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New Leader Training

There are two different training tracks for new CMC trip leaders:

1. GROUP Sponsored Trip Leader Training: This is the traditional way most CMC leaders are trained. Each CMC group offers training led by seasoned CMC trip leaders.
See your group's newsletter or contact the Safety and Leadership Committee for more information.

    KEY COMPONENTS:

    • Usually training is offered 1-2 times per year. Although groups vary, 8 hours is typical.
      Training is specific to your group and includes general CMC information.
      You network with and get to know people in your own group.

     

    OR

2. NEW! Web-based Trip Leader Training and Mountain Leadership Skills Course: This combination of convenient web-based training and hands-on outdoor training is course designed for leaders through-out all CMC groups.

KEY COMPONENTS:

  • Two-part training focuses your time. Part I, the web-based training is available year-round, wherever you have internet access. You will learn about polices and procedures at your convenience.
  • It is suggested to take several weeks to finish the course, dedicating approximately 1 hour per week. While, the Web-Based course is available at all times, twice a year there will be a five-week session offered with a weekly time scheduled to log-in at the same time as a facilitator.
  • Part II, the Hands-on training is led by experts throughout the CMC and our collaborating organizations such as the American Mountain Guides, Association for Experiential Education, Professional Ski Instructors Association, Center for Colorado Avalanche Information, and more. This training is approximately 8 hours and is held at locations throughout Colorado's mountains.

NOTE: The web-based training is always available. If you are a continuing leader, feel free to refresh your memory and review CMC policies and procedures related to trips. In addition, regional group Trip Leader Training courses are welcome to use these materials.

 

Web-Based Course
Syllabus and Objectives

ON-LINE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Assignments

 

Assessment Tool
(web links are included)

Week 1


 

1.1 Explore Trip Leadership website
.
1.2 Become familiar with the purpose and format of the  Wiki leader

1.3 Briefly share your outdoor experience and why you want to be a trip leader on blog.

1.2 Comment on wiki

1.3 Introduce self on blog.

 

 

Week 2

 

2.1 Read Trip Leader Manual chapters 1-3.

2.2 Write out a sample trip plan and a participant profile.

2.3 Practice communicating requirements for the trip with potential participants

2.1 On-line Quiz

2.2 Blog:
Written submission

2.3 Role-play session on phone

Week 3

 

3.1 Read Trip Leader Manual chapters 4-5.

3.2 Read and analyze Scenarios 1-2

3.1 Blog submission: reflect on trip experience where different decision-making and facilitation strategies were used.

3.2 Blog submission scenario analysis

Week 4

 

4.1 Read Trip Leader Manual chapters 6-7.

4.2 Download emergency call service information to keep in your pack.

4.3 Read and analyze Scenarios 3-4

4.1 On-line quiz

4.2 Blog submission scenario analysis

Week 5

 

5.1 Review Read Trip Leader Manual chapters 1-2.
5.2 Download desired checklists for use.

5.3 Submit course completion form to the CMC office.

5.1 and 5.2 On-line Quiz 5.3 Blog submission

 

 

Objectives for the course, Week by Week
CMC Trip Leaders will be able to:

1.1 Navigate the training website, download Trip Leader Manual, if desired. 

1.2 Obtain username and password for Wiki leader and Blog.

1.3 Describe reasons for becoming a trip leader.

1.4 Be able to describe the five main roles of a CMC trip leader: Decision-Maker, Risk Manager, Group Facilitator, CMC Ambassador, Administrator.2.1 Locate and utilize important trip planning information, including: CMC trip classifications, route selection, environmental considerations (weather, Leave No Trace, etc.), and emergency preparedness.

2.2 Develop a participant profile for a specific trip including experience/skill qualifications and needed equipment. 

2.3 Be able to screen qualifications of trip participants prior to the trip and at the trail head.

2.4 Be able to locate and use: Checklists for trip planning, meeting place, and trailhead.

 

3.1 Discuss decision-making and communication strategies that may be effective in different types of trip situations.

 

4.1 Describe basic emergency response steps, including who to contact during and after an emergency.
4.2 Locate, complete, and submit relevant forms: Liability Waiver, Accident/Incident Report, and Trip Report.

 

5.1 Explain CMC’s three main program areas (conservation, education, and recreation) to trip participants, including why CMC is a nonprofit charitable organization.

5.2 Describe three benefits for being a CMC trip leader, including four types of liability protection for CMC Leaders.

5.3 Articulate current CMC trip policies and be able to locate policies on the website to check for future revisions.