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Frequently Asked Questions

The Outdoor Leadership Training program offers gear lending, money for transportation and other trip costs, and training workshops for adult trip leaders. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.


>> Return to the Outdoor Leadership Training main page

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Program Overview

Why is Washington Trails Association committed to working with educators and youth program facilitators?

Washington Trails Association partners with educators and youth program facilitators to connect young people to the outdoors, fostering positive youth development. Through member and donor support, WTA offers the Outdoor Leadership Training program, providing training, gear and funding to inspire future explorers, stewards and champions of tomorrow.

Who is the program designed for?

The Outdoor Leadership Training program is designed for adults who work, volunteer or facilitate youth-focused programs. Our workshops and resources are intended to support educators and youth program facilitators who want to or already do, lead snowshoeing, hiking, camping and backpacking trips for youth aged 10 to 18 years.

WTA focuses on recruitment, resources and outreach to communities that have historically faced barriers to outdoor exploration. The priority audience is organizations serving youth who attend schools where 40 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and/or schools that have a student body with at least 40 percent of students of color.

If I want to volunteer to help, how can I get involved?

If you are interested in volunteering your time to support the Outdoor Leadership Training program, please contact us.

>> Return to the Outdoor Leadership Training main page

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Workshops

What takes place during a workshop?

Through our experiential learning approach, everyone has an opportunity to practice leading a group on trail and practice using gear. Workshops begin with introductions and trip-planning discussions before splitting into two groups. One group leads a morning hike, and the other takes over in the afternoon. Along the way, facilitators guide activities on leadership, trail etiquette, risk management and more, while sharing games and activities for engaging youth outdoors. This hands-on, discussion-based approach encourages participants to lead, learn and apply skills to future trips.

Should more than one person from an organization attend?

Yes! If you plan to co-lead outdoor youth trips with other adults from your school or organization, we encourage as many co-leaders to attend as possible. If you are interested in training more than 5 people from your program, check out our Custom Workshops to have specialized training for your group.

What if I don't currently work with youth?

If you're an emerging professional, or looking to get more involved with leading outdoor trips, the workshop should be a great professional development opportunity. And then when you do find yourself working with a youth group and want to get them outside, you'll have access to the Gear Library and Funding Assistance.

Do I need to have outdoor experience to attend a training workshop?

No! You do not need any outdoor experience to be involved in this program. Workshops are designed to provide an intro to outdoor activities and provide valuable information for experienced outdoor trip leaders.

What is OLT workshop fee philosophy?

WTA focuses on recruitment, resources and outreach to communities that have historically faced barriers to outdoor exploration. The priority audience is organizations serving youth who attend schools where 40 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and/or schools that have a student body with at least 40 percent of students of color.

  • Fees:
    • 1-day workshop fee: $50
    • Multi-day workshop fee: $200
    • Group rate: $45/per person

Scholarships are available to organizations that meet our priority audience criteria.

>>Check out the scholarship application form to apply for a scholarship

Why is there a fee for training workshops?

These fees help Washington Trails Association cover some costs of workshop supplies and resources such as a portion of our instructors, supplies, resources and transportation. Grants and donations from WTA members provide the rest of the funding needed for each workshop.

How do I apply for a Workshop Scholarship?

Scholarships are available and if approved, a $13 placement fee for hiking, camping and snowshoeing workshops and a $60 placement fee for backpacking workshops are still required to confirm participation. 

Scholarships are available for organizations that meet our priority audience criteria and are awarded based on need and the applicant's ability to use workshop skills to facilitate an outdoor experience for youth. Scholarships are available for each workshop. Washington Trails Association will review applications and award recipients based on their described interests and financial need. Special consideration will be given to applicants currently working or volunteering with youth in a school or community-based organization with plans to lead an outdoor trip.

>>Check out the scholarship application form to apply for a scholarship

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel your workshop registration 14 days or more before the workshop date, WTA will refund you 70% of the workshop registration fee. If you cancel your workshop registration less than 14 days before the workshop date, WTA will not refund your registration. If you are unable to attend the workshop you registered for, we can also reschedule your workshop registration to another workshop date in the same calendar year. 

WTA is committed to a safe and healthy environment. If you experience symptoms of illness, including COVID, we encourage you to stay home while symptoms persist. If you need to cancel your workshop due to illness, contact us at swilliams@wta.org. 

What gear do I need?

We run our workshop rain, snow or shine. Everyone is encouraged to bring the following gear to their workshop. Be prepared to dress for anticipated weather and bring layers to help regulate your body temperature. Some workshops like snowshoeing and backpacking may ask you to bring additional gear:

  • Close-toe shoes or hiking boots
  • Long pants 
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants
  • A warm hat & gloves
  • A warm jacket (ex: fleece)
  • A day pack
  • A bagged lunch & snacks
  • At least 2 liters of water

For snowshoe workshops, all participants will be provided snowshoes and trekking poles from WTA’s gear library. Waterproof boots, gaiters, winter gloves, warm hats, rainwear, and warm layers are recommended. 

For backpacking workshops, all participants will be provided with tents, cooking equipment, food, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks. A list of personal items will be provided to participants via email. If you prefer to use your personal gear, connect with your instructors.

If you would like to borrow any of these items for your workshop email Sarah Williams at swilliams@wta.org

Where and When are the Workshops held?

One-day workshops take place in public parks on select Saturdays throughout the year. We aim to select workshops locations that have bathrooms, drinking water, adequate parking and picnic shelter available with 2 to 2.5 miles of easy hiking trails. Some workshop locations may not meet all of these criteria or will require a parking permit. People registered for a specific workshop will receive an email about these details and how to obtain a parking permit.

For backpacking workshops, we will spend multiple nights in a backcountry and will have less access to amenities like flush toilets, running water and picnic shelters. People registered for a backpacking workshop will receive an email about backcountry camping details and will participate in a 2.5-hour zoom orientation before the workshop. 

>> Check out the workshops page to learn more about specific locations for upcoming workshops. 

What about the weather?

We hold workshops rain, snow or shine. WTA staff will send reminders of exactly what to bring so that you're comfortable during the workshop. We will be hiking and moving, but we also stop frequently for discussions, so we recommend bringing warm layers, winter gloves and a hat. However, if dangerous conditions exist, such as poor air quality or high avalanche risk, we will either cancel or shorten the workshop

Can I carpool to a workshop?

WTA does not organize carpooling to the workshop, but we encourage it. We'll ask you your preference about carpooling when you register, then we'll share the contact information of interested participants.

What is WTA’s policy on firearms and weapons?

Workshop participants are not allowed to bring firearms or weapons to a workshop (regardless of whether they are licensed to carry a concealed weapon.)

>> Sign up for a Workshop

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Custom Workshops

WHAT ARE CUSTOM WORKSHOPS?

Custom workshops are an opportunity for 6 to 15 staff and/or volunteers with your organization to learn together in community with each other. Custom workshops are a collaboration with WTA to design a workshop that centers your organization’s mission and programmatic goals for outside programming. WTA offers custom workshops for hiking, camping and snowshoeing.

We can hold a custom workshop at a location your organization intends to visit for your program or WTA staff can suggest locations that meet your custom workshop goals. A minimum lead time of 3 months is required to plan a custom workshop. Depending on your intended custom workshop location, WTA may need additional lead time. 

>>Contact us to schedule a contract workshop for your program staff

WHAT TAKES PLACE DURING A Custom WORKSHOP?

Custom Workshops are a collaborative opportunity between WTA and your organization. We can customize our public workshop curriculum to align with your organization’s programmatic goals. Typically our custom workshops operate similarly to our public workshops. 

Through our experiential learning approach, everyone has an opportunity to practice leading a group on trail and practice using gear. Workshops begin with introductions and trip-planning discussions before splitting into two groups. One group leads a morning hike and the other group takes over in the afternoon. Along the way, facilitators guide activities on leadership, trail etiquette, risk management, and more, while sharing games and activities for engaging youth outdoors. This hands-on, discussion-based approach encourages participants to lead, learn and apply skills to future trips.

What is OLT custom workshop fee philosophy?

WTA focuses on recruitment, resources and outreach to communities that have historically faced barriers to outdoor exploration. The priority audience is organizations serving youth who attend schools where 40 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and/or schools that have a student body with at least 40 percent of students of color.

  • Fees:
    • Deposit (Non-Refundable): $100
    • Custom Workshop Fee: $588

If this fee is a hardship, WTA staff will collaborate with your organization to find an alternative payment plan. Reduced fees are available for programs that serve the OLT program’s priority audience on a case-by-case basis.

WHEN ARE CUSTOM WORKSHOPS HELD?

Custom workshops are held year-round. Workshops are 6 hours long and usually are held between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. We can adjust the start/end time or shorten your workshop, but we cannot extend the length of your workshop.

We offer workshops Tuesday through Friday during the week. We also have select Saturdays available to host custom workshops. Available Saturdays for custom workshops in 2025 are:

  • March 22, 2025
  • September 13, 2025

IF I WANT TO SCHEDULE A CUSTOM WORKSHOP, WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?

Connect with a WTA staff through our custom workshop interest form. We are excited to start collaborating with you. Once you have completed the interest form a WTA staff member will connect with you to schedule an intake meeting. Please note that we need at least 3 months to plan and prepare a custom workshop. During the intake meeting, we will discuss in more detail our workshop curriculum and make sure our curriculum meets your program goals. We will review and sign a custom workshop agreement.

After your intake meeting, you will pay the $100 non-refundable deposit before we continue with custom workshop planning. Two months before your custom workshop, you will have a curriculum meeting with WTA staff to finalize all workshop logistics and will be issued the final workshop invoice. This invoice will be due 2 weeks before your custom workshop.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE SUPPLIED BY WTA? WHAT SHOULD OUR ORGANIZATION BRING?

WTA will provide all the gear and curriculum materials required for your custom workshop topic. Your staff and volunteers participating in the workshop will have full access to our gear library to outfit themselves for the workshop. Frequently borrowed items for workshops include rain gear, warm layers or hiking boots. Additionally, WTA will provide printed curriculum resources for participants to take home.

We ask that your organization provide any required parking permits for the workshop locations. Most custom workshops take place in Washington State Parks which require a $10 per day parking pass or a discovery pass.

DOES WTA PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO A WORKSHOP?

WTA does not organize carpooling for the workshop but if your organization doesn’t have a vehicle we encourage participants to carpool.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

We hold workshops rain or shine. WTA staff will send reminders of what to bring so that you're comfortable during the workshop. However, if dangerous conditions exist, we will cancel or shorten the workshop. Examples of weather-related cancellations include avalanche risk, unhealthy air quality, lightning, landslides and strong winds.

WHAT WOULD CAUSE WTA TO CANCEL A CUSTOM WORKSHOP?

WTA reserves the right to cancel a custom workshop date due to low registration. A minimum of 6 people are required to facilitate a workshop. If the minimum number of people registered is not met you will be refunded as outlined below:

Two weeks before your scheduled workshop date:

  • If there are fewer than 6 people registered for your custom workshop 2 weeks before the workshop date, WTA will cancel the workshop and refund 100% of the custom workshop fee. WTA will also retain the non-refundable deposit of $100.
  • Money Refunded  $588

48 hours before your scheduled workshop date:

  • If registration changes and there are fewer than 6 people registered for your custom workshop within 48 hours of the workshop date, WTA will cancel the workshop and refund 50% of the custom workshop fee. WTA will also retain the non-refundable deposit of $100.
  • Money Refunded $294

Less than 48 hours before your scheduled workshop date:

  • If registration changes and there are fewer than 6 people registered for your custom workshop less than 48 hours before your workshop date, WTA will cancel the workshop and will retain the entire custom workshop fee. WTA will also retain the non-refundable deposit of $100.

OTHER CANCELLATIONS:

  • If the organization fails to submit the $100 non-refundable deposit before the curriculum meeting, without communication, the workshop will be canceled. 
  • If the organization fails to submit the workshop fee by the deadline without any communication, the workshop will be automatically canceled.
  • Safety is WTA’s #1 priority. If there is a weather-related cancellation, the partner will receive a full refund. Examples of weather-related cancellations include dangerous avalanche risk, high wind gusts, landslides and lightning.

>>Contact us to schedule a custom workshop for your group!

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Gear Library

Where are the gear libraries?

WTA has two gear lending library locations:

Seattle: 

  • 847 Hiawatha Place S, Seattle WA 98144 
  • Seattle Gear Library coordinator: Sarah Williams

Puyallup:

  • 14422 Meridian Ave. E, Puyallup, WA 98375
  • Puyallup Gear Library coordinator: MJ Mahan 

Who can use the Gear Library?

The Gear Lending Library is for education and youth programs who want to borrow outdoor gear for hiking and camping trips with school-aged youth and have attended a workshop and a gear library orientation.

Do I have to attend a workshop?

Yes! Trip leaders who wish to borrow gear must first attend an Outdoor Leadership Training workshop and a gear library orientation. Gear library orientations are held on select Wednesdays online from 2 pm to 3 pm. After attending the orientation, you can borrow gear for your group from any of our gear libraries. You can attend an orientation before or after your workshop.

>> Upcoming workshops and gear library orientations

Can my youth group borrow gear for trail work?

The Gear Library is also available to support groups who wish to volunteer on a WTA-led trail work party but don't have access to appropriate clothes and sturdy footwear. In these cases, the workshop requirement may be waived, but the trip leader will still be required to attend a Gear Library Orientation.

How do I request to borrow gear?

Trip leaders who wish to borrow gear must first attend a gear library orientation, which covers the gear request process including borrowing logistics and program policies. We use a web-based platform, myTurn. Through myTurn you’re able to view our digital catalog and manage your gear requests. Register for myTurn and learn more through our step-by-step guide.

What if I can’t make the agreed upon gear check out or return time?

If you can't make the scheduled pick-up or drop-off time, or if you have any other questions or issues, please contact your respective gear library coordinator. 

Seattle Gear Library Coordinator: Sarah Williams

Puyallup Gear Library Coordinator: MJ Mahan 

What if I lose gear or find that I don't have all the gear at the time of drop off?

If items borrowed from a Gear Library are lost or damaged due to negligence, the borrower or their organization is responsible for reimbursing WTA. If borrowed items are missing, borrowers will have two weeks to locate and return those items. Examples of damage due to negligence include but are not limited to, burned paneling on tents from being pitched too close to a fire or gear being misused causing irreparable damage. 

Reimbursements will be estimated by the current market value of the gear as shown in the table below. We recognize that our gear is being utilized throughout the year. Depending on how long an item has been in our inventory and how much it has been used, the condition of our gear is rated on a scale from “like new” to “used.” We charge a discounted rate (50% to 75% of the current market value) to estimate our reimbursement cost. Additionally, we also factor in tax and shipping fees into these rates. A borrower or organization may opt to directly replace an item with a similar item if approved by WTA staff.

All invoices will be charged a 10% processing fee which will be used to cover the cost of processing invoices. A $10 reimbursement fee will be charged if the estimated value of the gear is less than $10. 

A $150 cleaning fee will be charged if the gear is returned in poor condition and requires additional cleaning by WTA staff. This includes but is not limited to, tents being returned wet or clothing being returned unwashed.

What if my company is interested in supporting the program with a cash donation or gear donation?

If you or your company are interested in supporting outdoor youth trips through the gear libraries, please contact Erin McQuin at emcquin@wta.org

Can I donate my personal gently used gear?

Most of the gear in the libraries consists of new and uniform items procured through the support of manufacturers. WTA does accept individual used items in good condition that are 5 years old or newer on a case-by-case basis, depending on the need and the condition of the item(s) in question. For now, a great way to support the gear libraries is through financial donations which help us purchase more gear. If you're interested in making a donation, please contact us.

>> Learn more about the Gear Lending Library

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Funding Assistance

WHO CAN APPLY FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE?

WTA funding assistance is available for workshop graduates and their program or school who want to lead an outing for youth and families or seek to build their staff’s outdoor leadership skills. Workshop graduates who support the OLT program's priority audience can apply, but should carefully review the application criteria to ensure that their submission matches the intentions of the funding assistance.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE?

Applying for funding is easy. From the funding assistance page, follow the link to the application form and provide your contact info and some information about your outing or proposal. Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis and should be submitted at least one month before the trip or training.

WHAT'S REQUIRED OF A FUNDING RECIPIENT?

The reporting requirements after receiving funding is minimal. We ask that within two weeks of the trip, the leader should fill out a youth outing report and submit a one-page narrative about the successes, challenges and lessons learned from the trip. We also love photos! This information is critical to help WTA track the impact of the OLT program and supports our efforts to continue to offer funding assistance.

>> Apply for Funding Assistance