Sierra Club | Kansas City | Backpacking | Hiking | Service

Welcome

Welcome to our Meetup site, where as volunteers we manage activity announcements and sign-ups.

Our Programs

We offer various outdoor programs, including beginner backpacking. This is typically held in spring and fall, supported by our modern equipment library and a separate outdoors navigation course. Additionally, we organize day hikes, service days, other activities, and backpacking trips.

Leadership Responsibility

Each Sierra Club outing posted on this Meetup is created and led by an individual Event Host (the Sierra Club–certified trip leader), who is solely responsible for planning, safety, decision‑making, and compliance with Sierra Club policies for their specific activity. Meetup role titles such as Organizer, Co‑Organizer, Assistant Organizer, or Event Host are administrative designations used only within the Meetup platform and do not represent official Sierra Club positions or authority. The Organizer does not supervise, vet, approve, or manage Sierra Club trip leaders, performs only basic Meetup site upkeep, and does not assume responsibility for leader decisions, outing content, or policy compliance. All questions or concerns about a particular outing should be directed to that outing’s Event Host.

Our Mission

Part of the National Sierra Club's "Local Outdoors" program, our outings focus on the Kansas City area community. We are a coalition of the Sierra Club's Thomas Hart Benton, Kanza & Wakarusa groups. We aim to be inclusive and welcome individuals from all backgrounds, with many members committed to conservation, equity, and social welfare advocacy.

If you're looking for advocacy opportunities - check out our Sierra Club | Kansas City | Advocacy | Environment Meetup Group.

Locations

Our activities take place in well-known locations like Missouri and Kansas, and sometimes farther afield. Historically, these areas had different names and inhabitants. Here are some resources to explore these historical contexts: mapping tool, trail references, and additional perspective.

Get Involved

Looking to connect with nature, meet new people, or get some exercise? Our local outings are here on Meetup; together with Sierra Club's domestic and international outings, we have something for everyone. Join us today! While membership is not required to participate, joining the Sierra Club for as little as $15 supports our programs.

Support and Contributions

We may ask for small donations to cover the costs of things like leader training and maintaining our gear lending library. Note, donations to the Sierra Club are not tax-deductible (we're a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code.) Our leaders are unpaid volunteers who generously give their time. Speaking of that, we're always interested in finding new leaders and assistant leaders.

Join our Volunteer Team!

🌟 Love the outdoors and adventure? We're looking for passionate volunteers to help guide unforgettable journeys! Start as an assistant leader (sweep) and grow into a leadership role—all while building valuable skills and lifelong connections.

Each trip leader is responsible for planning and running their own outings in accordance with Sierra Club policies. To lead safely and confidently, the applicable First Aid certification is required (you’ll take it on your own). And yes, there’s some paperwork—it’s simple, supports trip safety, and includes the participant agreement each participant signs. As a volunteer, you may wish to be aware of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, a federal statute designed to support individuals who serve nonprofits when they act within the scope of their volunteer duties. Sierra Club also maintains in‑house counsel and a structured risk management program.

Step up, make an impact, and help keep the adventure alive! Prove yourself as a leader, increasing the odds of being invited on personal trips to grander places. 🚶‍♂️🌲💪😉

Backpacking Trips

In addition to our beginner backpacking program, we have hosted beginner and advanced backpacking trips locally and regionally, with options for **national and international outings **to wilderness areas, national parks, and remote locations. These trips offer progression for those who complete the beginner program and provide team-building opportunities for leaders.

Activities and Leadership

Our volunteer leaders organize diverse activities based on their interests, including both backpacking but also day hikes, cycling, and camping. We also engage in conservation efforts like picking up trash, bird watching, and trail maintenance. And sometimes we take social trips with a community or historical connection. Our leaders are certified and trained in first aid, which sets us apart.

Participation Requirements

• RSVP: Please RSVP in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
• Minors: Minors can join some activities with a responsible adult. Please check the outing description to see if it allows minors. Please understand that there is additional work a leader has to complete to include minors.
• Pets: Generally, pets are prohibited unless specified; bona-fide service (versus emotional support) animals are generally permitted, but it also depends upon the venue's requirements and the activities involved. Leaders are not certified or trained in pet first aid or rescue.
• Standards: Leaders may establish the focus for their activity, and may require certain minimums, e.g. for: fitness, experience, and equipment.

Carpooling

Carpooling is encouraged among participants who use their own judgement on doing so. It is important to note that carpooling arrangements are strictly private and not covered by Sierra Club's insurance. As such, the club assumes no liability for any issues arising from carpooling or ride-sharing arrangements.

Participant Agreement

All Sierra Club outing participants must sign a standard participant agreement as part of the sign-in process. This agreement will be linked in individual Outing announcements so that you can easily review it beforehand and be ready to sign.

Medical Form

You must complete a medical form if you plan to go on a backcountry, overnight, or day trip more than an hour away from an emergency medical facility. The trip leader will review the form and respect your privacy--and Sierra Club will retain it for at least 6.5 years, possibly 10. In an emergency, the form will be available during the trip. Therefore, when required, the medical forms must be filled out and submitted upfront. If you feel unwell or show symptoms of illness or an impairing injury, please do not attend outings.

Feedback and Concerns

If you have any concerns during or after an outing, inform the outing leader immediately. For unwelcome messages on Meetup, follow Meetup’s guidance and contact us if needed.