by Dan Fuller
I have been on more Group outings than I can count, and I have been leading Group outings for over 15 years. I thought I knew quite a lot about outings. But after attending the the recent Outdoor Activities Training Program (OATP) workshop held recently, I realized how much I didn’t know.
The OATP is a traveling outings roadshow put on by the national Sierra Club Outings Committee, led by Steven Schewach and an intrepid band of trainers. The Thomas Hart Benton and Kanza Groups hosted the latest session March 1-3 at Camp Shawnee near Parkville. Thirty-six outings leaders from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois attended. Some of us had been leading outings for some time, while others were relatively new to the game. Even the late-winter snowstorm and bitter cold did not prevent us from having a thoroughly enjoyable and educational weekend.
Workshop sessions were held on emergency response, insurance, conservation, the One Club program, interpersonal skills, group management, and Club structure. I was wondering how the training staff could make these relevant to veterans and newcomes alike, but they pulled it off. Kudos to them. Our hope is that those who attended will now be ready to take this information back to their Groups and Chapters.
There are many people to thank who worked hard to make this session so memorable. Special thanks must be given to our crack kitchen staff, led by Liz Huffman and ably assisted by Lynda Loomis. They did not get to join in on the fun of the sessions, but worked their tails off to provide us with superb meals. I had never seen the cooks get a standing ovation before. Thanks also to Scott Hoober, the event co-ordinator, who secured the site, recruited many of the volunteers, and was our communications hub with national, and to Steve Hassler, who did a great job with publicity and advertising. We would also like to thank the folks at Camp Shawnee who opened their doors to us, kept us warm, and plowed the roads. And thanks to all the participants as well.
We are still hoping to schedule additional first-aid training in the Kansas City area, probably this summer. Stay tuned for further information.