Outdoor Experience Training

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• PS - 4x4 BERDOO CANYON- TRAINING & SAFETY COURSE

  • When
    Sun, April 05, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Joshua Tree Park
  • Registered
    6 registrants

  Register

  Berdoo Canyon offers a variety of trail conditions for 4x4 off road training. We will discuss and demonstrate off road techniques, safety, and equipment recommendations. You will have an opportunity to practice tire placement for obstacles and a variety of driving tips and techniques.

  Topics include:

  • Driving Safety Tips
  • Recovery Straps and Tow Straps 
  • Lockers and Sway Bar Disconnect 
  • Spotting Techniques 
  • Basic commands/signals 
  • Approach, Break-Over, and Departure Angles 
  • Backcountry Driving Tips 
  • Trail Etiquette 
  • Equipment Recommendations 

  View the Training Manual 4x4 Off Road Driving: Click Here

  Berdoo Canyon is about 27 miles from Dillon Rd to Park Ave. in Joshua Tree Park., rated Moderate, suitable for stock vehicles. Bring water, lunch and/or snacks. Maybe lunch in Yucca Valley.

  Meeting Location:

  8:00 AM - PetSmart, Ramon/Crossley, Palm Springs - Map 

  Or 8:30 AM Berdoo Canyon at Dillon Rd. Map 33.800132, -116.184839 

  
  

  Drivers are welcome to bring passengers.  GO does not arrange rideshares. If any drivers wish to offer a passenger seat, you may so indicate. 
  

  Contact Trip Leaders:  Scott Connelly, Joey D., Cliff C. 

  Here are some of the subjects we will cover:

  Equipment Recommendations 

  1. Reliable 4WD vehicle with 2 speed transfer case 

  2. Trail rated tires, tire patch kit with plug

  3. Radio communication.

  4. Tow attachment points - front and rear

  5. Recovery/Tow strap(s)

  6. Fire extinguisher

  7. Spare tire, changing tools, jack capable of lifting your 4X4. (Preferably not a high lift jack).  If your vehicle has been lifted, the OEM jack is no longer tall enough to change a tire, carry blocks, or consider a 2-stage bottle jack (18”)

  8. First aid kit

  9. Tire deflator

  10. Air compressor or CO2 tank

  11. Checklists - ArriveAlive

  
  

  Health Problems/Allergies:  Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the trip.
  

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• CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike Leader - Trip Leader

  • Start
    Fri, April 10, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, April 12, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Joshua Tree RV & Campground; 6225 Sunburst Street; Joshua Tree, CA

  Register

  

  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 Joshua Tree RV & Campground in Joshua Tree, California just outside the West Entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park .  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:
  

  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

  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

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