CORP - TRIP LEADER Virtual Workshop - Outdoors Experience

Great Outdoors Trip Leader Virtual Workshop

Location: Zoom (link will be provided upon RSVP)

Who Should Attend:
All are welcome! Whether you're a seasoned trip leader looking for a refresher or someone interested in becoming a trip leader for the first time, this session is designed for you. Anyone who  wants to build skills for leading safe, enjoyable group events will benefit.

• Quick Check-in & Expectations
• • Briefly review poll results.
  • "What's one topic you're hoping to refresh on or get clarity on today?" (Enter your responses in chat).

II. Core Trip Planning & Logistics Refresher (45 minutes)

Review of GO's Trip Planning Process.

Prepare for All Chapter Conference in October. Set up a Trip Planning meeting with your Chapter.

Comprehensive Trip Planning (40 minutes)

• 10 min: Defining Your Trip Profile & Location
• • Defining Trip Profile (target audience, activity level, trip type).
  • Campground Identification and Considerations (amenities, group size, local regulations).
  • Discussion Point: What's one key consideration for choosing a campground in Southern California?
• 10 min: Scouting for Success
• • Importance of Scouting (why it's crucial for safety and success).
  • Key elements of a Scouting Checklist.
  • Discussion Point: Share a quick tip or a lesson learned from a recent scouting trip.
• 10 min: Financial Fundamentals
• • Finances and Budget (overview of common Expenses).
  • Registration Fees (Ticket Type) - setting appropriate fees and what they cover.
  • Key Reminder: GO's financial policies, especially for trips over $1,000 or international trips (no direct collection of payments by leaders).
• 10 min: Reservations & Logistics
• • Making Reservations (process, timing, securing group sites).
  • Discussion Point: Any recent changes or challenges with making group reservations?

III. Communicating & Promoting Your Trip (20 minutes)

• 10 min: Crafting Effective Trip Notes & Resources
• • Importance of clear, comprehensive Trip Notes (GO standards, what must be included).
  • Including essential References: Maps, Books, Websites.
  • Discussion Point: What's one piece of information you always ensure is in your trip notes?
• 10 min: Cancellations, Refunds & Promotion
• • Review GO's Cancellations & Refunds policy.
  • Brief overview of Event Posting on GO Website (WA) - registration setup.
  • Effective Promotion strategies for your trip.

IV. Leading Your Trip & On-Site Management (40 minutes)

• 10 min: Pre-Trip & Arrival Logistics
• • Essential Pre-trip emails to participants (final details, reminders).
  • Leader's Pre-trip preparation (gear, documents, final checks).
  • Arriving at camp and efficient Set up of the camp area.
• 15 min: Camp Management & Group Engagement
• • Effective Camp management (rules, logistics, assigning basic participant roles). Extra parking, group site gathering location
  • Meet and greet tips (fostering community, setting expectations).
  • Potluck tips (organization, managing dietary needs).
  • Identifying and organizing camp activities, hikes, road trips, museums.
  • Discussion Point: Your best tip for creating a positive camp atmosphere.
• 15 min: On-Site Risk Management & Safety
• • Brief review of common on-site risks and mitigation:
  • • Camp safety (fire safety, proper food storage, tent placement).
    • Environmental hazards (heat/cold exposure, sun protection, water sources).
    • Wildlife awareness at camp (bears, raccoons, snakes).
    • Basic first aid kit availability and knowing when to escalate.
  • Emphasis on the leader's role in continuous monitoring of group well-being and making real-time safety decisions.
  • Quick reminder of emergency contact procedures and communication strategies in remote areas.
  • Quick Scenario: A participant feels unwell at camp – what's your immediate action? (Brief, quick answers in chat or verbal).

V. Post-Trip & Wrap-up (10 minutes)

• 5 min: After Your Trip
• • Post-trip follow-up with participants (photo sharing, feedback requests).
  • Financial reconciliation and submitting trip reports.
• 5 min:  Conclusion: Open Q&A & Resources
• • Open Q&A (brief, final questions).
  • Highlight key GO resources for Trip Leaders (online manuals,, forms, emergency contacts, committee contacts).

• Contact : Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here