Leader Training

Leader Training is offered two times a year by the main chapter of the Sierra Club San Diego. The mission of the Sierra Club is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. The mission of the Outings Program is to share our passion of the outdoors with others and show them all the greatness that our outdoors has to offer through hiking, camping and backpacking. If this sounds like you, we welcome you to apply to become a Chapter Outings Leader (COL).

If you have any questions after reviewing the information below, please contact Stefanie Maio via email at: sd.col.training@gmail.com or Kelly Conrad at ncg.col.training@gmail.com.

Chapter Outings Leader I Training
Dates: Saturday, April 20, 2024 OR Saturday, October 19, 2024

If you would be interesting in leading for the Sierra Club and become a Level 1 Chapter Outings Leader (lead hikes and car camps), here’s what you need to do:

1. Have been on at least four Sierra Club outings.
2. Be a Sierra Club member.
3. Be at least 18 years of age.
4. Attend the Level 1 Chapter Outing Leader training class.
5. Obtain a Standard First Aid certificate before proceeding to step six.
6. Plan, publish and execute 2 evaluation outings one year from the date of your training .

The COL 1 Training sessions will be held in Spring and Fall each year. You will get classroom training on COL practices and policies, group management, how to publicize your outing and well as outdoor training to review the classroom training through scenarios.

Class size is limited. Please submit the application through the link below.

Applications will be accepted until April 5, 2024 for the spring training and October 4, 2024 for the fall training. Applicants will be notified by April 13, 2024 and October 12, 2024 respectively.

Chapter Outings Leader 2 Training
Date: Sunday, April 21, 2024 OR Sunday, October 20, 2024

Would you like to lead backpack trips for the Sierra Club or the Wilderness Basics Course? To do so, leaders are required to take COL 2 training. COL 2 training is offered twice a year. To sign up for this training, you must meet the first 3 criteria:

  1. Be a COL 1 with all certifications current.
  2. Have led at least 4 Type I trips (this includes your two COL 1 evaluations).
  3. Have graduated from the Wilderness Basics Course or its equivalent.
  4. Have a current Wilderness First Aid Certificate by the time of the evaluation backpack.
  5. Plan, publish and execute 1 evaluation backpack outing within 2 years of taking the training

The class will be a fun day learning advanced leader techniques for planning and executing wilderness backpacking trips, plus a nice hike in Mission Trails Park!

Space is limited. Please submit your application through the link below.
Applications will be accepted until April 5, 2024 for the spring training and October 4, 2024 for the fall training. Applicants will be notified by April 13, 2024 and October 12, 2024 respectively..

First Aid Certification

If you are looking to take or update your first aid certification, basic first aid courses are offered through a variety of places including the Red Cross. If you are considering doing both your COL 1 and COL 2 within two years, you may want to consider taking a Wilderness First Aid Course like one that is offered through Kevin Opheim or through Kit Fox Outfitters. Please note that there must be a hands-on component to your initial first aid training.