official wrapup time but anyone is welcome to continue to chill: Bring your favorite board game or relax, chat, and enjoy the view. 

Location:  Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach 90802, 

FREE Street parking all around the park and in the adjoining neighborhood.  Be forewarned that parking spaces become more sparse as the afternoon progresses.

Carpool/ridesharing information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation. If you would like a ride, or could provide a ride, members can sign up on your own. Click the below link:

http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/vw0cn8

Metro information: 

Long Beach Metro: https://ridelbt.com/trip-planner/#close

Orange County Metro:  https://www.octa.net/getting-around/trip-planner/trip-planner/

LA Metro:  https://www.metro.net/riding/trip-planner/

Leaders:

 OCLB Leaders:  Doug and Lance

Email Doug at:  [email protected]

Email Lance at:  [email protected]

LA Leaders:  John B. and John B.

How to create events on GO WildApricot website.

We will review how to set up and manage events, including registration categories, registration form options, emails, waitlist settings, tags, and registrant contact management. Get tips for setting up and managing. Bring your questions. 

Great Outdoors Event Manager Manual: Click Here

This is for all WildApricot Event Managers with administrative access and any members who plan to have access and would like to learn the process.

Zoom meeting access link will be in confirmation and reminder emails.

Contact: Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

Ready for an Escape? Let’s Head to Southern Utah! 

Tired of the daily grind? Then it’s time to trade traffic for towering trees and spreadsheets for starry skies! Join your Great Outdoors friends on a five-day, four-night camping adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Utah! 

We’ll be setting up camp at Duck Creek Campground, a peaceful hideaway nestled in the Dixie National Forest near Cedar City—just 450 miles east of LA. You’ll be surrounded by groves of aspen and Douglas fir, with ancient ponderosa pines (some over 500 years old!) standing tall all around you. 

There are hiking trails right from camp,Duck Creek Pond and Navajo lake nearby if you feel like casting a line, renting a boat or just kicking back. One day, we’ll hit the trails at Cedar Breaks National Monument—a jaw-dropping natural amphitheater—on a scenic hike along the South Rim Trail (note: there’s a $15–$25 fee per vehicle to enter). We’ll also explore the Mammoth Lava Caves, a wild formation from Utah’s volcanic past. 

And if that’s not enough? Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are just about an hour away. If you forget something or need supplies, Duck Creek Village is just down the road with shops, firewood, and a few local eats. 

So….Let’s get outside, breathe in that mountain air, and make some memories! 

Details: 

We have reserved campsites 31,33,34(Loop A) 

We are allowed one vehicle per site, however there is overflow parking which is about ¼ mile away at the visitor’s center.We may be able to park a few more vehicles at the campsite but that will be figured out when you get there. There is a fee for overflow vehicles in camp which the driver will be reimbursed. 

Sorry because of the limited space,this is tent camping only. 

There are no showers so bring your solar shower, however, Pine Wood resorts,which is in Duck Creek Village,offer showers if availability permits, $10/person. 

Campground amenities include flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and potable water. 

Make sure to bring firewood and buy it locally as they are discouraging firewood brought in from outside the area due to exotic pest infestation. 

For more info about duck Creek Campground go to:  

Duck Creek, Dixie National Forest - Recreation.gov 

 

Registration:$65 per person, 5 days and 4 nights. 

Registration by credit card only 

Each camp site is allowed one vehicle per site, (we probably can squeeze a few more in) but overflow parking is available at the visitor’s center, and carpooling is highly encouraged to limit the number of vehicles.  Let the trip leader know if you have room to share in your vehicle. 

Itinerary: 

Wednesday Aug. 6^th: Arrival AFTER 2pm. Meet and Greet tea and other yummies! Feel free to share your favorite finger food and/or beverage if you so desire, GO will be providing drinks and snacks as well.  BYOB. Dinner on your own. Campfire gathering 

Thursday Aug. 7^th: Breakfast on your own. Explore local trails around the area, TBD at the site. Lunch on your own, more exploring, Potluck dinner!  Prepare your favorite dish for 4 to 6 people.  Campfire gathering 

Friday Aug 8^th:Breakfast on your own then drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument (carpooling to be figured out) Pack a lunch. Taking the5-mile South Rim trail which offers spectacular views, a moderately strenuous hike but well worth it!Have plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes and sunscreen! Dinner at a nearby restaurant. (Paesano’s Pizzeria or Aunt Sues Chalet) Return for our Campfire gathering. 

Saturday Aug 9^th:Breakfast on your own, visit Navajo Lake, maybe rent a boat or walk around the lake, more exploring TBD. Have lunch in Duck Creek Village. Dinner on your own, relax, take in the beauty, campfire gathering. 

Sunday Aug 10^th: Our last day!  Breakfast on your own, pack up and head out and prepare for your next GO adventure! 

Note: This itinerary is subject to change as weather, moods and circumstances permit! 

Refund Policy: Cancel on or before August 4th you will receive a refund minus a $15 processing fee.Sorry but no refunds will be issued after that date. 

Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel. 

This event is limited to GO members only.  When you register, you’ll need to have your credit card ready and pay your registration fee within 15 minutes.  If you’re not a member, you can first join as a member online and then return to register for the event.  We’d love to have you join!! 

Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash. 

Weather this time of year is usually pleasantly warm and breezy (low 80’s high 70’s) Very slight chance of rain but it has been known that an occasional thunderstorm can pass through now and again, so be prepared! 

Bring your 10 essentials, camping and cooking gear, food and a bundle or two or three of firewood. (We can always go down the road to buy more) 

Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat and comfortable hiking shoes highly recommended! 

Additional e-mails will be sent out with more details, changes and other pertinent info as the date of the trip nears. 

Your Trip Leader, Brian Miller: Duck Creek, UT (circa 1963)
[email protected] 

 

 

LA & OCLB chapters present:

Richard Nixon – Eco-Warrior?

You know about Watergate but did you know that Richard Nixon was one of the most consequential presidents on environmental issues? Join the LA and OCLB chapters at the beautiful Nixon Library in Yorba Linda to find out more about the complicated legacy of our 37th president. 

Sunday August 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard 
Yorba Linda, California 92886

Tickets include a 1-hour docent tour and are available through the Great Outdoors.  Tickets are $32 for general admission and $28 for seniors 62+

Link to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

Here's why the Great Outdoors is visiting the Nixon Library:

Richard Nixon and the Environment

• Established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Created in 1970, the EPA consolidated federal research, monitoring, and enforcement activities related to environmental protection into a single agency.

• Signed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Signed into law in 1970, NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of their actions and decisions.

• Signed the Clean Air Act of 1970: This act authorized the development of comprehensive federal and state regulations to limit emissions from both stationary and mobile sources, establishing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

• Signed the Endangered Species Act: This 1973 law protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats, including procedures for listing species, developing recovery plans, and prohibiting actions that would harm listed species.

• Signed the Marine Mammal Protection Act: This 1972 act provided protection for marine mammals and their habitats.

• Created the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA is responsible for monitoring and understanding the Earth's oceans and atmosphere.

• Launched the Legacy of Parks program: This initiative converted over 80,000 acres of government property into 642 new parks for public recreational use.

• Proposed various pollution control measures: These included requests for funding for water treatment, national air quality standards, motor vehicle emission regulations, and measures to address oil spills and Great Lakes pollution. 

Nixon highlighted the environment in his State of the Union speech, January 1970:

“The great question of the seventies is: shall we surrender to our surroundings, or shall we make our peace with nature and begin to make reparations for the damage we have done to our air, to our land, and to our water? Restoring nature to its natural state is a cause beyond party and beyond factions. It has become a common cause of all the people of this country. It is a cause of particular concern to young Americans, because they more than we will reap the grim consequences of our failure to act on programs which are needed now if we are to prevent disaster later. Clean air, clean water, open spaces—these should once again be the birthright of every American. If we act now, they can be.”

While Nixon's commitment to environmental protection waned during his presidency, particularly in the later years due to economic concerns and political pressures, his administration's environmental record is significant. These initiatives laid the groundwork for many of the environmental policies in place today.

When considering Nixon’s policies and proposals on the environment, Women’s Rights, national healthcare, opening trade with Russia and China, expansion of civil rights, the case could be made that he was to the left of Nancy Pelosi. The library, of course, highlights the accomplishments of President Nixon but does not shy away from the failures and scandals. You can listen to any of the recordings in the oval office in which Nixon often used crude language.

Optional lunch afterwards at:

Mimi's Cafe, 18342 Imperial Hwy. Yorba Linda CA 92886

Some of us, traveling a distance, might be staying at https://www.ayreshotels.com/ in Yorba Linda on the Saturday night before our visit.

Parking at the Library is free!

If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Trip Leaders.

LA: Russell Hammerl

Email:  [email protected]

OCLB: Richard Norman

Email: [email protected]

626-319-4740

Registration is closed.  Trip is full. 

*PERU*

11 Days Including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Lake Titicaca, and Amazon rainforest

Dates:  Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2025

Join Joe Holliday and ExploorPeru for an exciting 11-day trip around Peru to see the rich culture, history, and nature. The tour will include a day at Machu Picchu, a few days in the Inca heartland in and around Cuzco, a visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, seeing the colonial center of Lima, and a few days in the Amazon rainforest. Although not sponsored by Great Outdoors, this is an exclusive GOLA invitation that will be led by our long-time GO member and hike leader Joe Holliday, in conjunction with the highly rated ExploorPeru tour company.  Current members of any Great Outdoors chapter may participate. 

Detailed trip itinerary can be accessed here.

To register for this trip:   Registration via the Great Outdoors website is required but for tracking purposes only.  Note that registration is not reserved until payment is received as noted below. All arrangements are made through Joe Holliday, not Great Outdoors. 

Registrants must be current members of any Great Outdoors chapter to participate. If not currently a member, please join via your preferred chapter's website before registering for this trip.

Cost: The costs include the land tour, tour guide, hotels, four domestic flights, and several meals (see itinerary for details). Total cost for this trip is as follows:

$3120. per person, double occupancy. First payment is $800.

$3825. per person single occupancy. First payment is $1000.  Single occupancy rooms are limited to four on a first come basis.

Indicate your preference and/or whether you are looking for a roommate when registering on this website.

Price does not include international flights (to and from Peru).

To pay for this trip: After you successfully register on this website, you will need to pay the above noted down payment to the trip leader Joseph Holliday. You can use one of three methods:

1. Zelle: using Joseph Holliday 562-417-4742

2. Venmo: using [email protected]

3. Check or money order: made out to Joseph Holliday, with hand delivery or mailing address arranged by texting him at 562-417-4742

(Note: Holliday is spelled with two L's.

All four payments for this trip will be paid to Joe Holliday.   After receiving the deposits Joe will communicate how to divide up the remaining amount due, and the due dates.  (Tentatively the 15th of Jan, Feb, and Mar.)  

Group Size: 24 Max

For more information:  Joe at [email protected]

GREAT OUTDOORS, INC. Is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors.  All rights reserved.

   OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

Hike Leader - Trip Leader

Let us know if you are interested in participating in or learning more about our Outdoor Experience training programs. No dates or locations have been determined yet, but stay tuned for updates!

In-Person Training: Hike/Trip Leader

• Duration: 2-day weekend 

• Location: To be announced

Workshops:

1. Trip Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Learn the essentials of planning and leading successful trips.

   • Interactive sessions with experienced trip leaders.

2. Hike Leading Virtual Workshop:

   • Master the skills required to lead safe and enjoyable hikes.

   • Tips and techniques for navigating different terrains.

3. Mastering Outdoor Skills Virtual Workshop:

   • Develop essential outdoor skills.

   • Topics include wilderness survival, first aid, and navigation.

4. Website Event Manager:

   • Learn how to set up and administer events online.

   • Step-by-step guidance on using event management tools.

5. Other - let us know

Why Join?

• Gain invaluable skills for leading outdoor adventures.

• Network with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

• Enhance your confidence and leadership abilities.

How to Register:

• Interest Form: Click on Register and you can choose which options are of interest to you and give us suggestions.

• Contact : Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

We look forward to embarking on this journey with you. Let's explore the great outdoors together!

• 
  

 Join us this fall when the prettiest cyclone you've ever seen brings sparkling bubbles from Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Orange County/Long Beach, Santa Barbara/Venture County, and San Diego. The bubbles will descend full of happy campers ready for a weekend of fellowship, dancing, slippers covered in non-descript gems, a tricky doll that people keep wanting to steal, and the annual meetings that keep us strong (and legal)!

Thursday, Oct 16

• 2:00 pm: Check-in, there are no activities this day as the organizers will be setting up for the conference. You can check-in either Thursday or Friday.

• 5:00 PM: Early Birds Meet & Greet and Happy Hour (BYO beverage)

• 6:00 PM: BYO Dinner

Friday, Oct 17

• 7:00 am Coffee and breakfast treats provided

• 9:00 am  Hike TBD

• 2:00 pm Julian Apple Activities TBA

• 5:00 pm  Meet and Greet and welcome video

• 6:00 pm Pot-luck dinner. Details TBA but we will break down by last name who should bring what kind of dish.

• 8:00 pm Campfire and star gazing with citizen scientists!

Saturday Oct 18

NON-BUSINESS

• 7:00 am  Coffee and breakfast treats provided

• 9:00 am  Hike TBD

• 10:00 am Expert presentations (an open call for submissions will go out in July)

• 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm  Outdoor Experience Introduction - Meet trip and hike leaders for Q&A and learn about leadership opportunities. Join the team, acquire new skills, make a difference and feel good about yourself. Find out more: Outdoor Experience

• 3:00 pm Julian Apple Activities TBA

• 6:00 pm  Hosted pasta bar. Bring a bowl or a plate! Wear your best Wizard of Oz, Wicked, or Pride outfit - prize for 3 winners with best outfits!

• 7:00 pm  Award Presentations; announcements

• 7:30 pm  Wizard of Oz and Wicked Raffle, we will be raffling off some vintage Wizard of Oz gear plus other donations from members and local businesses!

• 8:00 pm Dance Party!

BUSINESS (schedule is tentative and subject to change as conference approaches) 

• 9:00 - 11 am  General Business Meeting, Corp Board and elections, Incoming Board Meeting -Attended by outgoing Corp Board, Chapter Delegates, Committee Chairs. We elect a Corp. Chair, Secretary and Financial Officer. The Chair then appoints Committee Chairs.

• 11:00 am Incoming Board Meeting- Attended by the newly elected Corp Board and Committee Chairs.

• 11:15 am Outdoor Experience Committee meeting- Attended by VPOs of each Chapter and other interested parties.

• 1:00 pm  All  VPO's trip planning, calendar meeting- Attended by VPOs of each chapter, delegates, newly elected Corp Board Committee Chairs and other interested parties.

• 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm  Outdoor Experience (OE) Program

• 2:00 pm OE Introduction -  Meet trip and hike leaders for Q&A and learn about leadership opportunities. Join the team, acquire new skills, make a difference and feel good about yourself.- Attended by VPOs of each Chapter and other interested parties.

• 2:30 pm OE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Session - Meet Chapter Officers and hike leaders presenting Trip Leader resources that have made GO more accessible to new members and trip leaders. Potential topics include: financial support for trip leaders and attendees, welcome/EDI statement crafting, respecting native lands/people, a free Trip Leader Starter Kit for all attendees, and recognizing our GO founders. Attendance by VPOs recommended and all members welcome.

Sunday, Oct 19

• 7:00 am  Coffee and breakfast treats provided

• 12:00 pm  Check out

Registration:

• Day Tripper– $15.00

• 1st Tent camper- $75.00

• 2nd Tent camper - $25.00

• 1st RV Camper - $120.00 The price is per site because we have a total of 15 RV sites with a maximum space of 40 feet.

• 2nd RV Camper - $50.00

• Payments: Registration is available to Great Outdoors members only.- Click Here for Membership

• Cancelation policy - in order to receive a refund you need to cancel within 3 weeks of the beginning of conference. This date is September 25th, 2025. All refunds will be assessed a $5 fee for processing. 

• Carpool Information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

• Quiet hours: 10pm - 8am.

• Non-Campers: Lodging can be found in Julian, CA nearby https://visitjulian.com/lodging/#!directory

• Pets: Welcomed if leashed, controlled, picked up after. Dogs are only allowed on paved trails.

Tent Information

All tents will be in the north-eastern tent only section. These will be various clustered sites from 62-103 but will be in the forward section. No tent sites have any hookups. 

RV Information

Conference FAQs

Who should I contact with questions? 

VPO Kj Archer @ [email protected] 

What is the difference between a regular GO campout and a conference campout?

Conference is held once every year in October (as required in the by-laws) where delegates from each of the five chapters and the Corp board come together to:

• Nominate and elect a new Corporate Board for the upcoming year.

• Vote and amend any by-law changes that may occur.

• Schedule and coordinate the next year's camping trips.

• Special awards and recognition will be presented.

Who puts on the Conference?

• Hosting conference is on a rotational basis by one of the five chapters.

• This year is hosted by the San Diego Chapter.

Do I need to attend any of these business meetings?

• Only if you are a chapter delegate, a corporate committee chair or Corporate Board member; however, all are welcome to attend.

Can I come to any of these meetings if I am not on the Corp board or a delegate?

• Yes! We encourage anyone who is interested in how our organizational leadership works to come and observe our meetings!

What if I am not part of the Corp board or a delegate, can I still attend the conference?

• Yes! There will be other planned activities and events to attend..

• This is a great opportunity to become acquainted with GO leaders, members, and learn the organization of Great Outdoors.

Can I attend the day activities without camping?

• Yes, register for day use only.

Volunteer?

• Each Chapter elects or appoints a Board Representative to represent your Chapter at all GO Corp. meetings. 

• The GO Board also consists of the following appointed committees or positions:  Archives, Awards, Bylaws, Outings, Outdoors Experience, and Webmaster

• If you are interested in running for one of the three (3) elected positions or serving on one of our Committees, attend the meetings and let us know.

SAVE THE DATE

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE HIKE  LEADER AND TRIP LEADER TRAINING

ALLCHAPTER JAMBOREE

SAVE THE DATE

This event is being planned by Great Outdoors Corporate. For more information about this trip, check back here for updates. The event will be either the last weekend in May or the first weekend in June.

ALLCHAPTER JAMBOREE

This event is being planned by Great Outdoors Corporate. For more information about this trip, check back here for updates.  The event will be either the last weekend in May or the first weekend in June.