Certification
Become a confident outdoor leader with ADK’s Outdoor Leadership (OLG) Certification program. Develop essential skills in trip planning, group leadership, backcountry safety, and risk management while gaining a clear understanding of ADK’s Outdoor Leadership Guide and certification requirements. Whether you’re leading outings for an ADK chapter or building your outdoor leadership experience, these resources will help you lead safe, enjoyable, and responsible adventures.
All ADK volunteer trip leaders must be at least 18 years old, a member in good standing, and have read the Outings Leader Guide. Additionally, Level 1 trip leaders are required to earn the following certifications:
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Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
This must be taken annually. If you complete sexual harassment prevention training through your job, you can submit that certificate to fulfill this requirement.
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Leave No Trace Awareness
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Trip Co-Leadership Proof (Level 1)
This is a notice from your chapter chair or outings chair confirming that you have co-led an outing with a certified trip leader or have led outings in the past.
In addition to all Level 1 requirements, Level 2 trip leaders are required to earn the following certifications:
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Map & Compass
View our Skills Workshops page for upcoming Map & Compass programs.
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Basic First Aid & CPR
A higher level of first aid training (e.g. Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder) fulfill this requirement.
View our Skills Workshops page for upcoming first aid programs.
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Outdoor Leadership
View our Skills Workshops page for upcoming Outdoor Leadership programs.
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Trip Co-Leadership Proof (Level 2)
This is a notice from your chapter chair or outings chair confirming that you have co-led two outings with a certified trip leader or have led outings in the past.
In addition to all Level 1 and Level 2 requirements, Level 3 trip leaders are required to earn the following certifications:
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Wilderness First Aid
View our Skills Workshops page for upcoming Wilderness First Aid programs.
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Leave No Trace (8+ Hours)
View our Skills Workshops page for upcoming Leave No Trace programs.
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Trip Co-Leadership Proof (Level 3)
This is a notice from your chapter chair or outings chair confirming that you have co-led a Level 3 outing with a certified trip leader or have led equivalent outings in the past.
