Outings Participant Guidelines

Illinois Chapter and Group outings, are open to both members and non-members of the Sierra Club. Most of the fifteen groups throughout the state have their own newsletters that may list additional outings not included online.

Outing Leaders: Sierra Club Outings are run by qualified volunteer leaders, who set certain guidelines to ensure a trouble free, enjoyable trip. Please read the following points carefully:

> Group size: Leaders often limit the size of trips to ensure a quality experience for everyone. Outings are very popular and trips often fill fast. Call the leader well in advance — several days ahead for a one-day trip, two weeks plus for an overnight trip, several months ahead for a distance trip.

> Cancellations: If you must cancel, please contact the trip leader immediately!  There is probably a waiting list. Deposits, when required, are often not refundable. The best chance of getting even a partial refund is through early notice of cancellation.

> Trip restrictions: Most trips are open to beginners unless stated. Depending on the type of trip, there may be restrictions such as previous experience, physical condition and minimum age requirements. Minors must have parental and leader permission to participate.

> Trip Start Location: Trips begin and end at a designated rendezvous location.. The Club assumes no liability for transportation to the starting point. Car pool arrangements to the trailhead between individual participants are encouraged for cost sharing and conservation.

> Leave at home: Pets, audio equipment, firearms and illegal substances are not permitted on a Sierra Club outings. 
 
> Liability Waiver: The Sierra Club’s National Outings Program has a liability waiver policy. When you attend a Sierra Club Outing at any level local, Chapter or National you will be asked to read the Club’s new policy and then sign a group sign-in sheet. By doing so, you acknowledge that you have read the policy and agree to abide by it before the outing commences. If you would like to read the waiver prior to the trip, contact a local outings leader for a hard copy of the trip waiver or check the Sierra Club web site at sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms. A web page version of the liability waiver is available here. 

NOTE: Only outings listed in an official Sierra Club publication with date, leader’s name and destination of outing are official Sierra Club trips.