CORP - TRIP LEADER Virtual Workshop - Outdoors Experience

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

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