For more than a decade, Washington Trails Association’s Outdoor Leadership Training program continues to empowers educators and youth program facilitators with the skills and resources they need to lead welcoming and fun outdoor experiences with youth and their communities.
Our co-instructor training program allows participants to advance their outdoor leadership skills by directly co-facilitating OLT workshops to support our growing OLT community partners.
What do Outdoor Leadership Training Co-instructors do?
- Co-facilitate engaging experiential workshops in hiking, camping, snowshoeing and backpacking
- Support WTA's passion of building relationships with community leaders
Who are Outdoor Leadership Training co-instructors?
Outdoor Leadership Training co-instructors are current or new leaders looking to share and expand their outdoor facilitation knowledge by co-leading OLT workshops.
For the 2026 program year, we are looking for 5 individuals for our first year of the co-instructor program. We hope to continue to grow our group of co-instructors as each year of the program progresses.
These are leaders who:
- Want to support OLT community partners
- Align with Outdoor Leadership Training program goals
- Have completed an OLT workshop or are willing to complete one before the program start date
- Are passionate for outdoor facilitation and learning
Outdoor Leadership Training workshop.
What are the benefits of participating in the co-instructor program?
We're proud to offer professional development and skill-building opportunities to those who want to dedicate their time as a co-instructor and create inclusive learning spaces for our community partners.
- A stipend up to $560 for completing the training sessions and workshop facilitation
- Discounted WFA certification
- Discounted outdoor gear (access to pro-deals)
- Annual Discover Pass (Washington State Lands)
What can the role and learning environment look like as an OLT Co-instructor?
- Leadership skills training through hands-on learning
- Building community with OLT community partners
- Empowering others to teach and learn outdoor skills
- Inclusive and welcoming learning environment
Outdoor Leadership Training workshop.
What are the requirements to be a co-instructor?
- Completed an OLT workshop or are willing to complete an OLT workshop prior to program start date
- Have experience with or are currently supporting an outdoor group
- First aid and CPR minimum requirement (Wilderness First Aid preferred)
- Willing to obtain Wilderness First Aid certification before facilitating an OLT workshop*
- Ability to carry 25 pounds backpack and hike 3-5 miles
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Must be at least 18 years of age and maintain a valid driver’s license
*WTA may be able to offer a Wilderness First Aid training to candidates
Outdoor Leadership Training workshop.
Are you interested in the program?
We understand your time is valuable and would love to have you part of the team. If this is a program for you, review the following commitment to be a co-instructor.
Initial Commitment:
- Attend all trainings (three total with one training being an overnight)
- Sign up for at least two OLT workshops to facilitate per year over a 2 year commitment
- If you do not fit the minimum First aid and CPR requirement, you must be willing to obtain a WFA certification before facilitating an OLT workshop
Need more details? Download more detailed information.
Share with your community: Download our media kit to help spread the word about this program.
What can I do to prepare for the OLT co-instructor program application process?
- Attend the June 11 information session to learn more about the time commitment, the team who you would be working with and the power of the program to create outdoor experiences.
- Check to see if you have completed an Outdoor Leadership Training workshop or if you need to complete one. Sign up for an OLT workshop.
- Have a willingness to learn new skills, build upon communication with community partners, and work alongside seasoned leaders.
- Read more in-depth about the position and requirements.
Who can I speak to more in depth about the program, role or with other questions?
Reach out to WTA's community partnership and leadership development senior coordinator, MJ Mahan at mmahan@wta.org.
Washington Trails
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