• How does one find out about the scheduled outings?
   
• What types of outings do you have?
   
• Who can go on an outing?
   
• Is there a charge?
   
• How does one sign up for an outing?
   
• Can I bring a friend along?
   
• Do you have family outings?
   
• Can I bring my dog along?
   
• How can I lead trips for the Club?
   
• I have more questions -- who can I talk to?
   

How does one find out about the scheduled outings?

The Outings List webpage is the best way to keep abreast of upcoming outings. Call the Georgia Chapter Outings Hotline: 404-607-7819 for a recording of our outings schedule.  The hardcopy version of the Georgia Sierran (our Chapter newsletter) and/or your local Sierra group newsletter contains a partial outings list. You may also subscribe to a free e-mail mailing list, GA-OUTINGS, that periodically broadcasts information about upcoming outings.

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What types of outings do you have?

• Dayhikes: These are one-day outings (i.e. no overnight stay); typically on trails in neighboring state parks, recreational areas and national forests.
• Backpacking: These are overnight trips to primitive camping areas. Participants carry their own gear in backpacks and hike in varying distances.
• Base Camp: Participants drive to campgrounds with facilities and camp at designated campsites. 
• Service trips: On these trips, participants work on a service project; e.g. trail maintenance.
• Others: Caving, canoe trips and bike rides are also organized.

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Who can go on an outing?

Is there a charge?

There is no mandatory charge for participation. However, outings leaders may solicit a nominal donation (typically $2.00 - $5.00 per person) for the Club. Donations are voluntary. Funds thus collected are used to further the Club's outings programs and to provide safety training to our outings leaders. Sometimes fund-raising outings are organized and advertised as such.

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How does one sign up for an outing?

Contact the outings leader as listed in the outings list. The leader will explain the nature of the outing to you, and ask you a few questions to ensure that the outing is within the range of your personal capabilities.  This is done for your safety as well as that of your fellow participants.  Typically all outings have a participation limit to minimize the impact on the environment. Therefore, calling early is recommended. And remember, if you choose not to go on a trip you have signed up for, please call the outings leader and let them know. This will allow them to include someone from a waiting list, if there is one.   If you respond via email, remember to include your complete name and phone number where you may be reached.

In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/ or call 415-977-5630.

In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make 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 the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

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Can I bring a friend along?

Of course, your friends are welcome to join you on an outings, space permitting.   However, for safety reasons your leader may need to individually contact all participants in order to ensure that the outing is within the range of their personal capabilities. Participants are registered for a trip on a first-come first-served basis.

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Do you have family outings?

Our outings are led by trained, certified leaders who volunteer their time to organize these events.  The nature of the outing is entirely (within Club policy and guidelines) up to the leader organizing the event.  If you wish to bring children on an outing, unless otherwise mentioned on the trip listing, you should always check with the leader.

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Can I bring my dog along?

Generally speaking, pets are incompatible with wildlife in wilderness areas. Certain in-town hikes may be more appropriate for pets. You should check with the leader on whether it is appropriate to bring along pets. Remember, there may be other trip participants who are uncomfortable hiking with pets. The Club does not have a specific policy in this regard.

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How can I lead trips for the Club?

We welcome our members to volunteer their time to obtain Outings Leadership training, and then lead outings on behalf of the Club.  The requirements are as follows:

(1) You must be a Club member in good standing
(2) You must have participated in at least one Club outing
(3) You must have a current First Aid and CPR certification
(4) You must have undergone the Georgia Chapter Outings Leadership training (taught periodically across the state)  and lastly,
(5) you must have served as an assistant leader on Club outing.

I have more questions -- who can I talk to?

If you need more information, please contact a trip leader.

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