I – Pre-event
A lot of our hikes are over well travelled trails and often we will do the same trail once or twice a year. If tides are of concern, please ensure you check the tide schedule for the dates on which you are planning the hike.
Important elements for a hike are hike length in kilometers, difficulty of hike, clothing requirements, and if a water crossing is required. Water crossings will require water shoes. We expect all hikers to bring their own lunch and ample water/fluids to suffice themselves. If the weather will be hotter, advise hikers to bring extra fluids.
If the trail is new to you or our club, it may require you to do a pre-hike visit to determine if any obstacles exist on the trail, if there are any dangerous sections, if there is ample parking, and, generally, gather details about the trail or local are that may be of interest to new and experienced hikers.
As much as all hikers should have their first aid supplied, it is advisable for hike leaders to have basic first aid kits and the skills to address basic first aid. In the summer, when weather is hot, it may be advisable to carry electrolyte powder in your day pack. Our club does have two way radios for use on longer hikes. Please ask the Events Director for the radios if you wish to borrow them. Basic safety tools like, whistle, knife, emergency blanket, compass/GPS should always be in your pack. Small portions of energy food is also advisable to carry.
II Arrival at Event
Arrive at the posted primary meeting location at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. New hikers may have contacted you prior. Be sure to welcome them and introduce them to other experienced hikers. If an secondary meeting location is required, be sure to arrive there in proper time. If you, the leader, plan to meet the group at the secondary location, please ensure you have assigned another hiker to meet the hikers at the primary.
Welcome all Participants. Ensure everyone completes and signs the waiver form, including emergency contact information.
Take time to describe the trail and location, noting trail etiquette (littering, damage to property, etc..), where and what time lunch will be, and answer any questions that are asked. Validate the participants have the proper clothing, footwear, ability, and food and water.
All MOE hikes/events start with the circle. The leader will describe the hike, the location, and the details above. Describe the process of everyone saying their name and then to count out their number.
If you haven’t, ensure you have a designated sweep and mid-sweep, if required. Advise participants to advise either you, the leader, or the sweep if they need to leave the event, need to stop, etc.
III – During Event
Ensure that you stop regularly for breaks and ensure all participants are comfortable and hydrated. Be aware of any safety issues or any danger that may be upcoming.
IV – Post Event
It is important that the leader remain at the end of the event for all participants to arrive. In longer hikes/walks, there may be some time before the last group of participants arrive to the end.