Level 1 - Trail Leader Training

May 17–18
Introductory to Trail Leader Training
Location: Elk Springs Road, Noel, MO

Join us for the first-ever event at the River Ranch Resort primitive camping area and driving course—a site custom-designed by Ozark 4×4 and MyQuest Adventures.

This course is not intended to be an all-inclusive or exhaustive guide to overlanding and trail leadership. Instead, it is designed to introduce key topics, spark awareness, and encourage participants to explore further and deepen their knowledge in the areas that resonate most with their personal experience and goals. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from realizing what you didn’t even know you were missing. This training embraces that philosophy—highlighting blind spots, challenging assumptions, and opening the door to ongoing self-education and continuous improvement.

Find out more about River Ranch Resort here.
Find out more about their Kayak rental here.

What's Included:

1-Day Training Includes:

• 2 Nights Primitive Camping

• Saturday Training (Day 1)

• 1 Kayak - 5 Mile (Sunday 9AM, self guided)

2-Day Training Includes:

• 2 Nights Primitive Camping

• Saturday & Sunday Training

• 1 Kayak - 5 OR 8 Mile (Friday 9AM, self guided)
  
  Additional camper 13+ $20.00, Under 13 $5.00 (Pay Onsite)
  Additional Boater $42.50

Day 1: Vehicle Preservation & Trail Management

Morning Session (4 hours)

Welcome & Introduction (30 minutes)

• Course overview and objectives

• Icebreakers and introductions

The Basics of Trail Leadership (1 hour)

• Key responsibilities of a trail leader

• Understanding the environmental impact of overlanding

• Ethical trail use, Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles

Vehicle Preservation (2 hours)

• Understanding vehicle types and capabilities

• Maintenance for longevity: pre-trip inspections, tire pressure, fluids, etc.

• Best practices for driving on various terrain

• Dealing with common vehicle problems on the trail

Lunch Break (1 hour)

Afternoon Session (4 hours)

Trail Management (1 hour)

• Identifying and preventing trail damage

• Sustainable trail construction and maintenance practices

• Managing groups and maintaining the trail’s integrity

Practical Exercise: Vehicle & Trail Preservation (2+ hours)

• Hands-on demonstrations: vehicle checks, recovery gear, and trail strategies

• Group problem-solving scenarios

Day 2: People Preservation & Vehicle Recovery

Morning Session (4 hours)

Recap of Day 1 (30 minutes)

• Review of key concepts

• Open discussion and Q&A

People Preservation: Leadership, Safety & Adult Education (2 hours)

• Managing group dynamics and safety

• Psychology of trail groups

• Communication, conflict resolution, and inclusivity

• Adult learning principles: engaging, empowering, and inspiring learners

Lunch Break (1 hour)

Afternoon Session (4 hours)

Hands-On Recovery Training (2 hours)

• Winching, jacking, towing

• Group recovery exercises in real-time scenarios

Teaching and Leading On the Trail (3 hours)

• Leading by example with safety and skills

• Real-time trail engagement

• Teaching off-road recovery, etiquette, and environmental care

Wrap-Up & Course Conclusion (1 hour)

• Summary of key takeaways

• Final group discussion

• Certification or acknowledgment of completion

• Next steps for applying skills in the field