The Eastern Missouri Group (EMG) is hosting a workshop for anyone considering becoming an Outings Leader. The 4-1/2 hour training is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter office in Maplewood, 2818 Sutton Blvd. You will learn how to confidently plan and run an outing in a safe and professional manner. In addition, presenters will share information about Sierra Club’s purpose, values, vision and goals.
All Sierra Club members at least 18 years of age are eligible to be outings leaders. In addition to attending the Outings Leaders Workshop (OLW), candidates must complete basic First Aid and CPR and provisionally lead an outing under the mentorship of a current leader.
Leading enables you to be the decision-maker regarding where to go and what to do. You could venture out to Mina Sauk Falls on a rugged section of the Ozark Trail passing the high point in Missouri atop Taum Sauk Mountain. Or check out the hiking and mountain biking trail around Council Bluff Lake and finish with a jump in the lake or a leisurely paddle; and then head to the rustic campground for an overnight that could include star gazing and campfire tales. Or you might attempt the Current River Challenge, a moderate hike between Round Spring and Current River State Park, via Echo Bluff State Park, followed by a paddle on the Current River back down to Round Spring. The activities and the destinations you could plan are endless.
Your outings could be historical, educational or cultural in nature. You could head out to Jefferson City, Hermann, Hannibal or St. Genevieve. You could tour the St. Louis Arch Museum, the Missouri Mining Museum, the National Museum of Transportation, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site or one of our award-winning wineries, notable commercial caves, crystal clear springs or historic mills. We are fortunate to have such an amazing diversity of options practically at our doorsteps. As a leader, you would have the privilege of sharing whatever it is that you cherish.
Becoming a certified leader gives you the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and to share your passion for the Sierra Club motto: “Explore. Enjoy. Protect.” As a leader, you are encouraged to share a bit about what makes your outing’s locale and the surrounding environment special, so participants will also be eager to embrace this motto. Your respect and awe of our heritage will speak volumes and will encourage your participants to likewise embrace these values. In fact, your example may inspire them to take part in future service projects designed to preserve our parks, waterways and historic sites. They may even feel moved to advocate for the preservation of these treasures on the political front. Your influence can be tremendous.
Leading also brings a certain satisfaction from working with like-minded individuals who wish to give back by sharing their time, their enthusiasm and their expertise - often leading to life-long friendships. A practical benefit of leading for Sierra Club is being able to take advantage of the club’s general liability insurance as long as your outings and activities comply with “all applicable Sierra Club policies and insurance requirements”. These, too, will be covered in the workshop.
All attendees MUST BE MASKED AND FULLY VACCINATED. Upon arrival you will be required to show either your Covid vaccination card or a picture of your card on your phone. A light breakfast will be provided; please bring your own lunch. Any questions or concerns may be addressed to George Behrens, EMG Outings Committee Co-chair, at 314-984-9244 or by email at georgebehrens53@sbcglobal.net. Register through George as soon as possible since participation will be limited due to Covid protocols. Deadline is Wednesday, March 2, 2022. I encourage you to seriously consider becoming a Sierra Club Outings Leader. Take the first step by attending the upcoming Outings Leaders Workshop.