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Outdoor Leadership Training Workshops

Washington Trails Association’s Outdoor Leadership Training workshops are intended for teachers and organizations that work with youth and families who have had limited access to outdoor experiences.

Do you dream about taking your youth group or students on an outing?

Make it happen! WTA will help you plan it, lend your group outdoor gear and provide trip funding. Get started by signing up for one of the Outdoor Leadership Training workshops below.

> Learn more about the program

Outdoor Leadership Training Workshops focus on:

  • Thoughtful trip planning, area selection and preparedness
  • Appropriate gear
  • Critical group and risk management practices
  • Memorable outdoor games and activities
  • Leave No Trace™ outdoor ethics
  • Simple food and nutrition planning
  • Engaging information on natural and cultural history
  • Promoting leadership, stewardship and conservation

    January 2026


    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, January 28
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    February 2026


    Snowshoe workshop

    A 6-hour entry-level course focused on leading a successful outing with a group of youth or families (workshop fee $50, scholarships available)

    Saturday, February 21
    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Lake Easton State Park

    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, February 25
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    March 2026


    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, March 25
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    April 2026


    Hiking workshop

    A 6- hour entry level course focused on leading a successful outing with a group of youth or families (workshop fee $50, scholarships available)

    Saturday, April 18
    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Point Defiance Park

    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, April 22
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    May 2026


    Camping workshop

    A 7- hour entry level course focused on leading a successful outing with a group of youth or families (workshop fee $50, scholarships available)

    Saturday, May 9
    9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Dash Point State Park 

    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, May 27
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    June 2026


    Camping workshop

    A 7- hour entry level course focused on leading a successful outing with a group of youth or families (workshop fee $50, scholarships available)

    Saturday, June 6
    9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Dash Point State Park 

    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, June 24
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    July 2026


    Backpacking workshop

    A 3 day entry level course focused on leading a successful outing with a group of youth or families (workshop fee $200, scholarships available)

    Friday, July 17- Sunday July 19
    TBD

    August 2026


    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, August 26
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    September 2026


    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, September 23
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar

    October 2026


    Hiking workshop

    A 6- hour entry level course focused on leading a successful outing with a group of youth or families (workshop fee $50, scholarships available)

    Saturday, October 17
    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Tolt- MacDonald Park 

    Gear Orientation

    A 1-hour Zoom webinar focused on core gear library policies and procedures. (Free).

    Wednesday, October 28
    2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Online Webinar