So far this year we have welcomed four new folks to become certified Sierra Club Outings Leaders. We are so excited to have them on our team — congratulations Marilyn, Eli, Lora, and Beverly!
All four of these new leaders went through the Sierra Club training, which culminates in a qualifying hike at a location of the leader’s choosing.
Marilyn chose Griffy Nature Preserve in Monroe County for her outing
“We welcomed nine children and fourteen adults ranging from toddlers to septuagenarians. As we headed out, I stopped and pointed out several discoveries, and others followed suit. We collected photos of turtles, trees, native plants and one another. A highlight for sure was time allowed to explore the creek bed. Exclamations rang out as children found crawdads, isopods, rocks and other treasures.” - Marilyn
Eli chose the Morgan-Monroe State Forest Tree Identification Trail for his outing
“We had four little ones leading the hike with me for the first half of the trail, and we were lucky enough to come across a Box Turtle that was using the trail as well. I always enjoy seeing the wonder and joy in kids when they come across animals. They all did so well by observing for a minute or two before saying goodbye to the turtle and continuing down the trail.” - Eli
Beverly chose Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park in Indianapolis for her outing
“I picked my location so it would be 'user-friendly' to those with mobility issues. I am hoping to do more hikes, especially with military veterans who have mobility issues to get them moving and also help them improve their mental health!” - Beverly
Congratulations to all of our new Outings Leaders on completing their certification!
Feeling the urge to get outside and connect with nature and our communities? Join the next Outings Leadership training cohort this winter.
Here is what our new leaders said about the training:
“I started the online modules three years ago and didn’t complete the course. Reviving the Uplands Network local group was a priority, and we had two people ready, willing and certified to lead the activities that we developed with partners in Bloomington. When the cohort became available, I joined for the extra support of learning together. Meeting once a week enhanced the lessons offered online and offered comradery in our shared experiences. Most of us were able to take the first aid CPR course as a group, which made it more enjoyable. If you love spending time outdoors with people, attaining certification as an Outings Leader allows you to share that passion. You can design each outing and take folks to your favorite places. Offering Sierra Club experiences is a perfect way to engage volunteers in sharing their ideas and concerns. Establishing annual outings like the Family Art and Nature Hike strengthens our connections within the community and advances our mission. Explore. Enjoy. Protect.” - Marilyn
“The training was fairly easy. A couple weeks had some tough questions that really made you think what you might do if the scenario happened on your outing. It was nice to meet each week and talk about what we pulled from the online training modules. These outings provide an opportunity for people to take that step they may have not taken without the leadership of someone like you to lead them into it. We need all different kinds of outing leaders, so we can have all different kinds of outings that meet the physical and mental needs of others. Some people may enjoy the 10 mile hike over rough terrain through the wilderness, some may want to take a hike to learn new plants and animals, and others may just want to walk to a great view and watch the sunset. This is why your idea of an outing is needed.” - Eli
“I found the Outings Training to be very insightful and Robyn was a wonderful teacher! I liked the work we had to do outside of class as well!” - Beverly
I look forward to seeing you on the trail!
Rebecca Dien-Johns
Chapter Digital Strategist