PS - Outreach - Palm Springs Pride Parade (Sun, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

PALM SPRINGS PRIDE PARADE!

COME MARCH WITH US!

Great Outdoors members will participate in the annual Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Our group includes a marching unit and a fleet of decorated Jeeps. Register and join in the celebration!

Sunday, November 8 - Pride Parade and Festival

8:00 AM - Check-in and staging for Pride Parade vehicles (Our group is probably located about N. Palm Canyon at Stevens Road). Jeep drivers, don't forget your checklist and fire extinguishers.
9:30 to 10:30 AM - Marcher unit will assemble alongside and behind Jeeps. Marching assignments and instructions will be given at that time. No need to arrive much before 9:30 am, as the parade is slow to begin.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Pride Parade, followed by Festival downtown

Notes: ALL CHAPTERS are invited to participate! Members of other chapters are encouraged to register and take part in the parade! Purchase a Pride T-shirt here (still available in M, L and XL sizes) or wear your chapter t-shirt and dress pride festive.

Walkers are encouraged to wear hiking or backpacking gear (shorts, knapsacks, hiking boots or hiking shoes, hats, water bottles, etc.).
Bring a hat and sunscreen! It can be very sunny during the Parade, with very little shade along the route or in the staging area.
If you have questions, please contact David McFadden Outreach Coordinator drmcfadden@aol.com

SBVC - Monthly Meeting November 2026 (Wed, November 11, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Great Outdoors SBVC

Come celebrate with us!
We had an amazing conference
and this next year is shaping up.

Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
@ Pepe's in Goleta

Old Town Goleta
254 Orange Av

Parking is free in the restaurant lot or across the street
Please RSVP and we'll save you a seat
We meet in the back private dining area next to patio
Pepe's could limit the total number of separate checks

Find your people, build lasting connections,
and explore together through shared adventures,
outdoor experiences, and a welcoming community.

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner (Limited Space Available) (Sat, November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner
Saturday, November 21
At Claude’s House
1:00 PM Social
2:00 PM Sit down Meal

Claude is hosting a pre-Thanksgiving Dinner
for the Prime Timers and Great Outdoors

This is a limited space event
Registration fills once the combined guest list reaches 40
Please register ASAP if you are interested in going
(Registration here may not guarantee a seat.
I will confirm all spots once the limit is reached.)

Great Outdoors to bring drinks, appetizers, and desserts.
PTCC members bring sides to complement turkey and ham dinner.

Thank you,
Chris C
805.280.2016

CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike Leader - Trip Leader (Fri, February 19, 2027)

Fri, 19 Feb 2027 22:00:00 GMT

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.

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

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.

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

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:

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

OCLB/CORP - 49th All Chapter Conference and Campout (Fri, October 15, 2027)

Fri, 15 Oct 2027 22:00:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE

2027 ALL CHAPTER CONFERENCE AND CAMPOUT

Sponsored by OC/LB Chapter

Details to be supplied

Great Outdoors upcoming events

PS - Outreach - Palm Springs Pride Parade (Sun, November 08, 2026)

SBVC - Monthly Meeting November 2026 (Wed, November 11, 2026)

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner (Limited Space Available) (Sat, November 21, 2026)

CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike Leader - Trip Leader (Fri, February 19, 2027)

OCLB/CORP - 49th All Chapter Conference and Campout (Fri, October 15, 2027)