Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO)

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.

YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM *Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697

Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.

WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.

WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise ~50% of class.

TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.

Fee: $295 (Earlybird)

Join us on a go-at-you-own-pace circuit hike of about 27 paved miles on the Mount Vernon Trail and other Alexandria and Arlington trails, with a few minor undulations. There is a shorter, Metro-assisted option also available for those training for the ODH 50K. (Don't forget your Metro card if you choose to bail out on Metro version).

Meet by 8 am at the north parking lot at Belle Haven Park on the George Washington Pkwy south of Alexandria. Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the One Day Hike (ODH), 100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal, on May 3 (See the calendar for information about other training hikes and the ODH.) Each person must sign a liability waiver/agreement in order to participate. SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 donation to help support club expenses.

Bring: Snacks, bag lunch, water, hat, and footwear that can go the distance; possibly also blister-related first aid supplies.

Registration for the ODH occurred early February 2026. If you missed it, then join the discussion group by sending a blank email to onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io. If you would like to volunteer to help support the ODH, contact Mike Darzi (mike.darzi@gmail.com).

Leaders: Rob Anderson, robertanderson1@hotmail.com, 202-258-1010, Ellen Hill ellenwhill@gmail.com, 703-994-9493. We look forward to seeing you!

Come take a mindful and sensory meander along Big Hunting Creek in Catoctin Mt. Park, Thurmont, MD with the forest & water as our guides. This is a nature connection experience. Pace of this 3.74 mile round trip hike along the white & orange blazes toward the Lewis Property will be unhurried along dirt and rocky trails that move between the tree canopy and creek's edge. There are some small hills to navigate with no more than 500 ft elevation but still require aerobic capability. We will have time to be social while also experiencing social silence, gentle forest invitations and a short nature meditation by the creek.

Bring: water, snacks, bug repellant, sunblock, something to sit on, good walking footwear & appropriate clothing for the weather.

Fee: There is no fee for this hike, but SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support the costs of Sierra Club's many volunteer-led activities. Please bring cash or donate at www.sierraclub.org where you can also join our national club or state chapters.

Participants limited to 20.