Upcoming and Past LA Chapter Events

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• PS - August Game Night: Gather Your Balls for BOWLING!!

  • When
    Sat, August 27, 2022
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Palm Springs Lanes
  • Spaces left
    23
  • Registered
    13 registrants

  Register

      
  

  IT'S BOWLING NIGHT!

  Saturday August 27, 2022

  Registration for this event is limited to GO members. Nonmembers and guests may join Great Outdoors - click here.

  Please join us for the Great Outdoors Palm Springs BOWLING NIGHT on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. PLEASE ARRIVE BY 5:15 PM. BOWLING WILL COMMENCE AT 5:30 PM SHARP!  Palm Springs Lanes is located at 68051 Ramon Road in Cathedral City.  (click here for directions). 

  Each team will be comprised of 6 people. Palm Springs Lanes will provide each team free shoe rental, as well as a large pizza and 2 pitchers of soft drinks for each team (included in the cost per member).  Additional food/drinks are available at the Snack Bar on a cash basis. 

  NOTE: Please wear your GREAT OUTDOORS T-shirts!  

  The cost to members for this event is $25.00 per person. Payment must be made at time of registration.  Due to prepayment requirements we have with the bowling alley, there will be no refunds if you cancel this event. Please let Richard Dachman know if you cannot attend so we may plan accordingly.

  This event is limited to 36 attendees. 

  For questions, please contact Richard Dachman via call/text 818-430-7114.

  Special COVID Related Requirements:

  This event requires all attendees to be members and to be fully vaccinated, submit proof of vaccination and abide by the GOPS COVID policy - CLICK HERE.  

  Send proof of vaccination to: membership-PS@Greatoutdoors.com 

  or text to: 619-922-5028.

  Health Problems/allergies:  Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader if you wish.

  Thank you for participating in the Great Outdoors club!

  
  

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• OCLB/CORP - 44th Annual All Chapter Conference Registration

  • Start
    Fri, October 14, 2022
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, October 16, 2022
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    O'Neill Regional Park
  • Spaces left
    70

  Register

  
  

  The Wait Is Over!

  
  

  We’re celebrating Honky Tonk style!

  Put on your Western attire as we gather to Camp It Up!

   
  

  
  

  Overview

  The conference is a campout consisting of all the Great Outdoors chapters.

  We anticipate this selling out quickly so make your reservation NOW!

  Held annually in October, GO OCLB is proud to host this year’s event!

  The campout this year is going to be remarkable!

  Delayed the past several years due to the pandemic and wildfires, we’re eager to reunite, reconnect, and celebrate!

  
  

  Venue

  

  

  

  O’Neill Regional Park is a major regional park in northeast Orange County, located along Trabuco Creek and Live Oak Canyon.  Centrally located for the convenience of all Chapters!

  The park encompasses 4,500 acres of canyon and riparian zone habitat. Heavily wooded with coastal live oak and sycamore trees, the hillsides surrounding the park feature cactus, wild buckwheat, sagebrush, and chaparral.

  O’Neill Regional Park includes campgrounds and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

  We are camping at the Sycamore Flat Group Site.

  
  

  Registration

  Event fee: $75/person for Great Outdoors Members. Non-members must first join Great Outdoors ($25) before registering.  For a second person in the same tent registration is $60 and in the same vehicle as the primary person.

  RV & Tow Trailer Driver: $90/person. RV & Tow Trailer passenger same vehicle: $60/person
  

  Electronic payment for the event fee is accepted on the GO website. No cash or paper check, please.

  The number of vehicles will limit capacity. Carpooling is highly encouraged because there is no overnight overflow parking. There is limited space for RVs and tow trailers.

  Cancellations and refunds: No refunds are granted for cancellations received after 9/16/22.  There will be a $10 cancellation fee charged if cancelled by 09/16/2022.

  
  

  What are you waiting for?

  Don't just sit there!

  Registration is Open!

  
  

  
  

  Itinerary

  This three-day, two-night campout begins at 4 pm on Fri. 10/14 at Sycamore Site D. Please avoid arriving early to allow GO OCLB time to set up the event. There will be welcome refreshments, a meet and greet, and a group campfire. Dinner is on your own. Join us for a movie night under the stars featuring a campy gay Western film.

  Sycamore Site D is the headquarters for this campout. Gather here for hosted meals, the potluck, the quarterly board meeting and to hear announcements.

  Sat. 10/15- 8 am-ish: Hot breakfast hosted by GO OCLB. A vegan option will be available.

  After breakfast, many activities include a locally-led hike, area sightseeing, and a quarterly board meeting for chapter reps. Lunch is on your own. Please return by late afternoon (~5 pm) to prepare a country western-inspired dish for the big Saturday dinner potluck (~6 pm). GO OCLB will provide dessert.

  Do dress up in Western attire for dinner. Best dressed wins a prize! After dinner, gather around the campfire for the chapter volunteer awards ceremony and raffle drawing.

  Sun. 10/16- 8 am-ish: Continental breakfast hosted by GO OCLB. Vegan option will be available. Break camp, saddle up, and safe travels home. The campout ends at noon.

  
  

  Campground Details

  Amenities: Potable water, Showers, Flush toilets, Picnic Tables, and Fire rings.

  Features: Nature center and amphitheater.

  Parking: GO OCLB event volunteers to help guide tandem parking.

  Directions:

  From LA, SB/VC, Palm Springs, and northern OC- Get on Interstate 5 South, drive to Laguna Hills, and exit 91 at El Toro Road. Turn left at Avenida de la Carlota. Turn left at El Toro Road. Drive 7.7 miles eastbound on El Toro Road past Valley Vista (on your right, see cross light) then Ridgeline (on your left, see cross light). Past Ridgeline, stay on the right lane. You will reach a Y-intersection where El Toro splits left into Santiago Cyn Rd, and right turns into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Veer right into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Cook’s Corner café at the Y-intersection will be on your left. Drive 3.5 miles on Live Oak Cyn Rd to O’Neill Regional Park entrance (address: 30892 Trabuco Cyn Rd. Trabuco Cyn, CA). Follow signs to Sycamore Flat Group Site. RV and tow trailer campers, please proceed to the designated site.

  From San Diego and south OC: Get on Interstate 5 North, drive to Laguna Hills, and exit 91 at El Toro Road. Stay in the right lane. Turn right at El Toro Road. Drive 7.7 miles eastbound on El Toro Road past Valley Vista (on your right, see cross light) and Ridgeline (on your left, see cross light). Past Ridgeline, stay on the right lane. You will reach a Y-intersection where El Toro splits left into Santiago Cyn Rd, and right turns into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Veer right into Live Oak Cyn Rd. Cook’s Corner café at the Y-intersection will be on your left. Drive 3.5 miles on Live Oak Cyn Rd to O’Neill Regional Park entrance (address: 30892 Trabuco Cyn Rd. Trabuco Cyn, CA). Follow signs to Sycamore Flat Group Site. RV and tow trailer campers, please proceed to the designated site.

  Pets: Dogs permitted on leash. Please clean up after your pet.

  Quiet time: 10pm to 7am

  RV sites & Tow Trailer sites- Limited pull-through and back-in sites are available. Water is available on-site, but there are no electric hookups. A dump station is accessible. Generator hours are from 8 am to 8 pm.

  Alcohol is prohibited at O’Neill Regional Park.

  No fires of any kind will be allowed on red flag days or as posted.

  
  

  What to Bring
  

  Obviously The 10 Essentials.

  Recommended Gear: Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, ear plugs, pillow, chair, camp stove with fuel and cooking utensils, lighter or matches, camp kitchen supplies, headlight or flashlight with batteries, cool and warm weather clothing, toiletries kit, hiking shoes, camp shoes, day pack, hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Bring quarters to use the showers.

  Food: Bring enough food for your Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and dinner potluck item.

  To reduce waste, bring your reusable plate, cup, and utensils. Single-use plates, cups, and utensils are available if needed.

  Area Info:

  There are nearby grocery stores for any forgotten items.

  Weather

  October average high temp: 80 F, average low temp: 56 F. October average rainfall: 0.6 inches. No snow.

  Show Your Pride Raffle!

  Show your pride in the backcountry and support GO OCLB! Buy a raffle ticket to win the Marmot Yolla Bolly 30 sleeping bag!

  Details: Light 3-season sleeping bag with plenty of room to roll around*, 650 fill duck down to keep you warm to freezing temperatures, and it features a semi-rectangular shape with a full-length zipper. ISO comfort rating: 32 F, lower limit: 21 F.

  The sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack measuring 8 x 16 inches. Claimed weight: 2 lbs. 3.5 oz. Activity: weekend camping and backpacking.

  

  
  

  *Hunky model not included to roll around within the sleeping bag.

  
  

  Special COVID Related Requirements:

  These may be updated/amended by the time of the event.

  Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:

  1. I will follow Federal, State, and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the event leader(s).

  2. I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.

  3. I will contact Trip Leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event.

  ‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.

  Any questions?

  Contact: Michael at BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

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• CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike and Trip Leader Training

  • When
    Sat, November 12, 2022
  •  
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Whitewater Preserve Palm Springs

  Register

        OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

  Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs
  Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs

  You may attend either one or both.
  

  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 online 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 Oct 14 all chapter conference and at the training location Nov 12 at no cost to participants.

  Option to purchase and have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.

  
  

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

  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:

  • Create a new trip or update a former trip.

  • Planning, scouting, securing reservations.

  • Finances and budget.

  • Create a trip description and promotion.

  • Secure all logistics including any permits, and support staff as necessary.

  • Communicate with participants to provide information and answer questions.

  • Conducting your trip, safety issues, group management issues - preventing and solving.

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

  Location: Whitewater Preserve

  Course Length/Hours: 4 hours.

  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:

  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. 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:

  • Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

  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:
  

  1. Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, & GPS. Bob Burns, Mike Burns
  2. The National Outdoor Leadership School's Wilderness Guide.  Mark Harvey
  3. How to Lead a Hike by the Sierra Club  15 min. video click here

  
  

  
  

  
  

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