Leader in Training (LIT) Trip Process for Mentor Leaders

Mentor Leaders use this to understand the LIT process for your mentee Trip Leader.

You as the mentor leader will mentor the student through writing the trip plan, considerations with the CMC website, and how to manage waitlists and vet participants if necessary. The student is responsible for writing up the info that will go on the CMC website; you will need to put it on the website as they won’t yet have access. The student is also responsible for writing up the pre-trip email and giving it to you to send out. 

The LIT trip must not be associated with a CMC class/school, it must be a trip open for anyone in the club to join (not exclusive-with the idea of the aspiring leader practicing managing different group dynamics), and the trip must have a minimum of four participants on the roster. 



Pre-Trip checklist:

  • The LIT should choose their own hike and get your approval 
  • The LIT will write up a trip plan using the LIT Trip Plan and send it to you. You can suggest any edits, and then you will add the trip to the website. You are the leader on the trip. Once the trip is complete and the leader gets their final approval as a trip leader, they can go in and add themselves as a co-leader
  • The LIT should write a draft of the pre-trip email to be sent. 
  • You as the official leader will be sending this email to participants. Make sure they are setting clear expectations on the pre-trip email about the trip.
  • Please work with the LIT along the way to give them any feedback and better explain the process. 
  • If it is a more challenging or technical trip, talk with the LIT about how to vet participants-having a passcode on the trip and requiring members talk to you before signing up. 
  • If there is a waitlist, please discuss with the LIT how to manage it.



Day of Trip:

At the meeting the place the LIT should:

  • Arrive to the meeting place early to greet participants (whether that is a carpool location or the trailhead)
  • Introduce self, take roll call of participants and note no-shows on trip roster
  • Check essential equipment, clothing and skills for trip
  • Provide directions for drivers to get to the trailhead
  • Discuss whether and where any coffee/bathroom stops would occur

At the trailhead the LIT should:

  • Perform introductions, take headcount and again check for essential clothing and equipment
  • Describe the planned route, policy on breaks (frequency, duration) and general pace 
  • Discuss any safety concerns and talked about rear leaders
  • Emphasize “Leave No Trace” principles
  • Ask trip participants to advise the LIT and/or Mentor Leader of any relevant medical concerns
  • Discuss any other important items for this trip (special sights, turnaround time, hazards, etc.)

During the trip, the LIT should:

  • Maintain an appropriate pace 
  • Take regular, appropriate stops for clothing adjustments, water and snacks, and bio breaks
  • Talk with rear leader to check on group pace and cohesiveness
  • Be attentive to participants, checking periodically on their status

 At the end of the trip, the LIT should:

  • Check that everyone has returned safely and that all cars start
  • Suggest a group stop on the way home (if appropriate)



Once the trip is complete, please share feedback with the student and fill out the LIT Evaluation. 

Thank you for helping mentor new CMC leaders!



Printable Version of these instructions CLICK HERE