Dare to lead! Register by April 1 for Chapter's leadership training on April 15

Someone's got to lead hikers up to the peaks, why not you? The Leadership Training Seminar puts you in front as an official Sierra Club Angeles Chapter leader. Credit: Jane Simpson

Becoming a Sierra Club outings leader starts with curiosity and a love of the outdoors. What better way to step up and lead than by taking advantage of the training opportunities that the Angeles Chapter's Leadership Training Committee provides each year?

As home to one of the largest outings programs on the planet, the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter's many groups, sections and committees sponsor thousands of trips ranging from beach barbecues to mountaineering expeditions. You can take the first step toward becoming a leader by attending a class offered on Saturday, April 15, at Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena.

Applications and checks are due April 1 for the leadership session.

The seminar covers all the basics of leadership. Experienced leaders will tell you how to plan a trip, prevent problems on the trail and make sure that everyone – including you – has a great time. They’ll also explain good conservation and safety practices. And they’ll give you tips for getting your “O” rating quickly and then, if you choose, pursuing more advanced ratings. If you want advice and guidance on becoming a leader, contact Steve Botan at ltpseminarregistrar@gmail.com.

The all-day class costs $25. The application is online at angeles.sierraclub.org/ltc_beome_a_leader. At this same site, you can pore over more of LTC's upcoming offerings, which are also on the Schedule of Activities page.

Mail the application and the course fee -- either by PayPal or check payable to Sierra Club -- to Steve Botan, LTC Registrar, 18816 Thornwood Circle, Huntington Beach 92646.  You also can reach Steve by email (tpseminarregistrar@gmail.com) or by phone (714) 321-1296.

Scholarships are available for those with financial need. Apply to LTC Chair Anne Marie Richardson AMLeadership@gmail.com

Jane Simpson is a leader, former Outings Management Chair and recipient of the 2016 Chester Versteeg Award, the Chapter's top outings tribute.