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• PS - Hike / Bike Planning Meeting Apr 3 - NOTE LOCATION

  • When
    Fri, April 03, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    IHOP Restaurant 34199 Monterey Ave, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

  Register

  NOTE LOCATION:  THE IHOP IN PALM SPRINGS HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED, SO WE WILL MEET AT THE IHOP IN RANCHO MIRAGE NEAR HOME DEPOT.

  Hike, bike, and day activities planning meeting. We meet in the back room for breakfast. We will review the calendar for the next 3 or 4 months and schedule accordingly. 

  If you are unable to attend, you may submit your hike, bike or other event and we will work to get them scheduled. Contact VP of Outings click here. 

  Activities to consider other than hiking and biking are welcome.

  
  

  Check out the listing of hikes in the Santa Rosa National Monument on the Friends of Desert Mountains website:

  https://www.desertmountains.org/trails/
  

  
  

  
  

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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

  © 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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• PS - Monthly Membership Meeting

  • When
    Tue, April 28, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online using Zoom

  
  

  

  
  

  PLEASE NOTE: This PS Monthly Membership Meeting is held Online Using Zoom ONLY

  GOPS Monthly Core Group Meetings are usually held on the fourth Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 pm, subject to change due to holidays and conflicting events. Meetings can be attended online via Zoom each month.

  Meetings are held simultaneously in-person in January,  March,  May,  July,  September and November 2023 and via Zoom. In-person meetings are held at the Center, 3rd floor Meeting Room 3, 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA.

  Meetings are held only via Zoom in February, April, June, August, October and December.

  Check the event registration details for the date and the particulars of the meeting.

  GOPS members can attend by registering for the meeting. For best results in attending via Zoom, plan to use a computer or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone. Information on how to enter the Zoom meeting will be provided to registrants in their Confirmation and Reminder emails.

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• SD - Social - Out At The Park (Padres Vs White Sox)

  • When
    Fri, May 01, 2026
  •  
    4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Spaces left
    13
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  Join Great Outdoors San Diego at Out At The Park!  

  Registration includes a ticket to the game and a free Padres Pride Hat and a donation to San Diego Pride!

  

  It's that time again! Let's help the Padres and the San Diego Pride community celebrate Out at The Park at Petco Park on Friday, May 1st at 6:40pm. Tickets are $60 and will be in sections 228/230. If you arrive early they offer a pregame happy hour at Gallagher Square with CocktailFest from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

  Here are a couple fun facts about the San Diego Padres that you might not know credit to https://www.mlb.com/padres/history

  The San Diego Padres founded their own hall of fame in 1999:
  

  Since 1999, 14 legendary individuals have been inducted into the San Diego Padre’s hall of fame. Some key examples of which include Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, Randy Jones, Ted Williams and Kevin Towers.
  
  They joined the MLB in 1969. 
  
  Prior to 1969, the San Diego Padres were a minor league team. However, in 1969 the Padres were chosen along three other minor league teams to join the MLB.hey joined the MLB in 1969:

  Note: If you arrive early they offer a pregame happy hour at Gallagher Square with CocktailFest presented by Southwest Airlines from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

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• SBVC - Duck Creek Campout (Revised)

  • Start
    Wed, August 19, 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, August 23, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Duck Creek, UT
  • Spaces left
    21

  Register

  Ready for an Unforgettable Escape? Come join your GO friends to Southern Utah!       -Updated ticket costs-                 

  Tired of the daily grind? Then it’s time to trade traffic for towering trees and spreadsheets for starry skies! Join your Great Outdoors friends on a five-day, four-night camping adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Utah! 

  We’ll be setting up camp at Duck Creek Campground, a peaceful hideaway nestled in the Dixie National Forest near Cedar City—just 450 miles east of LA. You’ll be surrounded by groves of aspen and Douglas fir, with ancient ponderosa pines (some over 500 years old!) standing tall all around you. 

  There are hiking trails right from camp,Duck Creek Pond and Navajo lake nearby if you feel like casting a line, renting a boat or just kicking back. One day, we’ll hit the trails at Cedar Breaks National Monument—a jaw-dropping natural amphitheater—on a scenic hike along the South Rim Trail (note: there’s a $15–$25 fee per vehicle to enter). We’ll also explore the Mammoth Lava Caves, a wild formation from Utah’s volcanic past. 

  And if that’s not enough? Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are just about an hour away. If you forget something or need supplies, Duck Creek Village is just down the road with shops, firewood, and a few local eats. 

  So….Let’s get outside, breathe in that mountain air, and make some memories! 

  Details: 

  We have reserved campsites 087,089, 090(Loop D) 

  We are allowed one vehicle per site, however there is overflow parking which is about ¼ mile away at the visitor’s center. We may be able to park a few more vehicles at the campsite but that will be figured out when you get there. There is a fee for overflow vehicles in camp which the driver will be reimbursed. 

  Sorry because of the limited space, this is tent camping only. 

  There are no showers so bring your solar shower, however, Pine Wood resorts, which is in Duck Creek Village,offer showers if availability permits, $10/person. 

  Campground amenities include flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and potable water. 

  Make sure to bring firewood and buy it locally as they are discouraging firewood brought in from outside the area due to exotic pest infestation. 

  For more info about duck Creek Campground go to:  

  Duck Creek, Dixie National Forest - Recreation.gov 

   

  Registration $85 for driver, $70 for Passenger, tent camping only

  Registration by credit card only 

  Each camp site is allowed one vehicle per site, (we probably can squeeze a few more in) but overflow parking is available at the visitor’s center, and carpooling is highly encouraged to limit the number of vehicles.  Let the trip leader know if you have room to share in your vehicle. 

  Itinerary: 

  Wednesday Aug. 19^th: Arrival AFTER 2pm. Meet and Greet tea and other yummies! Feel free to share your favorite finger food and/or beverage if you so desire, GO will be providing drinks and snacks as well.  BYOB. Dinner on your own. Campfire gathering 

  Thursday Aug. 20^th: Breakfast on your own. Explore local trails around the area, TBD at the site. Lunch on your own, more exploring, Potluck dinner!  Prepare your favorite dish for 4 to 6 people.  Campfire gathering 

  Friday Aug 21^th:Breakfast on your own then drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument (carpooling to be figured out) Pack a lunch. Taking the5-mile South Rim trail which offers spectacular views, a moderately strenuous hike but well worth it! Have plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes and sunscreen! Dinner at a nearby restaurant. (Paesano’s Pizzeria or Aunt Sues Chalet) Return for our Campfire gathering. 

  Saturday Aug 22^th:Breakfast on your own, visit Navajo Lake, maybe rent a boat or walk around the lake, more exploring TBD. Have lunch in Duck Creek Village. Dinner on your own, relax, take in the beauty, campfire gathering. 

  Sunday Aug 13^th: Our last day!  Breakfast on your own, pack up and head out and prepare for your next GO adventure! 

  Note: This itinerary is subject to change as weather, moods and circumstances permit! 

  Refund Policy: Cancel on or before August 10th you will receive a refund minus a $10 processing fee. Sorry but no refunds will be issued after that date. 

  Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel. 

  

  This event is limited to GO members only.  When you register, you’ll need to have your credit card ready and pay your registration fee within 15 minutes.  If you’re not a member, you can first join as a member online and then return to register for the event.  We’d love to have you join!! 

  Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash. 

  Weather this time of year is usually pleasantly warm and breezy (low 80’s high 70’s) Very slight chance of rain but it has been known that an occasional thunderstorm can pass through now and again, so be prepared! 

  Bring your 10 essentials, camping and cooking gear, food and a bundle or two or three of firewood. (We can always go down the road to buy more) 

  Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat and comfortable hiking shoes highly recommended! 

  Additional e-mails will be sent out with more details, changes and other pertinent info as the date of the trip nears. 

  
  Your Trip Leader, Brian Miller: Duck Creek, UT (circa 1963)
  [email protected] 

   

   

  
  

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• SBVC - Flying Club / Primetimers BBQ - SAVE THE DATE

  • When
    Sat, September 12, 2026
  • Location
    5986 Sandspit Road, Goleta, CA 93117

  Flying Club / Primetimers BBQ

  Fire up the grill, let's make some noise,
  Burgers, dogs, and happy joys!
  Good food, good friends, a perfect day,
  Come hang with us, don't delay! 

  
  WHEN: Sept 12, 2026 @ TBD
  
  WHERE: Goleta Beach Park
  
  *Registration is not open at this time. More info to follow...*

  
  

  
  

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• SBVC - Lake Lopez: AG Harvest Festival - SAVE THE DATE

  • Start
    Thu, September 24, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, September 27, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    6800 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

  Lake Lopez - Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival
  
  The Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival is a local favorite event that features everything from entertainment to food, scarecrow and baking contests, games for the kids, movie night, and so much more! This family-friendly event highlights the best of Arroyo Grande and its neighboring communities.  
  
  When: Sept 24 - 27, 2026 @ TBD
  
  *Registration is not open yet at this time. More info to follow...*

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

  • Start
    Fri, October 16, 2026
  • End
    Sun, October 18, 2026
  • Location
    TBA

  *** SAVE THE DATE ***

  Hello GO!

  Please make sure that you mark your calendars for the
  48th All Chapter Conference and Campout
  Hosted by GO-SBVC

  Dates
  Friday, October 16 thru Sunday, October 18, 2026
  Location
  TBA

  
  

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