HELPFUL HINTS FOR TRIP LEADERS
Biggest Hint: Talk to everyone, and then talk to everyone some more!
- Know where you are going. Consider scouting the trip and checking on parking.
- Get phone numbers from those who call: needed if plans change.
- Screen participants for preparedness: fitness, skills and equipment. Focus on recent experience.
- Clarify extent of event. Eliminate surprises.
- Dog owners must be prepared to leash pets. Owners responsible for behavior and waste.
- Bring map and/or guidebook. Consider making copies for participants.
- Consider carrying extra supplies for group: water, food, clothing.
- Bring outing report form, 'Join the GMC' cards and extra copies of Trail Talk.
- Check current weather forecast.
- Adjust trip plan to fit weather and conditions. As leader, your judgment prevails.
- Introduce yourself and participants.
- Give detailed trip briefing: travel to starting point, the outing itself and end of outing.
- Screen for preparedness. Focus on essentials and recent experience.
- Have everyone sign trip report form.
- Encourage car pooling. Describe route and planned stops.
- Ask drivers to keep following car visible. Drive within speed limit.
- Count participants and cars.
- Wait 5 minutes for latecomers. Otherwise keep to announced schedule.
- Give detailed trip briefing: wait at intersections, lunch spot, leave marker if off trail, etc.
- Clarify leader's 'marching orders': degree of group cohesiveness en route, and participants' responsibilities to one another.
- Practice "Leave No Trace".
- Stress importance of staying with group.
- Assign sweep, yourself or another. Assigned sweep may change during event.
- Allow time for all to get ready: essential gear, boots, toilet, etc. Don't rush participants.
- Count participants.
- Stick to your published plan.
- Watch for changing weather. Watch the time.
- Turn back (change the plan) if safety is an issue. Be prudent. Being clear is essential.
- Consider needs of weakest participants.
- Count and recount participants. Reassemble periodically. Retain sweep until all are out.
- Know where everyone is. Circulate within group.
- Make sure all are back. Count participants.
- Leader must ensure the safe return of slow participants. Retain more than one car.
- Thank people for coming. Talk up future outings.
- Hand out newsletters and 'Join the GMC' cards.
- Ensure everyone's safe departure. Caravan if needed.
- Submit outing report, with optional narrative (on-line or hard copy).
For more details, check the index to your complimentary copy of
A Trip Leader's Handbook: Advice for Successful GMC Outings (1997).
© 2011 Montpelier Section of The Green Mountain Club, Inc.
Top Mon 14 Mar 2011
