Cheryl Talbert
My own Mountaineers leadership story started with a search for trail companions. I was seeking a compatible group on the types of hikes and backpacks that interested me. Then, one day, I took a new arrival from China on his first hike, and I saw the joy and wonder blossom on his face when Mount Rainier emerged in all her glory behind a ridge covered with meadow wildflowers. That was it, I was hooked.
You enjoy many rewards as an activity leader with The Mountaineers - from setting your own trip dates, location and difficulty, to the joy of teaching and watching others start a lifetime of loving the outdoors, to giving back to a great organization, to developing one's own personal leadership skills. A great way to start creating these experiences is as a hike or backpack leader!
If you're an experienced hiker or backpacker who has good basic competency in recognizing and handling mountain hazards, dealing with basic emergency and first aid situations, navigating on complex trail systems, and an affinity for planning, communication and safety-focused outdoor adventure with a group, our evening seminar can help you take that last step to become a certified Mountaineers hike or backpack leader.
The seminar will include:
- Overview of basic Mountaineers standards
- Protocols and guidance to lead a safe and enjoyable hike or backpack
- Considerable time in small-group discussion with long-time leaders about common safety and people leadership challenges encountered on hikes and backpacks.
We conclude with instructions for how to choose the right committee and set up your first trip with an experienced mentor - the final step to becoming approved as a leader (some branches may have additional training requirements).
Hike or backpack leading is a great way to start your leadership journey, whether your final interest is to lead simple local hikes or multi-day climbing expeditions. This seminar meets the seminar requirements for new leader certification for any branch.
Register here for upcoming seminars
Questions?
Contact Cheryl Talbert, Foothills Hike and Backpack Chair, at cascadehiker@earthlink.net or Stacey Lissit, Seattle Hike Committee Leadership Chair, shlissit@yahoo.com. You can also submit an online application to get the process started.
