WALK/HIKE LEADERS' CHECKLIST
AMC Local Walks/Hikes Committee

A. PREPARATION

1) Only AMC members may lead AMC trips - so, for legal reasons, be sure that your AMC dues are currently paid.

2) Trip Notices (AMC Outdoors magazine, the MUD, etc.) should be written as concisely as possible. Include length, terrain, level of difficulty, special equipment needed and clear directions to the meeting place (or specify how to obtain such information). Notices are to be sent to the Trip Coordinator by the deadline indicated and in the format requested. Most Outdoors Magazine listings have a 40 word limit (60 words for Instruction/Skills listings, 20 word limit for listings with registration required). Web listings can contain up to 450 words.

3) Select, if necessary, an AMC member as co-leader, back-up, assistant or trainee.

4) Knowledge of the "general area" to be walked/hiked is a must. Ideally, go over route in advance to prepare timetable, check changes, trouble spots, escape routes, and lunch and separation spots.

5) Any knowledge of First Aid is a plus. It's important to realize that, in a first aid situation, knowing what not to do can be as important as knowing what to do. Some very useful items in a First Aid kit could include: moleskin, Ace bandage, Band-Aids, gauze pads and tape, scissors, emergency blanket, etc. Other useful items are a working cell phone, extra whistles (for the sweeps), matches, toilet paper, safety pins, duct tape for repairs, flashlight, extra energy rations, insect repellent, suntan lotion, and, perhaps, extra water for a hot day. Pen and paper for emergency notes and coins for a telephone call may come in handy.

6) And, consider a snack, ice cream, or supper stop after a walk or hike.

B. CANCELLATION AND CHANGE PROCEDURES

1) If unable to lead a trip, attempt to draft another AMC leader as a substitute. Notify Coordinator and/or Committee Chair.

2) If late cancellation is necessary (or some major change), contact Coordinator and/or Committee Chair as early as possible. Send word to meeting place if possible, call registrants (if applicable).

3) When the official trip must be canceled but group wants to hike with an ad hoc leader, make it very clear that the AMC is no longer involved or responsible.

C. INTRODUCTION

1) Provide paper and pen, preferably resting on a clipboard, with which to have participants sign the waiver form, print their names and emergency contact information, and indicate whether an AMC member or not. [Parants or guardians must sign for any Minor.] When participants sign the waiver, they assume and accept full responsibility for any risks, but the Leader should nonetheless strive to be aware of the well-being of all participants and be ready to modify any plans accordingly.

2) Collect $1 from non-members. If necessary, explain that these fees go to defray Committee costs associated with trip scheduling. Other fees, e.g., town conservation fees, could also be collected at this time.

3) Make a tentative evaluation of ability and gear of participants. Be prepared to make a difficult choice between excluding those unqualified or modifying your plans.

4) Adjust plans to weather and group size.

5) Transportation:

a. Spot cars as early as possible in order to start hike promptly.

b. In a car convoy, explain to each driver the route and destination. Provide a map, if possible. Ask that the driver stop (safely) if he cannot see the car behind him.

c. When car pooling, suggest that riders pay the driver 5¢ per mile.

6) Gather group together at all times when making announcements so that all can hear.

7) Let people introduce themselves!

8) Invite anyone with a potential medical problem to confide in you.

9) Outline general plan, route, schedule. If appropriate, show maps.

10) Remind group to "Carry In & Carry Out" all litter.

11) Make it clear that no one is to leave, go ahead, stay behind or explore without your permission. In front of witnesses, tell anyone who persists or wishes to leave the group that he or she is on their own.

12) Request each hiker to keep in sight the hiker behind him or her, especially when a fork or intersection is reached, and to slow or stop those ahead if the hiker cannot see him or her.

13) If a Sweep is thought necessary, ask a responsible hiker to bring up the rear.

14) Encourage hikers, at any time, to get involved with AMC activities, especially with our Committee, perhaps as Coordinators, Co-leaders, Leaders, or in some other capacity. It's great work and they will be appreciated!

15) Wait no more than 10-15 minutes for late arrivals.

16) Before the hike, count each member of the group, including yourself, and give that number to your Sweep.

D. MANAGEMENT

1) The Pace should be steady and moderate, unless advertised or stated otherwise. An old adage that a "hike is as fast as its slowest hiker" has a lot of merit. Placing slower hikers at the head of the line may help keep the group together.

2) Remember to schedule in the Comfort Stops (Separation Breaks), usually with men ahead.

3) Be particularly cautious when any fork or intersection (or any trouble spot) is reached, so that all hikers will know what to do or where to go.

4) An awareness of how the hike is going and how the hikers are doing is very important. At various times during a hike do a (silent) head count.

5) Call attention to hazards such as poison ivy, barbed wire or other hidden obstacles.

6) Realize that your enthusiasm as a leader for the hike itself, and toward the participants, is contagious!

7) Ensure that everyone gets back to his/her transportation after the hike.

8) Thank participants for coming and encourage them to check out other walks and hikes.

9) Evaluate the trip. Mail, as soon as possible, to the Committee Trip Recorder, the trip report and any fees collected. [Trip Report Form]

Written by James Loughlin, Chair, Local Walks & Hikes Committee, AMC Boston Chapter - February 21, 1998
Updated by Robert Winters, Chair (2011-2012), Local Walks & Hikes Committee, AMC Boston Chapter - Nov 2007, May 2012