OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE
Hike Leader - Morning 4 hrs
Trip Leader - Afternoon 4 hrs
Have you ever thought about what it takes to lead an outdoor event? As an all volunteer organization, we rely 100% on our members to step forward and lead our outings. Now is your chance to come and learn the basics of leading a Great Outdoor event.
You may attend one, or both training sessions. Option to camp for the weekend or just come in for the day. The training is open to all interested members, including novice hikers, but even those of us who have been hiking for many years come away with new skills or insights.
Some more great things about the training:
- The courses are free for those who complete their training.
- The information about emergency response could save your life.
- The discussion of leadership and people skills has applications beyond the hiking trail.
- The certification allows you to lead other day trips you may be interested in, such as bike rides or museum visits. Anything that broadens our awareness of our environment is a valid Great Outdoors outing.
The next Outdoor Experience Training is the third weekend in February at O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco, California. [Google Map coordinates] Participants can enjoy hiking, dining, and camping together around the full day of training in the campground's Clubhouse. The hike leader training is on a Saturday morning, and is followed by training on leading overnight trips.
Friday February 19
2 pm Check-in campground: Check in at the gate; tell them you are with Great Outdoors.
3:30 pm - Fun hike nearby. We will adjust the time if needed to accommodate those arriving on Friday and camping for the training. This is a welcome and training hike for attendees. We will discuss and demonstrate the Ten Essentials and safety protocols on the trail. Sunset at 5:39 pm.
6 pm - Meet and Greet at campground; bring something to share. Dinner on your own.
Saturday February 20 - Training class at the Clubhouse.
- 8 am - 12 pm Hike Leader Training
- 1 pm - 5 pm Trip Leader Training
- 5:30 pm Potluck at campground
Sunday February 21
8:30 am -12:00 - Training hike nearby. Participants will be confronted with a variety of situations one may encounter on the trail.
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. This is also a good refresher for hike leaders.
Hike Leader Syllabus
Prerequisites: Must be a Great Outdoors member (click here to join). The course is for anyone interested in becoming a hike 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 qualifications of a hike leader. 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, 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 the Hike Leader training manual (click here) and the Sierra Club video on how to lead a hike (link below).
Please print out and review the applicable review questions prior to the training and bring these with you: HIKE LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS.
Printed manuals available at the training location at no cost to participants. Option to have manual(s) mailed to you upon registration.
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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:
- Create a new trip or update a prior 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.
Pre-Course Assignment: Review the Trip Leader training manual (click here).
Please print out and review the applicable review questions prior to the training and bring these with you: TRIP LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS.
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What to bring: Lunch, water bottle, and mug for hot drinks during the training sessions. If you are taking the Hike Leader course bring a day pack with your ten essentials. If you are tent camping, bring food, camp gear, warm clothing.
Weather: Average: February 65° / 48° O'Neill Regional Park, Trabuco, CA; current: click here
Facilities: Courses will be conducted in the campground Clubhouse with tables, chairs, projector, TV monitor and restrooms.
For more information or if for some reason you must cancel your registration, please contact Beth S., Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here
Suggested Additional Reading and Video:
