OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE
Day one - Hike Leader
Day two - Trip Leader
You may attend either one or both days.
DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Be a Hike Leader! Not just someone who knows the way, but someone who applies safety, best practices, fun, and local knowledge to make a successful outing. In addition to the course outline we will discuss any issues with past hikes and plan for future hikes. We will review basic hike leader procedures and techniques and latest technology and information. Completing this course will provide participants with Day Hike Leader Certification. Also a good refresher for hike leaders.
Hike Leader Syllabus
Prerequisites: Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is for anyone interested in becoming a hiker leader, learning more about leading effective hikes, or becoming a more confident and capable hiker.
This Hike Leader Certification course is for hikers who are interested in learning new skills as well as experienced hike leaders who are looking to update or refresh their outdoor leadership skills. It is suitable for all ranges of hiker abilities, from novice up to very experienced hikers.
Objectives: Introduce participants to the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a trained hike leader, including appropriate risk management for day hikes. Present skills for leading a safe, environmentally responsible and enjoyable hike.
Content/Topics Covered: Hike planning, description, screening participants, trail group management, emergency management, medical issues on the trail, map reading and navigation, outdoor techniques, environmental protection, practical problem solving on a class group hike exercise.
Course Format: The training includes classroom instruction with hands on applications and trail-based scenarios.
Pre-Course Assignment: Prepare a hike leader’s backpack for a day hike. Come prepared to share your chosen items. Review training manuals.
Course Length/Hours: 8 hours including lunch and breaks each day.
Resources Required by Participant: Lunch, water, paper, pen, a leader’s backpack ready for leading a day hike, weather-appropriate clothing. Bring mug for hot drinks.
Materials Provided: Course manuals and handouts.
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TRIP LEADERSHIP - OVERNIGHT EVENTS - SECTION II
Sunday, February 23, 2020
One of the premier features of Great Outdoors is overnight trips. As a leader you will propose, research and design overnight trips. You will manage and administer the trip using leadership and group management skills. Completing this course will provide participants with Trip Leadership Certification.
Course Outline:
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Create a new trip or update a former trip.
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Planning, scouting, securing reservations.
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Finances and budget.
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Create a trip description and promotion.
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Secure all logistics including any permits, and support staff as necessary.
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Communicate with participants to provide information and answer questions.
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Conducting your trip, safety issues, group management issues - preventing and solving.
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Arrive: 8 am to ensure a parking space. Limited spaces, high demand.
Schedule: Start at 8:15 am and go to 4:30 pm with a lunch break. Coffee, tea, water provided. Bring a mug for hot drinks.
What to bring: Lunch, water bottle, mug for hot drinks. If you are taking the Hike Leader course bring day pack with your 10 essentials. If you are tent camping, bring food, camp gear, warm clothing.
Weather: Be prepared for cooler temperatures. NOAA spot forecast: click here
Facilities: Whitewater Preserve located in a beautiful canyon along the Whitewater river and part of the Sand to Snow National Monument. We will be in the visitor center back room with tables, chairs, TV monitor and restrooms. Trailheads located onsite. No cell service or Wi-Fi.
Carpooling Encouraged: Limited parking spaces available. Expect high visitor use to fill the parking lot. Arrive early! Vehicles line up at the gate to get in.
Overnight Accommodations:
Tent camping (free) available on site at Whitewater Preserve. Reservations required, call to reserve: (760) 325-7222. Be sure to indicate you plan to camp when you register for this event. Restrooms, water, tables available. No fires of any kind. Only gas or propane for cooking. May stay in tents or vehicles (less than 19 feet in length), no trailers or RV's. There are no trash containers -pack it out, no hookups and generators are prohibited. Arrive before 4:30 pm since the gates lock at 5 pm. No alcohol or smoking. Photos of the camp area click here.
Hotel/motel/RV accommodations located in the Palm Springs area which is approximately 30-40 minute drive to Whitewater Preserve training site.
Nearby KOA Desert Hot Springs has both tent and RV sites with hot water springs and nice facilities.
Address: Whitewater Preserve lies at the end of Whitewater Canyon Road, northwest of Palm Springs, off Interstate 10.
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road
Whitewater, California
GPS: 33.989075, -116.655673 (N33° 59.367' W116° 39.416')
Elevation: 2200' Get Directions
Course Preparation: We will send you a link to the Outdoor Experience Training Manuals. You are encouraged to review the material ahead of time. You will be provided a copy of the manuals, along with additional documents and information contained in a notebook binder when you arrive.
If you are attending as a refresher course, you have the option to purchase the Training Manual when you register or we can invoice you.
No refunds after February 16 unless filled by waitlist.
Whitewater Preserve website
Contacts:
