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• SBVC - September Canary Sunset

  • When
    Wed, September 18, 2024
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Kimpton Canary Hotel, 31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  Register

  
  

  Sunset at the Canary
  benefitting Pacific Pride Foundation

  September 18, 2024   6:00PM-8:00PM

  In lieu of our regular monthly social gatherings, we're excited to announce that we'll be joining our nonprofit partner, Pacific Pride Foundation, for their Canary Rooftop Sunset Mixer in both August and September!

  Enjoy breathtaking views, delicious drinks, upbeat tunes and great company as we mingle and support this fantastic organization.

  Please note: We'll be holding a shortened version of our core group meeting from 5:30-6:00 PM in the hotel lobby for those who wish to attend.

  We look forward to seeing you there!
  

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• SBVC - Trip Planning Meeting

  • When
    Thu, September 26, 2024
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Captain Fatty's, 6489 Calle Real, Suite D, Goleta, CA 93117

  Register

  

  Campout leaders wanted!
  September 26, 2024 @ 6:30PM

  Calling all Santa Barbara and Ventura Great Outdoors members! Are you interested in leading a campout this year?

  As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on our members to support our trips, and encourage those who are up to the task to lead them! Trip leaders have the pleasure of choosing the destination, setting the itinerary, and meeting new fellow outdoors enthusiasts.

  If you are interested in becoming a trip leader, or have a trip you would like to tentatively schedule for our chapter, please register for this event. We will discuss the different types of campouts we plan to calendar, the responsibilities of trip leaders, and how to plan a successful trip.

  We hope to see you there!

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• LA/CORP - 46th All Chapter CampOut and Conference

  • Start
    Thu, October 17, 2024
  • End
    Sun, October 20, 2024
  • Location
    Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area - Rio Group Site
  • Spaces left
    30
  • Registered
    50 registrants

  Register

  
  

  
  

  October 17-20, 2024 

  Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - YouTube

  Join us for a retro 70's/Disco/Pride CampOut

  at
  

  Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
  Rio Group Campsite

  Hosted by the LA Chapter, Conference Organizing Team: Pamela Wegner, John Butta, Steve Sisneros, John Blasco, Corrado Giovannoni, Bryan Matsumoto, Russell Hammerl, Ron Heinmiller 

  Volunteers Contact:   John Butta The LA chapter hosts the conference every five years. Let’s make it a great event, volunteer!

  Questions Contact: Russell Hammerl

  

  Let’s hike, bike, dance and take care of some business! Our 70’s disco theme for the conference will get everyone in a festive mood. We have reserved a wonderful group campsite with fantastic facilities. The Rio group campsite has covered pagodas, restrooms, showers, potable water, fire rings, BBQ grills, and picnic tables. Silverwood Lake is a reservoir between the West and East Fork Mojave Rivers. Also, the Pacific Crest Trail passes near our campsite for long and short hikes. Note: There may be times that the water quality in the lake may pose a health risk due to algae blooms. See the current status:  Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

  
  

  Directions: The park is located off of Highway 138 and Cleghorn Road, 11 miles east of I-15 heading east; or 20 miles north of San Bernardino via Highways 18 & 138. Get directions through Google Maps

  Climate, Elevation:  Average high/low: 79° / 50° ; Elevation 3400’

  Thursday, Oct 17 
  

  • 2:00 pm Check-in, there are no activities this day as the organizers will be setting up for the conference. You can check-in either Thursday or Friday. The three best Pride decorated RVs or Campsites win a prize on Saturday night. 

  Friday, Oct 18 (Official Start Date)

  • 7:00 am Coffee, breakfast on your own.

  • 9:00 am  Hike on the PCT, Pacific Crest Trail,  going north east out of the campground, 5 miles. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks/ lunch, hiking poles, shoes with good traction, etc. There will be a good amount of uphill climbing. Led by Russell

  • 2:00 pm Nature Center, (an unguided activity) 

  • 5:00 pm  Meet and Greet with bingo mixer led by Pamela. Bring an appetizer to share and your own beverage. Buy raffle tickets.

  • 6:00 pm Hosted Taco Bar. Bring your own reusable plate and utensils.

  • 8:00 pm Campfire and star gazing

  Saturday Oct 19

  • 7:00 am  Coffee, breakfast on your own 

  • 9:00 am  Lake hike with wonderful mountain and lake views: led by Bryan Matsumoto. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks or lunch, hiking poles, shoes with good traction, etc.

  • 10:00 am Bike ride around the lake area with John Blasco

  • 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm  Outdoor Experience Introduction - Meet trip and hike leaders for Q&A and learn about leadership opportunities. Join the team, acquire new skills, make a difference and feel good about yourself. Find out more: Outdoor Experience

  • 3:00 pm Arts and Craft with Pamela 

  • 6:00 pm  Potluck Dinner - bring a dish to share. GO will provide dessert. Wear your best Disco or Pride outfit - prize for 3 winners with best outfits!

  • 7:00 pm  Award Presentations; announcements

  • 7:30 pm  Super Raffle drawing

  • 8:00 pm Disco Party Night

  Sunday, Oct 20

  • 7:00 am  Coffee 

  • 12:00 pm  Check out

  Business Meetings: All members are welcome to attend the business meetings. Meet at Pavilion - Check whiteboard at camp for updates and details.

  Friday,  Oct 19 

  • 7:00 pm Elections Committee Meeting -Attended by current Corp Board and Chapter Representatives.

  Saturday, Oct 19 

  • 9:00 - 11 am  General Business Meeting, Corp Board and elections, Incoming Board Meeting -Attended by outgoing Corp Board, Chapter Delegates, Committee Chairs. We elect a Corp. Chair, Secretary and Financial Officer. The Chair then appoints Committee Chairs.

  • Incoming Board Meeting- Attended by the newly elected Corp Board and Committee Chairs.

  • 11:00 am Outdoor Experience Committee meeting- Attended by VPOs of each Chapter and other interested parties.

  • 1:00 pm  All  VPO's trip planning, calendar meeting- Attended by VPOs of each chapter, delegates, newly elected Corp Board Committee Chairs and other interested parties.

  • 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm  Outdoor Experience (OE) Program

  • 1:30 pm OE Introduction -  Meet trip and hike leaders for Q&A and learn about leadership opportunities. Join the team, acquire new skills, make a difference and feel good about yourself.- Attended by VPOs of each Chapter and other interested parties.

  • 2:00 pm OE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Session - Meet Chapter Officers and hike leaders presenting Trip Leader resources that have made GO more accessible to new members and trip leaders. Potential topics include: financial support for trip leaders and attendees, welcome/EDI statement crafting, respecting native lands/people, a free Trip Leader Starter Kit for all attendees, and recognizing our GO founders. Attendance by VPOs recommended and all members welcome.

  
  
  

  Registration:

  • Day Tripper– $10.00

  • Each Vehicle- $80.00  The price is per vehicle because we have a total of 30 parking spaces. Overflow parking available at main campsite (approx. 5 mins; 0.6 miles away).

  • Payments: Registration is available to Great Outdoors members only.- Click Here for Membership

  • Cancellation:  Email,  [email protected]by Oct. 5 to receive a refund minus a $10 service fee. 

  • Carpool Information: Due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation. If you would like a ride, or could provide a ride, you can sign up on your own by clicking here:  Carpool

  • RVs: No RV hookups at group campground. RVs must be parked in provided space and may not protrude into the roadway. Maximum length 31'. Roadways must be kept open and clear to allow for emergency vehicles. Consider carpooling with a tent camper. Full hookup sites may be available at the nearby New Mesa Campground via Reserve California

  • Quiet hours: 10pm - 6am.

  • Non-Campers: Lodging can be found in nearby Crestline 

  • Pets: Welcomed if leashed, controlled, picked up after. Dogs are only allowed on paved trails.

  Optional Activities:

  Nature Center: The Nature Center is located to the left of the park's entry kiosks down Cleghorn road. The history of the lake, information about wildlife, and showcases with artifacts from the area’s native past. The Nature Center is open Friday-Sunday from 10am to 4pm during the winter season.

  Hiking/Bicycling: A trail extends for 13 miles around the park. Most notably, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the recreation area, a popular layover for thru-hikers. 

  Deep Creek Hot Springs: To the north is a popular destination for soakers who appreciate the shade of the sycamores and a more natural experience.  

  Crestline: The quaint mountain town is a short drive away with restaurants, antique and collectible shops, supermarket and Lake Gregory Regional Park. At Lake Gregory you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and fishing gear. 

  Silverwood Lake: Swim beaches and enjoy the surroundings.

  4X4 Off Roading: Pilot Rock OHV Trail, California - 643 Reviews, Map | AllTrails, Cleghorn Ridge OHV Road: I-15 to Highway 138 at Silverwood Lake, California - 975 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

  

   What to Bring: Disco lights, Ten Essentials, camping and cooking gear, food, name tag, camp chair, warm/cool weather clothing, bicycle, swim suit, towel, possibly water shoes, potluck dish, appetizer for the tea. If you would like to donate an item for the raffle, contact the trip leaders. A bundle of non-oak firewood. Notice: Due to the threat of the goldspotted oak borer, no oak firewood will be allowed. Firewood may be purchased on site. GO GREEN!  Please bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.

  
  

  Campground Brochure: Click Here 

  Campground Contact: (760) 389-2281

  Conference FAQs

  What is the difference between a regular GO campout and a conference campout?

  Conference is held once every year in October (as required in the by-laws) where delegates from each of the five chapters and the Corp board come together to:

  • Nominate and elect a new Corporate Board for the upcoming year.

  • Vote and amend any by-law changes that may occur.

  • Schedule and coordinate the next year's camping trips.

  • Special awards and recognition will be presented.

  Who puts on the Conference?

  • Hosting conference is on a rotational basis by one of the five chapters..

  • This year is hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter

  • The next conference will be hosted by the San Diego chapter.

  Do I need to attend any of these business meetings?

  • Only if you are a chapter delegate, a corporate committee chair or Corporate Board member; however, all are welcome to attend.

  Can I come to any of these meetings if I am not on the Corp board or a delegate?

  • Yes! We encourage anyone who is interested in how our organizational leadership works to come and observe our meetings!

  What if I am not part of the Corp board or a delegate, can I still attend the conference?

  • Yes! There will be other planned activities and events to attend..

  • This is a great opportunity to become acquainted with GO leaders, members, and learn the organization of Great Outdoors.

  Can I attend the day activities without camping?

  • Yes, register for day use only.

  Volunteer?

  • Each Chapter elects or appoints a Board Representative to represent your Chapter at all GO Corp. meetings. 

  • The GO Board also consists of the following appointed committees or positions:  Archives, Awards, Bylaws, Outings, Outdoors Experience, and Webmaster

  • If you are interested in running for one of the three (3) elected positions or serving on one of our Committees, attend the meetings and let us know.

  Any other questions? - contact Trip Leaders or Board Members 

  If you would like to know more about the history and founding of GO click here.

  

  
  

  
  

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• CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike and Trip Leader Training

  • Start
    Fri, November 15, 2024
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    Sun, November 17, 2024
  •  
    12:00 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.

  Full Weekend Schedule:

  Friday Nov 15 2 pm -

  Fun short hike. We will discuss and demonstrate The Ten Essentials and safety on the trail.  

  Saturday Nov 16  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 17  8:30 am - 11 am - Training hike at the Preserve where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that one may encounter on the trail.

  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

  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. 

  Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration. Registration fee is fully refundable upon check in.

  
  

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

  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.

  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, etc.

  Weather: Average High 78, Low 54   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. No cell service or internet. Guests can receive cell service 3.5 miles south of the preserve on Whitewater Canyon Road.

  Carpooling Encouraged: Limited parking spaces available. 

  Overnight Accommodations:

  Camping (free) available on site at Whitewater Preserve: Click Here for details and to reserve a spot.  You can let us know you are 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:

  • 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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• SBVC - PrimeTimers Holiday Party

  • When
    Sat, December 14, 2024
  • Location
    TBA, Santa Barbara, CA
  • Spaces left
    30

  
  

  Great Outdoors SBVC & PrimeTimers Central Coast present
  A Happy Holiday Soirée
  December 14, 2024

  SAVE THE DATE!

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• PS – Group Cruise – Baja Peninsula (Sea of Cortez)

  • Start
    Sat, January 04, 2025
  • End
    Sat, January 11, 2025
  • Location
    Group Cruise – Baja Peninsula (Sea of Cortez)

  Register

  PS – Group Cruise – Baja Peninsula (Sea of Cortez)

  
  

  Start

  Sat, January 4, 2025

  End

  Sat, January 11, 2025

  Location

  Holland America Baja Peninsula (Sea of Cortez) Cruise – Roundtrip San Diego on Koningsdam

  

  Cruise Details are available at this link: https://trips.kirkolsencruises.com/trip/6yw9rqkrer3wqz2akyq7y8atxcxkltq

  Kirk Olsen is a GOPS hike leader and travel advisor (travel agent). Kirk has secured group space on this sailing with special amenities as described in the above link. Please contact Kirk with any questions you have.

  Quote/Book through Cruise Holidays – Kirk Olsen Cruises & Adventure Travel
  760-980-1239
  [email protected]
  CST 2083884-50

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