CMC trip leaders plan and lead hundreds of trips each season for the Denver Group - none of these trips could take place without these dedicated volunteers. We need leaders for all categories of trips, from the easiest strolls to the toughest mountaineering expeditions. We especially need leaders for easier hikes and snowshoe trips, trips on holidays that might conclude with dinner, and Doggie Hikes open to well-behaved dogs. Being a trip leader is a rewarding experience. Leaders learn skills useful not only on CMC trips, but in many other situations as well. You don't have to be an athlete or a backcountry wizard to lead many of our trips. You do need good judgment, people skills, leadership training, wilderness first aid, and ability appropriate for a particular trip. The Denver Group has set certain requirements for all persons desiring to become trip leaders. They are:
Denver Group CMC membership current paid status. If you are a member of another CMC Group, you must first receive approval as a leader from your home Group.
Three CMC trips completed. This is a prerequisite for taking Trip Leader School. At least two must be hiking, backcountry ski, or snowshoe trips.
Safety & Leadership’s Trip Leader School successfully completed within 24 months of application.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) current status (recommend recertification every three years). Basic First Aid is not adequate to meet this requirement. CPR is advised but not required.
Leader in training trips. Successful leadership of at least two CMC trips as a Leader in Training with two different approved leaders unrelated to you and to two different locations. (Trips with "LIT" after the trip number indicate that the leader is receptive to mentoring a Leader in Training.) Field trips led as part of a school generally do not count as an LIT trip.
Hiker or Skier classification at the level you are requesting to lead
Avalanche Awareness School or equivalent (6-8 hours of lecture plus 1 field day). Successful completion within three years is required for leading winter trips in the backcountry.
If you are interested in leading trips to downhill ski areas only, the requirements are less stringent. Please contact the office for more information. Please note that the Technical Climbing Section has its own Trip Leader School and application.
The dates of Safety & Leadership Committee’s Trip Leader School each Spring and Fall are published in the Mile High Mountaineer and on this website under Programs and Upcoming Schools. The Leadership School features presentations on group dynamics, liability issues, how to plan, scout, and conduct trips, Leave No Trace ethics, dealing with emergencies, and health concerns. It features small group discussions of case studies. See Members/Leader Information at http://www.cmc.org/members/members_leader.aspx for an application and additional forms.
If you have mountain hiking experience, we welcome your interest in the Trip Leader School and becoming a leader. For more information, call the CMC Office at 303-279-3080. |