Certification FAQ
About
ADK’s status as a leader in responsible outdoor education and recreation relies on the maintenance of shared values, standards, and practices across the organization. The new Outing and Trip Leader’s Guide achieves this by establishing common protocols for outings that create a safe and enjoyable experience for participants.
The Outings and Trip Leader’s Guide is the result of robust year-long process led by the Advisory Council’s Outings and Meetings Committee. This included review by ADK staff and final approval by the Board. The implementation of this guide takes place from June 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024. Over time, this document will be revised to align ADK protocols with best practices in the fields of outdoor recreation and education.
Timeline
A grace period for existing trip and outing leaders starts on June 1, 2023. If leaders wish to continue leading level one, two, and/or three trips, then they have until the following dates to complete and submit the required certifications, which are outlined in the guide:
- Level One: By December 31, 2023
- Level Two: By December 31, 2024
- Level Three: By December 31, 2024
Resources
The following resources have been developed for chapter outing and trip leaders to ensure consistent understanding of and compliance with the new guide and its requirements. For any questions, please contact your chapter’s Advisory Council representative.