Hike Leader Orientation Roles and Responsibilities

Thank You for being a hike leader Without you, we are not a hiking club

CONTENTS Pre-Hike Responsibilities Leader Pack Essentials Responsibilities at the Parking Lot Hike Responsibilities Hike Courtesies Post Hike Duties Issues /Concerns Troubles on the trail Resources Radios Cell Phones Open discussion First Aid ( Separate Presentation)

The Parking Lot We always meet at the same location: Independence center We always Meet here

LEADER PACK ESSENTIALS First aid kit plus an ACE bandage, space blanket, & possibly a cold pack Communications (Whistle / Radio/ Cell Phone) w/spare batteries Extra water for those who may run out...2 half liter bottles is suggested Phone numbers of emergency help Knife Nutrition Whistle Compass, map or GPS w/spare batteries Reflective mirror Lamp or Flashlight Sunscreen Matches or other means of starting a fire

PRE-HIKE RESPONSIBILITIES Know the hike Check the weather  POST A NOTICE OF CHANGE ON WEBSITE Preview the hike before you schedule it Consider difficulty and options Consider turn around time Consider Bathroom stop

Responsibilities at the Parking Lot Introduce yourself to the group Provide an overview of the hike including the level of difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and terrain Ensure everyone has signed the hiking club sign-in sheet Have guests sign a waiver and ensure the member sponsor is responsible Check everyone for water, ability, proper equipment  If not prepared, respectfully deny hiker from participating Verify radios are working

Responsibilities at the Parking Lot New hikers? Introduce them, assess level Did they attend orientation? Waiver and $1 fee for guests You can reject hikers if they are not fit or outfitted properly for the hike

Responsibilities at the Parking Lot Announce $ for car pool ($5 Red Rock & Lake Mead, $10 Charleston) Arrange car pools (be sensitive to hiker levels in the same car) Provide driving directions Know the number of hikers and vehicles

HIKE RESPONSIBILITIES Verify radios are working Appoint one or more sweepers Take frequent rest and water breaks Check that everyone is drinking Look ahead to identify route Look back frequently to verify the return route Adjust pace to keep group together  Consider formally splitting a large group with fast and slow pace hikers by adding a leader in the middle Do frequent head counts Take timely breaks for nourishment Don’t allow hikers to rest too long Observe trail conditions for hazards

HIKE COURTESIES Commence all hikes at a slow speed Do not speed up to crest a ridge or summit Be pleasant but firm when giving instructions

POST-HIKE DUTIES Do a headcount to ensure everyone has returned Have everyone sign out Ensure all hikers have a ride back Be sure everyone is in good condition Call or Mary Easwaran with count of hikers Put sign in sheet in Club Mail Box or bring to Hike Leaders meeting

Issues/Concerns Safety is always highest priority No one should hike alone Discourage hikers from running ahead or taking different routes Consider formally splitting a group by fast and slow pace hikers by adding a leader and gaining confirmation of how many and who are going with the new leader. If a Hiker can not continue, have them escorted back or wait with communications If there is an obstacle that requires assistance or work around, provide wait/join up instructions, also assign someone to assist hikers so you can remain in lead

Issues/ Concerns We are good neighbors – Parking noise Environmentally conscious Don’t cut switch backs Careful not to damage ecosystem – Cryptographic soil Pack out everything

Responsibilities (when not the assigned leader) Support the directions and decisions of the assigned leader Volunteer to sweep Assist hikers at obstacles Volunteer to assist struggling hiker Assist in keeping group together Assist in discouraging hikers from running ahead or taking different routes

Lets assume you are leading a hike... And……………………Then…………….

The Unexpected Happens You determine you are lost, or are not confident of where you are You look back & no one is following Someone gets hurt or gets sick (or you) Your flock scatters Mutiny, some folks want to go another way Weather changes Out of water One or more Hikers are over exerted You are at the ¼ way point & someone wants to go back Its getting dark & you still have hours to return

TROUBLE: What is the 1 st thing you should do? IN ALL CASES exercise leadership 101 Do Not make a snap judgment Stop, think and assess the situation & your surroundings & options Take a water break, stop the group so you can think & maybe consult with capable others Maintain leadership or you will have 20 leaders, and your flock can scatter Decide how much you want to think aloud Plan next steps than act on them

On our web site Club forms, for hike leaders Hike Leader Guidelines (including this PP) Health Card Emergency forms Sign in sheets New member forms Waivers for guests Ability to post hike changes

Radios Push to talk, delay, then talk Test with your sweeper Channel 4 and Sub Channel 4

Cell Phones Before you call, know where you are Who are you going to call? Carry emergency numbers, leaders numbers Not all 911 dispatchers can tell your location as with land lines, although most GPS equipped cell phones can be located

Open Discussion Topics for information or further exploration