Upcoming events

  • SD - Education - Great Outdoors: The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement

    • Sat, October 10, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Virtual Sign Up Here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/oneinstitute/2371870
    • 15 registrants
    Register

    Great Outdoors: The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement

    Saturday Oct. 10th, 2026 at 10am via Zoom 

    In Dedication of Great Outdoors Founder Paul Breton, who passed on Sept 13th, 2026 at 7:05pm PT. Rest in Peace Father Paul.

    "May we all remember him not in sadness due to his passing, but in all of the wonderful memories we were blessed to make with him." -OCLB President Daryl Arthur

    The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement is a presentation by California Great Outdoors journeying through the decades of the queer outdoors recreation movement, with the SoCal outdoors LGBT+ community being at the heart of the movement. Great Outdoors is the longest running queer outdoors organization in the United States with a rich history. We will travel through the decades, starting from when Great Outdoors was ideated in 1977 by founders Greg Carmack and Paul Breton to today’s thriving national and global queer outdoors recreation movement.

    Join Great Outdoors Archivist Tyler Roosden as they set the stage with a historical account of The Beginning of the Queer Outdoors Recreation Movement through the archives of California Great Outdoors, ultimately culminating into a modern Leadership Studies approach to creating queer belonging in community. Our program will discuss themes like culture, technology, pride, recognition, and core values. Specific topics will include leadership training, awards programming, event planning, organizational design, gender equity, language, global pandemics, arts, access, and community collaboration. Our history is highlighted by the stories of BIPOC and queer trail blazers including volunteer-members Patrick McCollum, Darlene Bjork, Mack Gerighty, Dixie Paradise, Greg Carmack, Rowena Muldavin, Paul Breton, and Jamie Charles.

    The virtual presentation, including 30 minute Q&A, will take place on Saturday October 10th from 10:00am to 11:30am PT.

    This project was made possible thanks to the Lambda Archives of San Diego staff and ongoing archival support of ONE Archives at the USC Libraries (California Great Outdoors’ official archives).


    Costs involved: Free! Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/oneinstitute/2371870

    Note: You will not receive the Virtual presentation link until you sign up with the URL above. Signing up for this event will only provide you reminders before the virtual event on 10/10 at 10am PT.

    Who to Contact with Questions: GO Archivist Tyler Roosden at [email protected] 


    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.

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  • SBVC/CORP - 48th All Chapter Conference and Campout

    • Fri, October 16, 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • Sun, October 18, 2026
    • 1:00 PM
    • Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2225 CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
    Register

    ~~Into the Woods with the Great Outdoors~~
    Join Us for the 48th Annual All Chapter Conference
    and Campout Hosted by GO-SBVC

    WHEN: Friday, October 16
    WHERE: Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara
    TIME: Arrive at 3:00 PM


    The Great Outdoors 2026 All-Chapter Conference and Campout
    Hosted by GO-SBVC at the beautiful Cachuma Lake

    Into The Woods with the Great Outdoors—A Weekend Full of Adventure

    Hello and welcome. Our story begins Friday afternoon as we welcome friends from every Great Outdoors chapter to beautiful Lake Cachuma. After settling into camp, join us for a GO-SBVC hosted Tea, a casual opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Dinner is on your own. As the evening falls, we'll gather for a special guest presentation in the spirit of celebrating the good nature of the Great Outdoors.

    Saturday morning we wake to a hearty breakfast provided by GO-SBVC before the day's adventures begin. Great Outdoors Officers and Core Group members will gather for their annual corporate meetings, where the business of our organization is conducted. Anyone interested in learning more about how Great Outdoors operates or seeing the process firsthand is welcome to attend.

    For those not attending the meetings there are several ways to enjoy the day. Local GO-SBVC members will lead you on a scenic guided hike through the beautiful Lake Cachuma area or guide you through an excursion into the nearby Santa Ynez Valley wine country. If you'd rather explore on your own you can visit the beautiful new Chumash Museum and Cultural Center to learn about the rich heritage of the area's original inhabitants or try your luck at the nearby Chumash Casino Resort, both just a short drive away.


    Saturday afternoon brings a little friendly competition as the chapters square off in our spirited Horseshoe Tournament. Whether you're aiming for a perfect ringer or simply cheering from the sidelines, it's all about fun, laughter, and chapter pride.

    As evening falls, we'll gather once again for one of the weekend's highlights—a fantastic GO-SBVC provided Loaded Baked Potato & Salad Bar accompanied by the Bring & Cook Your Own Meat on the BBQ. We've got two large BBQ grills and we'll be there to help for those unsure around the grill-just be sure and bring your meat. Enjoy a delicious meal while sharing stories around the campground before celebrating together at our annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing the volunteers and chapters that help make Great Outdoors thrive.

    Then, as every good fairy tale deserves a musical ending, we'll enjoy a special live musical presentation to include audience participation. Raise your voice around the campfire as we celebrate another memorable year together.

    Before everyone heads home on Sunday morning, we'll share a GO-SBVC provided continental breakfast, exchange hugs and goodbyes, and bid farewell until our paths cross again on another trail.

    No magic beans are required—just your sense of adventure. We can't wait to welcome you Into the Woods with the Great Outdoors!

     

    We have 6 RV spaces available (no hookups) for our RV travelers, along with parking space for 24 vehicles. RV spaces do not include a towed vehicle and there are no hookups. Whether you're driving, riding along as a passenger, a guest, or simply want to join for part of the weekend adventures, we welcome you to register in advance so that you can be a part of our 2026 All Chapter Conference and Campout.

    If you are an RV traveler and require hookups there may be available sites, but you will need to check with the park https://www.countyofsb.org/cachuma-lake.

    We have reserved the Lanford Memorial Grove Group Campsite at the north end of the park.

    Link to camp map https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/499e2bb7-b3bb-4a3e-a635-cd4cd5aec544

    Everyone attending must be a member and register for the conference. Not a Great Outdoors Member yet? No problem. Join Here: https://greatoutdoors.org/join

    Don't forget your 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here.

    Tentative ITINERARY

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
    3:00 PM    Arrive and check in 3 o'clock and after
    5:30 PM    Meet-n-Greet w/ Afternoon Tea
        Introduction to Corp Board and a word from OE
    6:30 PM    Bring Your Own Dinner
    7:30 PM    Entertainment Event

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
    8:00 AM    SBVC Hosted Breakfast
    9:00 AM    Business Meetings (see schedule below)
     TBA           Hike
     TBA           Bring Your Own Lunch
     TBA           Wine Tasting Trip
     TBA           Horseshoe Contest
     TBA           Happy Hour
    5:30 PM    SBVC Hosted Dinner
    6:30 PM    Awards Ceremony
    8:00 PM    Entertainment

    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
    8:00 AM    SBVC Hosted Continental Breakfast
    1:00 PM    Clean-up, pack and depart

    Approximate SATURDAY BUSINESS MEETING SCHEDULE
    9:00-11:00     Outgoing Board Meeting, Standing Committee Chairs and Chapter Reports, Elections Meeting
    11:00-11:30    Incoming Board Meeting, scheduling next year’s board meetings    
    11:30-12:30    All-Chapter Outings Calendar & Trip Planning    

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  • CORP - Outdoors Experience - Hike Leader - Trip Leader -- SAVE THE DATE

    • Fri, February 19, 2027
    • 1:00 PM
    • Sun, February 21, 2027
    • 12:00 PM
    • O'Neil Regional Park, Trabuco, CA

    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:

        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

        © 1981 - 2026 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved.  Privacy policy



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      You may filter your Santa Barbara/Ventura County (SBVC) Chapter event selections by clicking on one of these links:
       Hikes - Camping - Backpacking - Day Events  - Social Events - Movie Nights - Meetings - All Events

      To see all the events by the other GO Chapters, click on one of these links:
              Hikes - Camping - Backpacking - Training - Social Events - Meetings - All Events

      If you have any questions for the SBVC Chapter, email us at: [email protected]


      © 1981 - 2026 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., 
      a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policyy