OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE
Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs
Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs
You may attend either one or both.
Full Weekend Schedule:
Friday Nov 11 2 pm - Fun hike at Whitewater Preserve. We will adjust the time if needed to accommodate those arriving on Friday and camping at the Preserve for the training. This is a welcome hike for attendees at the hike/trip leader training this weekend. We will discuss and demonstrate The Ten Essentials and safety on the trail. After the hike we have pool time welcome and dinner.
5 pm Meet and Greet and BBQ dinner (vegetarian options available) at member's residence in Desert Hot Springs. Bring swimwear for pool and your favorite beverage.
Saturday Nov 12 8-5 -Training class at the Preserve Administrative Building.
- 8 am - 12 pm Hike Leader Training
- 1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training
Sunday Nov 13 8:30 am - Training hike at the Preserve where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.
Note the Friday and Sunday activities are optional. Campers are welcome to stay for the whole weekend.
DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I
8am - 12 pm
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, and problem solving techniques and scenarios.
Course Format: The training includes in person instruction with group discussion and problem solving applications and trail-based scenarios.
Pre-Course Assignment: Review training manuals and video:
Link to Training Resources: Click Here
How to Lead a Hike: Video: Click Here
Printed manuals will be available at the training location Nov 12 at no cost to participants.
Option to purchase and have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.
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TRIP LEADERSHIP - OVERNIGHT EVENTS - SECTION II
1pm - 5 pm
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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Location: Whitewater Preserve
Course Length/Hours: 4 hours.
Schedule: Start at 8:00 am and go to 5 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:
Camping (free) available on site at Whitewater Preserve. You can reserve a spot for camping when you register here for the training. Tent camping and small RV or trailer allowed if they will fit in the 20' parking spaces in the parking lot (you may take 2 spaces, one for your vehicle and one for you trailer) Restrooms, water, tables available. No fires of any kind. Only gas or propane for cooking. 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. Overnight campers will be provided the combination to the gate lock for after hours access. 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
Contact:
Course Preparation: We will send you a link to the Outdoor Experience Training Manuals. You are encouraged to review the material ahead of time.
Link to Training Resources: Click Here
Suggested Reading:
