Great Outdoors upcoming events

SBVC -Jalama Beach Camp Ground (Thu, September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxing getaway to one of California's most spectacular coastal campgrounds!

Nestled along the rugged shoreline about an hour west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach offers a rare opportunity to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Central Coast. Early September is one of the best times to visit. The summer crowds have begun to thin, while the days remain warm and sunny with cool, comfortable evenings perfect for gathering around a campfire. Wake up to the sound of crashing waves, take a leisurely stroll along miles of sandy beach, search for shells and driftwood, or simply sit back and watch pelicans, dolphins, and perhaps even migrating whales offshore.

No visit to Jalama is complete without trying the legendary Jalama Burger at the campground's beachfront store and grill—a favorite among campers and day visitors alike. The camp store also carries groceries, camping essentials, ice, firewood, and other necessities, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. Evenings are magical at Jalama. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, the sky often explodes into brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple before giving way to a canopy of stars rarely seen from the city. It's the perfect setting for happy hour, shared meals, campfire stories, and great conversation with your Great Outdoor friends old and new. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude, outdoor adventure, or simply a weekend of good company in an unforgettable setting, Jalama Beach is the perfect destination. Pack your camping gear, bring your favorite beach chair, and come enjoy one of California's hidden coastal treasures with us!

Cost: $100 for drivers or $80 for passengers.

Campout start time: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 -check-in 3 pm, check-out Mon. Sept. 7, 11:00 AM. Duration: 4 nights, 5 days.

Location: Jalama State Beach, 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436.

Star Fish Group Site.

Special Note: Jalama Beach is about 20 miles South of Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), which is where most, if not all west coast rocket launches take place. (90% SpaceX) There is the possibility one could launch during our camp out! -Its averaging 3/month! You can refer to rocket launch schedule times and what actions we may need to take at this link:

Vandenberg SFB - Space Launch Schedule

Itinerary:

Thursday, Sept. 3

3:00 PM - Check-in NOTE: we are limited to 8 vehicles -no overflow parking, sorry no RV's, carpooling is required!
5:30 PM - Meet and greet, bring something to share,BYOB, dinner on your own
7:00 PM - Group Camp Fire -Star Gazing

Friday, Sept. 4

Breakfast on your own,
Beach walk/hike explore the amazing area.
Lunch at Jalama Burger or on your own
Relax, enjoy the surf!
6:00 PM Dinner on your own
Group Camp fire

Saturday, Sept. 5

Beach hike more exploring
Road trip, possible visit to Lompoc's famous 'Wine Ghetto'
6:00 PM potluck, practice your culinary skills!
7:30 PM group fire

Sunday, Sept. 6

Breakfast on your own -FYI Jalama Burger serves great coffee and donuts!
Day trip Picnic to historic La Purisima Mission
Dinner on our own (maybe a local eatery?)
7:30 Group Fire

Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day)

Another stroll on the beach, contemplate the meaning of life, have a sip of your favorite morning drink
Pack-up 11:00 am check out and return to reality!

The groups site includes (4) picnic tables, (1) prep table, (2) 30-amp RV pedestals -25 yards from the restrooms. Hot showers and flush toilets are nearby.

We are limited to only 8 vehicles with no overflow parking. Each 'tent first person' registration includes parking for 1 vehicle, the second or third person etc. registered with you must arrive in same vehicle. Due to the parking limit, because of this limitation, sorry no RV's.

You must be a paid GO member to register. If you are not a GO member, visit our Join page, click here, and sign up as a member and then return here to register for this event.

Refund Policy: Full refund if cancellation is prior to 20 days (August 14) before the event. 50% refund 10 days (August 24) No refund after that.

Any questions contact trip Leaders:

Justin or Brian

SD - Pickleball on Coronado (Sun, September 27, 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!

Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

Ready for some light-hearted pickleball fun? Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) and Rainbow Picklers team up every other Sunday for a friendly morning of play. All skill levels welcome—newbies included! Just bring a paddle, water, and sunscreen.

Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

Cost: $8 per person to play
Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

How to RSVP

Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

We hope to see you on the courts!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations, including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

SD - Pickleball on Coronado (Sun, October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!

Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

Cost: $8 per person to play
Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

How to RSVP

Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

We hope to see you on the courts!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Pickleball on Coronado (Sun, October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!

Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

Cost: $8 per person to play
Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

How to RSVP

Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

We hope to see you on the courts!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Pickleball on Coronado (Sun, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!

Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

Cost: $8 per person to play
Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

How to RSVP

Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

We hope to see you on the courts!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Pickleball on Coronado (Sun, November 22, 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!

Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

Cost: $8 per person to play
Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

How to RSVP

Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

We hope to see you on the courts!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Pickleball on Coronado (Sun, December 06, 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!

Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

Cost: $8 per person to play
Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

How to RSVP

Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

We hope to see you on the courts!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Pickleball on Coronado (Sun, December 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

San Diego Outdoor Pickleball!

Join Us for Pickleball on Coronado!

Date & Time: Every other Sunday 10:00–11:50am
Location: Pickleball courts at the Coronado Marriott Wellness Center (just inside the main entrance, to the right)

Cost: $8 per person to play
Parking: Free street parking – or $5 on-site for 2.5 hours with validation at the Wellness Center

How to RSVP

Register here through the GOSD event page.
Download the “Spond” app: https://www.spond.com/en-us/
Use the Rainbow Picklers Group Link to request access to the group: https://spond.com/invite/TYFKT
One of the group admins will approve your request. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
RSVP for each game via the Spond app. (Registration closes at 9am Friday before each Sunday game so we can secure the right number of courts. Late cancellations or no-shows are still responsible for the $8 court fee.)

We hope to see you on the courts!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

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

Fri, 19 Feb 2027 21:00:00 GMT

OUTDOORS EXPERIENCE

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

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 outing.)

* Money paid for personal copies of the training manuals will be refunded upon successful completion of the course.

The next Outdoor Experience Training is the second weekend in April at O'Neil Reginal Park in Trabuco, California. 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 April 10

1 pm Check-in campground: Check in at the Office; 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 7:13 pm.

6 pm -- Meet and Greet at campground; Bring something to share. Dinner on your own.

Saturday April 11 - 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 April 12

8:30 am -12:00 - Training hike nearby where participants will be confronted with a variety of situations that 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, basic 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

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 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.

Course Length/Hours: 4 hours.

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

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 77° / 47° Joshua Tree, CA: current: click here

Facilities: Courses will be conducted in the campground Clubhouse with tables, chairs, projector, TV monitor and restrooms.

Overnight accommodations:

Camping at Joshua Tree RV & Campground: 8 tent sites (20 x 30 pads) that can accommodate 2 tents per site. If needed, 2 RV sites that can accommodate 2 tents per site.

Motels located nearby: Safari Motor Inn and Casa De Frank

More information:

Beth Schneider, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here

Course Preparation: You are encouraged to review the Outdoor Experience Training Manuals and material at the following link ahead of time. Please print out and review the applicable review questions below prior to the training.

Link to Training Resources: 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

Print and complete the following review questions and bring them with you:

HIKE LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS with Page Ref 2022.08.05.pdf.

TRIP LEADER REVIEW QUESTIONS with Page Ref 2022.08.05.pdf