Chapter Outings 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: Spring – Saturday, April 11, 2026 | Fall 2026 – TBD
If you are interested in leading for the Sierra Club and becoming a Level 1 Chapter Outings Leader (lead hikes and car camps), here’s what you need to do:
- Have been on at least four Sierra Club outings.
- Be a Sierra Club member.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Attend the Level 1 Chapter Outing Leader training class.
- Obtain a Standard First Aid certificate before proceeding to step six.
- 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. This is an in-person training covering practices, policies, group management, and publicity.
Applications accepted until April 1, 2026 for spring training. Applicants will be notified by April 11th.
Chapter Outings Leader 2 Training
Date: Spring – Thursday, April 9 (6:30-8:30 pm) AND Sat & Sun, April 25 & 26, 2026 | Fall 2026 – TBD
To lead backpack trips for the Sierra Club or the Wilderness Basics Course, COL 2 training is required. Criteria:
- Be a COL 1 with all certifications current.
- Have led at least 4 COL I trips.
- Have graduated from the Wilderness Basics Course or equivalent.
- Attend the COL 2 Leader Training.
- Have a current Wilderness First Aid Certificate.
- Plan, publish and execute 1 evaluation backpack outing within 2 years.
This includes a pre-trip meeting and a weekend of learning advanced techniques during a weekend backpack outing.
Applications accepted until March 20, 2026. Applicants will be notified by March 26, 2026.
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, A-B-CPR and First Aid Training.
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 through Kevin Opheim (619-300-4219) or Kit Fox Outfitters. Both offer a discount for Sierra Club Leaders.
Please note: There must be a hands-on component to your initial first aid training.