Connecting people to the outdoors is what we love to do! There are many ways that you can volunteer. Whether you want to engage your community on passing policies to break down barriers to outdoor access, join others in exploring wild lands farther away from home, or support your local Sierra Club outdoors group in connecting partner organizations, marginalized youth, veterans, and civilian adults to nature closer to home, the Sierra Club  welcomes you! Read on to find out about the various volunteer opportunities and how to apply.

Calendar of Volunteer Trainings

Want to lead outdoor trips?

Minimum Requirements for Sierra Club outdoor trip leaders:

• Sierra Club membership and be at least 18 years old
• Complete a basic (or more advanced) first-aid class
• Complete the Sierra Club Outing Leader Training 101 (offered locally or online: Read the Learner's Guide and Take the OLT 101 Quiz)
• If you are interested in leading overnight outings away from cars, take OLT 201 (offered locally).
• Possess skills appropriate for the activities of the trip
• Complete additional training as required by your Outings chair
• Be an assistant leader on a trip
• Receive approval to lead outings from the Outing chair or delegated authority of the entity sponsoring the outing 

Next Steps:

• Contact your local group/chapter outings group.
• If you are a veteran or want to lead trips for the Military/Veteran community, please also contact your local group/chapter outings group or Military Outdoors campaign staff.
  
  

Leading Youth Groups

Special considerations are needed for activities including minors (under 18). Youth unaccompanied by their parents and participating in Sierra Club activities demand special attention to particular state and federal laws, waivers and parental consent forms, transportation, child-abuse training, and background checks for leaders. The Sierra Club maintains particular protocols for managing youth that affect planning, leadership, and treatment of minors throughout the Club for the enhanced safety of all.

You can lead youth-oriented outings through a local Inspiring Connections Outdoors group or through your local outings group.

 Additional requirements to lead trips specifically for groups of youth:

• Sign the Youth-Oriented Volunteer Application, Code of Ethics, and Volunteer Agreement.
• Complete the Sierra Club Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention Training annually. A CARP Curriculum, Self Assessment, and Answer Key are available for self-learning if a training isn't available.
• Pass a criminal background check every four years
• If driving youth participants, leaders must pass a motor vehicles check every four years

Next Steps:

• Contact your local ICO Group.
  
  

Leading Domestic or International Trips through Sierra Club Outings

Additional requirements to lead domestic and international  outings (these are the outings you see in Sierra magazine, which take about 9-12 months to organize):

• Go on a Sierra Club outing and get a recommendation from an existing leader (highly recommended, but not required)
• Complete a wilderness first-aid and CPR class (or higher)
• Be an assistant leader on a Sierra Club outing
• Provisionally lead a Sierra Club outing under the guidance of an experienced mentor leader and be certified to lead by your Outings chair

Next Steps:

• Learn more and apply now!

Other ways to get involved with outings

Participate in a trip. Whether you’re looking for a way to connect to nature, an opportunity to meet people, a chance to influence elected officials, learn about local issues or get some exercise, Sierra Club outings has something for you. Join us on a trip!

Participants will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to signing up online or attending the outing, please see the

• Sign In Waiver

In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make voluntary carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

Share your passion for the outdoors on or off trail. All of our groups are volunteer-administered and can use your help. The Sierra Club has outings chapters and groups across the country. Your can find opportunities such as the following waiting for you:

• Skills trainer
• Volunteer coordinator
• Photographer
• Webmaster
• Treasurer
• Chairperson