AMC Maine Chapter
Trip Guidelines
Must have co-lead 3 trips with an approved AMC leader and completed 1 "mentor" hike. A mentor hike is a hike where the candidate for leader status takes on the role of "leader" and is overseen by an approved AMC leader. The leader is on the trip as an observer. The idea is to allow the candidate for leader status to coordinate all aspects of the trip including planning the trip, screening participants, acquiring permits etc. Role plays may be included at the discretion of the observer.
It is strongly recommended that a leader have, as a minimum, basic first aid with preference for wilderness first aid. It is also strongly encouraged that a leader participate in a leader training session.
The Outings Committee of the Maine Chapter of the AMC will approve co-leaders to become Leaders. The Outings Committee reserves the right to refuse leader status to anyone who does not complete the above guidelines to acceptable levels and may require additional practical experience. The Outings Committee may also waive any or all requirements based on an individual’s experience and / or training.
A co-leader can be defined as anyone over the age of 18, wishing to lead trips for the AMC. The co-leader should have skills and experience to allow them to play a supporting role and to compliment the skills and abilities of the leader of a trip.
Trip participants need to be aware that when they participate in an AMC activity they are part of a group that is working to achieve a common goal, such as hiking to the top of a mountain and back. In order for this to work everyone in the group must work together as a group. Both positive and negative behavior and actions affect the entire group.
Trip participants are responsible for themselves. The leaders are there to assist and guide the group. Each participant must take full responsibility for their own preparedness physically, materially and mentally. Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Each participant must also be aware that if one member of the group is unable to continue on a hike, or makes others uncomfortable, the safety and enjoyment of the entire group is compromised.
It is the responsibility of each trip participant to disclose to the leader any information that may affect the group dynamic. Trip participants should also make the leader aware of any special skills or knowledge that could be of use. Knowledge of first aid, flora, fauna, geology, etc. can make a trip more enjoyable for the group.