OLT  Workshop | FAQ

• Will I be a Sierra Club Outing leader once I complete this workshop?
• What are the requirements for becoming a Sierra Club Outing Leader?
• Will I be a "certified" Sierra Club Outing Leader?
• How long does it take to become a Sierra Club Outing Leader?
• Does the Sierra Club pay for any of my training?
• Can I bring my kids to the OATP Workshop?
• What if I can only attend part of the OATP workshop?
• Can I bring my dog to an OATP workshop?
• What is the alcohol policy at an OATP workshop?
  

Will I be a Sierra Club Outing leader once I complete this workshop?
No. Becoming a Sierra Club leader is more than just participating in a weekend workshop. It is the first step, among several, that will help a prospective or emerging leader learn about the Club and acquire core knowledge pertaining to outdoor leadership. Depending on which program you want to lead for, the type of activity you will lead, and your previous experience, are all factors that will determine the next steps. Contact your local outings chair to learn more about what it takes to lead in your area.

What are the requirements for becoming a Sierra Club Outing Leader?

All Sierra Club Outings leaders must meet the following requirements for level I and Level II outings. Level I outings are those outings, commonly referred to as 'day hikes,' 'day trips,' and 'car camps,' which do not include an overnight stay away from cars. Level II outings are those outings that include an overnight stay away from cars. You will need to contact your outings- or subcommittee chair to learn additional requirements your group may have.

Requirements to lead Level I outings:

1. Be a Sierra Club member.
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Have First Aid certification equivalent to or higher than American Red Cross Basic.
4. Complete the Outings Leader Training - Basic ("OLT 101") or comparable training from local outings Entity. (This OLT workshop fulfills OLT 101 and OLT 201 requirements).
5. Have outing participant skills appropriate for the activities of the trip towards the advanced end of the scale.
6. Provisionally Lead at least one outing and receive a positive evaluation by the Mentor Leader.
7. Receive approval to lead outings from the Outing Chair or delegated authority of the Entity sponsoring the outing.

Additional requirements to lead Level II Outings:

1. Successfully complete the Outings Leader Training 201 (OLT 201) Workshop or comparable training from local outings Entity. (This workshop fulfills the OLT 201 requirement).
2. Provisionally Lead at least one outing that includes an overnight stay away from cars and receive a positive evaluation by the Mentor Leader.

The term Provisionally Lead means to lead the trip (be listed as leader in the trip write-up, screen participants, and in all other respects from the participants' point of view be the leader) with a fully qualified leader (the Mentor Leader) to observe, evaluate, mentor as necessary or useful, and, if the provisional leader proves not to be able to carry out the duties of leading the trip, take over the trip. The outing chairs determine when someone is qualified to Provisionally Lead.

Will I be a "certified" Sierra Club Outing Leader?
Your local outings- or subcommittee chair is the person responsible to "certify" you for either Level I or Level II outings in your respective program. You may  lead for different programs, but you will need to contact the responsible outings- or subcommittee chair to learn about any additional requirements or steps.

How long does it take to become a Sierra Club Outing Leader?
That depends on your motivation level in addition to the program for which you want to lead. Certainly, becoming a day-hike leader in an urban environment does not take as long or as much training as it does for a cross-country backpacking leader who wants to lead 10-day trips to remote, high-elevation mountain ranges. National Outings is fairly seasonal (summer is the busiest time), and developing leaders may take 2-3 seasons to get a trip of their own. Conversely, a day-hike leader may be able to progress within a 6-month period.

Does the Sierra Club pay for any of my training?
It depends. Usually, most training opportunities are free or offered at a nominal charge to cover operational costs. Certain first aid training can become expensive and may be covered or partially subsidized, depending on the program with which you become affiliated. Not all programs share the same coffer, so you will need to inquire specifically.

Can I bring my kids to the OATP workshop? 
Unfortunately children are not able to join parents who are attending the workshop.   We understand that coming to the workshop is a major time commitment, especially if you have a family.  But the structure of the weekend is such that parents will not be able to spend adequate time with their children.  Additionally, there is a liability issue with children on-site who are not supervised.  We hope you understand. 

What if I can only attend part of the OATP workshop?
Attendance to the workshop for the entire duration is requested.  Due to the progressive structure of the weekend, being present for everything is necessary.  If you only attend part of the workshop, you will not receive the Certificate of Completion (for both the OLT 101 and OLT 201 requirements.)

Can I bring my dog to the OATP workshop?
Typically most of the facilities do not allow dogs on their property. If you wish to inquire further, please use the link at the bottom of this page.

What is the alcohol policy at an OATP workshop?
There is no OATP policy in regards to alcohol at training events.  However, many of the facilities we rent have a no-alcohol policy due to their affiliation such as Girl/Boy Scouts Camps, YMCA's, education centers, etc, so check the specific training event brochure to learn more.