National Outings Training Trip - Desert Backpacking

We are no longer accepting any new National Outings Training Trip registrations since Home School has already started. If you are interested in leading National Outings, do review the Become a Leader page and submit your leadership application for review.

Welcome

The National Outings Training Trip is designed to train new leaders in the trip planning and leadership skills necessary to lead safe, happy, and inspiring Sierra Club National Outings. The training lasts for approximately six months. During the first five months, each trainee designs, plans, and submits his/her own National Outing and then develops a meal plan and practices screening participants for that trip. This work is done by the trainee at home and under the guidance of a mentor. The training then culminates in five days of hands-on training in the field under the direction of several trainers.

This website provides a picture of what this training is about, who should apply, what to expect, plus lots more. In applying for this trip, you will be putting yourself in the company of a dedicated group of volunteer leaders offering some of the best outings in the world. There’s a lot of information here. Please read it in detail to assess whether this training is right for you. 

The Training

The home phase of the training will be conducted from October 15, 2017 – April 15, 2018. 

The hands-on field training will be conducted May 1-6, 2018 in the Galiuros, a 2 ½-hour drive northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The mountains rise more than 4,000 feet above the surrounding valleys and reach over 7,500 feet. Giant saguaro cactus forests form the Sonoran Desert apron around these mountains, huge Arizona cypress trees stud the lush valleys, and towering Douglas firs drape the high country. The biologically important and sensitive San Pedro River riparian area cuts through a nearby valley. Due to the number of different life zones in the mountains, valleys, and riparian areas, there is a huge variety of plants and animals, including the rarely spotted jaguar.

The Galiuros are a great place to learn how to become a Sierra Club leader and are especially great for learning or honing desert backpacking skills. We will start at Deer Creek and cross some beautiful high desert on good but confusing trails with some fine views before entering a fairly dense forest as we ascend 2,000 feet toward Kennedy Peak, the second highest in the range.  The next day we will descend about 1,800 feet on a rocky trail through an interesting mix of desert and riparian vegetation to Rattlesnake Canyon, a valley that runs between the eastern and western ridges of the Galiuros.  We then will hike on a good and easy trail through tall Ponderosa pines in Rattlesnake Canyon to a camp near a spring.  The following day we will hike for a few miles in the lovely Rattlesnake Canyon with some intriguing pioneer remains before ascending 1,800 feet to the crest of the eastern ridge of the Galiuros.  Closing our loop, we will descend 2,000 feet to Deer Creek and our vehicles.  We will average 5-7 miles each day, allowing time to enjoy backpacking but also leaving plenty of time for training.

Enroll in the Class of 2018 and join hundreds of other Sierra Club leaders in a 100-year tradition, started by John Muir, to lead people into the most beautiful, inspirational mountains, forests, and deserts in the country to encourage stewardship of these special places. In addition, the friends you’ll make in the Class of 2018 will last for years and be a frequent source of support as you continue your leadership journey.

Requirements to Participate

1. Have the interest and ability to lead a National Outing at least once every other year, but ideally at least once a year.
2. Register and pay for this training.
3. Fill out and submit an online National Outings Leadership Application.
4. Participate in interviews with the National Outings Volunteer Interviewer, Sponsoring Subcommittee Chair (or designee), and the leader of the field trip to be accepted to the training.
5. Ideally have previously participated on a National Outing. This is not a requirement, but is strongly recommended. Prior multi-day group outings experience may also be acceptable.
6. Possess the ability to use a computer and the internet on a regular basis to complete Home School, the homework phase of the training. The homework phase of the training takes 40-60 hours of time in the five months leading up to the field training. Trainees will learn how to use the Sierra Club's Outings Extranet, the National Outings Training Trip Google Site, and the online National Outings Trip Submission System, and they are expected to become proficient in the use of these three systems.
7. Have the interest and ability to work closely with their Home School Mentor in a professional and timely fashion.
8. Have the ability to backpack up to eight miles per day over rough terrain with a 35-pound backpack.

Goal of the Training Trip

This training trip is designed to teach the leadership and technical skills you will need to propose, plan, and conduct a National Outing with the field section concentrating on practical field skills. The skills you learn during this trip will apply equally for the different types of National and International Outings that you may choose to lead: backpack, lodge, basecamp, water trips, or multi-sport trips. During the training, trainees will:

• Design and submit (using the National Outings Trip Submission System) an engaging and fiscally realistic outing that furthers the conservation mission of the Sierra Club.
• Write an engaging brochure that will effectively sell the trip.
• Plan an appetizing and accommodating menu.
• Conduct pre-trip interviews with mock sign-ups and accept appropriate participants for the outing.
• Participate fully in the field section of the training, both as a participant and leader-of- the-day.
• Demonstrate safety awareness, sound judgment and decision-making as part of the leader-of-the-day team.
• Demonstrate professional communication skills and maintain professional working relationships with home school mentor, field trainers, fellow trainees and leader-of- the-day leader throughout all of NOTT (home school and field training).
• Demonstrate the ability to manage all logistical aspects of a full day on a backpacking trip. This includes Leave No Trace, route finding, hazard assessment, and group energy level assessment, etc.

About National Outings

With more than 100 years of wilderness travel experience, and as a part of the largest grassroots conservation organization in the country, Sierra Club Outings offers more than 350 trips annually to unique destinations around the world. We aim to provide a variety of quality outdoor adventures for people of all ages. Our offerings include adventures in the U.S., Canada, and abroad, including backpacking, base camping, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, rafting, sailing, skiing, snowshoeing, day hiking, service trips, lodge trips, and family vacations; domestic trips are generally 5–10 days in length, while international trips may last up to three weeks. National Outings provides services to about 4,000 participants per year. The 350 trips per year are led by approximately 500 volunteer leaders supported by a small staff in the Outings Department at the Club’s headquarters in Oakland, California. Trips are priced for the program to operate on a long-term, break-even basis.

The Ideal of Being a National Outings Leader: The opportunity to follow John Muir’s example and inspire someone to make huge strides in protecting the natural world. The chance to share a remote, pristine, inspiring spot in the wilderness. At parties, you get to say “Yes, I’m a leader for the world’s oldest, largest and most effective environmental organization: The Sierra Club.”

The Reality of being a National Outings Leader: Actually, these ideals can be the reality. However, the adage “there’s no free ride” is especially true. Becoming a volunteer leader for Sierra Club Outings takes loads of lead time, commitment, and training. For more than 100 years, we’ve been offering wilderness trips, led by dedicated volunteers, to educate people about the need for protection of natural resources, and we’ve developed procedures to ensure our trips are safe and successful. We’re dependent on these volunteers, who are organized into subcommittees that are responsible for all offerings in their geographic area or their type of trip. For example, there are subcommittees for California backpacking, for the Southwest, for Alaska, and for Water trips in the West. There are 18 different committees in all, and many have their own set of special qualifications or requirements for leadership and for approval of proposed outings. While undeniably a lot of work, you’ll find the rewards far exceed your efforts. Our training trip will take you through the process step by step, and give you lots of hands-on experiences and case studies to improve your skills and help you gain confidence.

Upon successful completion, there are additional measures to ensure you’re not thrown into a sink-or-swim situation. You may become a trainee or assistant on a trip and work with an experienced leader who will mentor you and provide answers to your questions about setting up a successful, enjoyable, safe, AND inspirational outing.

Curriculum

We will cover the following curricula:

• Working with the office staff and volunteer leadership
• Trip Planning
• Safety Management
• Participant Welcoming and Pre-Trip Screening
• Interpersonal Leadership Skills
• Group Management
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Wilderness Emergency Management
• Nutrition and Food Planning
• Conservation through Outings
• Cultural History of the area we are travelling in
• Natural History of the area we are travelling in
• Equipment and Clothing Selection
• Health and Sanitation & Hygiene
• Common Medical Problems and Prevention
• Lightening Safety and Preparedness
• Leave No Trace
• Water Purification & How-To
• Weather and Weather Prediction

Home School

Once you have been accepted onto the trip (after registering for the training, submitting an application, and participating in 2-3 interviews), you should begin to complete the homework assignments. There is considerable work to be done before the field section. 

80% of the work is in the planning and preparation and 20% is in the actual field time. The homework phase of the training takes 40-60 hours of time during the 5 months prior to the field trip, with deadlines specifically planned to meet volunteer/staff leadership and Sierra magazine schedules. The training is conducted in the same way you will plan your future National outing:

• Due 5 Months before the Field Trip: Trip Expression of Interest, Title and Copy
  You will work with your Home School Mentor to decide on the overarching trip plan you are considering. Your Home School Mentor will "approve" your outing in the same way that your National Outings Subcommittee Chair would. Additionally, you will craft your trip title and 30-60 word trip copy (for Sierra magazine).

• Due 4 Months before the Field Trip: Trip Budget
  Now you will organize and plan out the actual costs of your trip in addition to finalizing your 30-60 word trip copy. You will submit this information using our online trip submission system and receive your trip budget with feedback from your mentor.

• Due 3 Months before the Field Trip: Trip Brochure
  You will now have the chance to write the online trip brochure (same format as this one) for your trip. Your homework mentor will work with you to refine your drafts.

• Due 2 Months before the Field Trip: Food Planning
  Planning healthy and exciting meals for your mock trip is the most challenging step for most new leaders. You will have the chance to work with your homework mentor to develop and refine your menu, recipe document, and shopping list.

• Due 1 Month before the Field Trip: Participant Welcoming & Pre-Trip Screening
  During this final homework step, you will welcome and screen at least two mock trip participants for your trip and decide whether to accept them or not.

• Due shortly before the Field Trip: Leader of the Day (LOD) Planning
  You will spend time with your LOD partner(s) to discuss how you two will work  together on the field trip during your one day of leadership. This will be guided by a “Getting Acquainted” exercise that many leaders find helpful when working with someone new. Other planning tasks include drafting a Safety Management Plan for your designed trip and planning, buying, packing and bringing food for the group on your LOD day. Upon training completion you will be reimbursed for the food costs in the same way that trip leaders are.

Field Trip

The field trip is an immersion in Sierra Club best practices. Three veteran trainers will guide eight prospective leaders through all aspects of planning, preparing, and leading national outings. Although this is backpacking training, lessons learned are appropriate to all Sierra Club trips. Regardless of the style of Sierra Club trip you want to lead, this trip is for you.

During each of four days in the field, two trainees will be Leaders of the Day, responsible for all aspects of the day, from safety management to morale. The days are long and full, and the trip is physically and mentally demanding. You will receive ongoing verbal feedback while hiking, at a nightly debrief, in a personal development plan at the end of the trip, and in a close relationship with other Sierra Club leaders in the years ahead.

The goal is to build your skills and leadership, and to ensure ongoing support through mentors and other Sierra Club resources, so that you are confident and comfortable to lead Sierra Club trips to help others Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet.

After Home School and Field Trip

What the trainers will do: Upon successful completion of this training, the trainers will submit a "Training Trip and Trainee Summary" (based on everyone’s Leadership Development Plans) to each of the 18 subcommittee chairs who manage the 350 outings each year. Specific subcommittee staffing decisions are made by the subcommittee chair, not the Home School Mentors or Field Trainers. This summary will include a description of the training, what your strengths and areas of growth are, what subcommittees you are interested in, and what leadership role the trainers feel you are ready for (e.g. trainee, assistant, provisional leader, or needing more technical or leadership experience).

What you will do: You will receive a written Leadership Development Plan during your development plan meeting. This will highlight what you do well, what you need to work on, which subcommittees you might fit best in, and what roles these might be (based on your interests). About one month after the training trip, you should contact the subcommittee chairs (allowing them time to receive and digest the Training Trip Summary) to express your interest in leading and determining your next step. Your placements will be based on your specific skill set, training trip performance and your time availability. We will also do our best to take into consideration your desired geographic location and/or activity type.

Getting There

The trip begins at the Tucson International Airport in Tucson, Arizona at 12 noon on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 and concludes at 12 noon on Sunday, May 6, 2018 back at the Tucson Airport. A class roster will be shared to encourage room sharing before and after the trip, if desired.

Transportation will be provided between the airport and the field training location.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Since we will be backpacking, the accommodations are those you load into your backpack. There are no amenities once we leave the Tucson area. Food is a critical part of any Sierra Club trip, and one of the great things about this training is you get to practice providing food to a group of backpackers. Trainees design, purchase, pack, and prepare all meals for the days they are Leaders of the Day. Your mentors and field trainers will provide guidance for this seemingly daunting task. All food costs on the trip are included in the training cost. Upon completion of the training, trainees will submit for reimbursement for the food they provided in the same way that leaders do on actual trips. The first meal of the trip will be dinner on May 1 and the last meal will be lunch on May 6.

Trip Difficulty

The route has been designed to represent hiking typical for the desert southwest, though with somewhat shorter daily mileages to allow for training time. We will cover approximately 22 miles. Elevation change may be as much as 2,000 feet in a day. Hiking varies from arduous and steep to easy and flat. All backpacking trips are physically demanding and this trip is no exception. The weather in early May should have highs near 80 and lows around 45 (degrees F). Rain is rare but not impossible. Weather can vary greatly from year to year so come prepared for warmer temperatures by day, cooler temperatures at night, and possible periods of rain.

Equipment and Clothing

The trainers will bring all the group equipment: pots, stove, cooking utensils, water treatment. Water will be purified with Micropur chlorine tablets or boiling. Everyone will need to bring enough water containers to carry six quarts of water as we will be dry camping one or two nights so we simulate this common practice on desert backpacking trips. A detailed equipment list will be provided to all candidates several months in advance of the trip.

References

• Brusca, Richard C. and Wendy Moore, A Natural History of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona with an Introduction to the Madrean Sky Islands, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press, 2013. Although this book’s focus is the Catalinas, the Galiuros are just across the San Pedro River and most of what the authors describe applies to the Galiuros, too.
• Phillips, Steven J., and Patricia Wentworth Comus, Natural History of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press, 1999.  One of the best books describing the natural wonder of the Sonoran Desert.
• Power, Tom, Shoot-Out at Dawn: An Arizona Tragedy, Phoenix Press, 1969. Available used, this is the story of the shoot-out at the Powers Mine, as told by the brother who survived and spent 42 years in an Arizonan prison.
• Wilbur-Cruce, Eva Antonia, A Beautiful, Cruel Country, University of Arizona Press, 1987. Set near Arivaca about 100 miles SW of the Galiuros, this autobiographical account provides a moving portrait of ranch life in our country’s last frontier, Arizona.

Conservation

As the Southwest is enduring over 10 years of drought, the Federal Government announced that Arizona (and other western states) will receive 10% less water from the Colorado River because the water levels in lakes Powell and Mead are at historic lows. Water is a major, if not the major, issue in Arizona and the West. The other issue is energy, despite an abundance of sunshine; Arizona still receives much of its power from coal-fired plants instead of renewables. Arizona does have a major nuclear plant, which is controversial as well, but Arizona should be leading the nation in conversion to solar energy. These and other conservation topics will be considered on our trip.