OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE at Agua Caliente County Park
Hike Leader and/ or Trip Leader
You may attend either one or both.
Friday Jan 23 to Jan 25, 2026
Set up camp and settle in for a bonfire evening. Hot Springs have adult only hours to end the night as well.
Saturday Jan 24: - Training classes in the Agua Caliente Community Room
- 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Hike Leader Training
- 1 pm - 4 pm Trip Leader Training
Sunday Jan 24 : 11:30 am - Checkout.
Registration: You may request printed manual(s) be mailed to your during registration process, ($25 each). You will be refunded upon check in at the training.
DAY HIKE LEADER - SECTION I
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.
Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration. Registration fee is fully refundable upon check in.
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TRIP LEADERSHIP - OVERNIGHT EVENTS - SECTION II
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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Schedule: Start at 8:30 am and go to 4:30 pm with a 30 min. 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, etc.
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:
