Earlier this spring, 2023, the ADK board of directors voted unanimously to adopt an Outing and Leader’s Guide that establishes organization-wide protocols that will create safer and more enjoyable experiences for our participants. This is the result of a robust year-long process led by the Advisory Council’s Outings and Meetings Committee.
To lead outings in the future, leaders will have to take specific courses and certification programs. The requirements vary depending on the level of the outing. Required leader training is offered at no cost by the ADK or will be reimbursed through the Chapter (contact Chapter Outings Chair for approval in advance of taking the course). A grace period starts on June 1, 2023 which gives leaders the following time periods to acquire these certifications:
Level One: By December 31, 2023
Level Two: By December 31, 2024
Level Three: By December 31, 2024
To learn more about this change, visit the ADK resource page at ADK.org/outing-guide-resources.
Onondaga Chapter Support:
For technical assistance with online training and online submittal of certification courses please contact: Jamie Condon,
For other questions on the new leader requirements, please contact Lisa Druke,
Level 1
Sexual Harassment: (annual)
(Onondaga Chapter Recommended) Cornell Cooperative Ext (15 min)
Level 2
Outdoor Leadership 101: (one-time)
Map and Compass: (one-time)
Note: Onondaga’s Jeff Sargent course accepted as equivalent
Basic First Aid: (period of certification varies by provider)
Level 3
Leave No Trace Trainer: (one-time)
Wilderness First Aid: (period of certification varies by provider)
• ADK Education will offer 2 in fall 2023; 5 in 2024
Link to ADK certification submission: Trip and Outing Leader Certification Submission
(have your certificates ready to upload (drag and drop) in format type pdf, jpg, or png)
Leader Ratings System: click here
Leader certification requirements: click here